Challenging the “Desperation” Stigma in Hiring: Why Passion and Determination Should Never Be Dismissed

We didn’t give them the job — they seemed too desperate!”

Excuse me… WHAT? 🚨🤷🏼‍♀️

When did showing a desire to work and earn a living become a negative? This attitude towards job seekers reveals a problematic, outdated mindset in recruitment. Candidates who are determined to land a role are often painted as “desperate” and subsequently dismissed, based solely on the fact that they openly show eagerness to work. But, in reality, these individuals might have pressing reasons behind their intense drive to secure a job.

In this post, we’ll explore why the label of “desperation” carries a harmful stigma, why it’s essential to respect and understand candidates with genuine ambition, and how it’s time to transform hiring practices to see eagerness as a sign of resilience, not weakness. We’ll also consider some ways recruiters can redefine “desperation” into determination, helping to create a more compassionate, insightful hiring process.

1. Understanding the Misconception of “Desperation” in Job Seeking

When a recruiter or hiring manager perceives a candidate as “desperate,” they’re usually referencing a set of behaviors that…