Me: I apologize, but the candidate has accepted another offer.
Client: What? Did you tell him that we were interested iand wanted to make him an offer?
Me: Absolutely, I made that cristally clear.
Client: And did you mention that we’re a leader in our industry?
Me: Yes, I emphasized your industry leadership.
Client: But he said he liked the team and felt he’d fit in well…
Me: Yes, he told me the same thing.
Client: I don’t understand, we were about to make him an offer.
Me: (to myself) Indeed, Mr. Client, while you were in the ‘thinking’ phase, your competitor took an action!