The Rejection You Didn't See Coming
You extended the offer. They seemed excited. Great salary, strong benefits, clear growth path. A perfect match.
Then they declined.
What happened? The warning signs were in your last call. You just didn't see them.
The Risks That Predict Rejection
AI coaching doesn't just analyze what was said — it identifies what wasn't:
Risks & Gaps:
- Competing offer mentioned but not explored in detail
- Partner/spouse not discussed — may influence decision
- Start date flexibility not confirmed
- Candidate hesitation at [18:42] not addressed
Each of these is a prediction. A competing offer that's not fully understood can't be sold against. A partner who hasn't bought in can veto the decision. Hesitation that's not addressed becomes doubt that festers.
The Hesitation Moment
AI coaching timestamps moments of hesitation — pauses, deflections, changes in tone:
[18:42] Improvement - Discovery
Candidate paused when asked about start date
Suggestion: "I noticed you paused there — is there something about timing we should discuss?"
Most recruiters interpret silence as thinking. Often, it's discomfort. The candidate has a concern they're not voicing.
Your job is to make it safe to voice.
The Competing Offer Conversation
"Are you speaking to anyone else?" is the question recruiters avoid asking directly. Here's why you shouldn't:
What recruiters fear: "Yes, I have three other offers." What that actually means: "I'm in demand. You should move faster and make this compelling."
Not knowing about competing offers doesn't make them go away. It makes you unable to position against them.
Process Check: Competition discussed: no
When this box is unchecked, you're flying blind.
Better approach:
"It sounds like you're at a great point in your career — who else are you talking to? I want to make sure our timeline works with yours."
Now you have information. Now you can sell.
Decision Maker Mapping
Sometimes the candidate loves the role. And someone else kills it.
- A partner who's concerned about relocation
- A mentor who advised waiting
- A current manager who promised a promotion
If you don't know these influencers exist, you can't address their concerns.
AI coaching catches this:
Area: Discovery Issue: Decision makers not identified beyond candidate Try saying: "Is there anyone else who'll weigh in on this decision? I want to make sure they have what they need."
Securing Real Commitment
The difference between acceptance and rejection often comes down to commitment quality:
Weak commitment:
"This sounds great. Let me think about it."
Strong commitment:
"Yes, I'm ready to accept. When do you need the signed offer back?"
AI coaching evaluates next steps secured:
next_steps_secured: false
Reason: Candidate said "I'll let you know" without specific timeline
If you leave a close call without a specific decision date, you're hoping — not closing.
The Close Call Checklist
Before ending any offer-stage call, AI coaching checks:
- ✓ All concerns surfaced and addressed
- ✓ Competing offers understood
- ✓ Decision timeline confirmed
- ✓ All stakeholders identified
- ✓ Specific acceptance/decision date set
When all boxes are checked, surprises become rare.
Prevent the Next Rejection
- Probe hesitation — "I noticed a pause there. What's on your mind?"
- Ask about competition directly — "Who else are you talking to?"
- Map all decision makers — "Who else weighs in on a decision like this?"
- Get a decision date — "When will you have an answer?"
The warning signs are always there. AI coaching makes sure you see them.
Upload your last close call and see what you might have missed.