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  • Writer's pictureMarissa Mainer

The Recipe for Recruitment Success: How the Recruiting Process is Like Cooking Thanksgiving Dinner

Much like cooking Thanksgiving dinner, the recruiting process is a well-orchestrated affair that requires careful planning, skill, and a dash of creativity. Both involve selecting the best ingredients, combining them with care, and serving up a satisfying result. Now that my shopping list is done, let's explore the striking similarities between the recruiting process and the necessary steps to preparing Thanksgiving Dinner.


  1. The Ingredients: Job Openings and Menu SelectionIn both recruiting and cooking Thanksgiving dinner, you start with selecting the right ingredients. For Thanksgiving, it's the choice of dishes that complement each other. The right stuffing for the turkey and the best dinner rolls. While in recruiting, it's the job openings you need to fill. Both require a thoughtful selection process to achieve a harmonious outcome.

  2. Prepping and Planning: The Recipe for SuccessJust as a successful Thanksgiving dinner requires detailed planning, the recruiting process demands careful consideration. In recruiting, this entails defining job requirements, setting a hiring timeline, and deciding on the right channels to source candidates. Similarly, for Thanksgiving, it's all about planning your menu, creating a shopping list, and organizing your kitchen. Without the right planning, you could be left with a turkey that's still frozen.

  3. Sourcing Ingredients (or Candidates)Recruiting professionals actively source candidates, much like how a cook sources the finest ingredients for their dishes. Just as you might visit a local farmers' market for fresh produce, recruiters reach out to various sources like job boards, social media, and professional networks to find the best candidates.

  4. Cooking Techniques: Interviewing and AssessmentJust as cooking requires a chef's expertise, the recruiting process relies on the skills of interviewers and hiring managers. Interviews are akin to cooking methods – grilling, baking, or sautéing – to ensure the best results. During interviews, candidates are assessed to determine if they are the right fit for the job, much like taste-testing a dish to ensure it's perfectly seasoned.

  5. Presentation: The Art of Plating and Job OffersIn both cases, presentation is key. A beautifully plated Thanksgiving dish is more appetizing, just as a well-crafted job offer is more enticing. When it comes to hiring, a compelling offer can be the cherry on top that makes a candidate eager to join your team.

  6. Timing: Serving at the Right MomentTiming is crucial both in cooking and in recruiting. You wouldn't want to serve a Thanksgiving turkey before it's fully cooked, just as you wouldn't extend a job offer before thoroughly vetting a candidate. Being patient and waiting for the right moment is essential in both endeavors.

  7. The Feast: Onboarding and Thanksgiving DinnerOnce everything is prepared and ready, it's time for the feast – in recruiting, this corresponds to the onboarding process. A successful Thanksgiving dinner and a smooth onboarding experience ensure that everyone involved feels welcomed and valued.


The recruiting process can be likened to cooking Thanksgiving dinner in more ways than one. Both require careful planning, selecting the right ingredients (job openings or dishes), conducting interviews (cooking techniques), and presenting the final result in an appealing manner. The right timing and a sense of satisfaction come from a job well done, be it in hiring a new team member or serving a delectable Thanksgiving meal. By recognizing these parallels, recruiters can approach their work with a fresh perspective and a deeper appreciation for the art of selection and placement in the world of employment. Just as a well-prepared Thanksgiving dinner brings joy to those gathered around the table, a successful recruiting process can enhance your company's culture and performance.

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