Let me share one of my favourite experiences as an HR consultant.

A while back, I got a call from an HR manager.

I introduced myself, explained our services… and the tone on the other side was cold & disinterested.

Borderline “Why are you wasting my time?”

Basically the vibe was:

“We have everything under control. Thanks, but no thanks.”

I politely wished them a good day and went back to my work — because honestly, I’ve heard every tone possible in this industry.

Fast forward a few months…

Same number flashes on my phone.

I pick up.

And wow — suddenly, the voice sounds like I’ve called into a 5-star hotel reception.

Warm.

Sweet.

Respectful.

“Hi… um… can we please discuss that position? We’ve been trying for months…”

Ah yes.

The famous HR tone-shift syndrome.

It usually appears when:

-The “easy to close” position is still open

-All job portals have been squeezed dry

Referrals have vanished into thin air

Management is pacing behind their chair

And suddenly… the consultant they didn’t need becomes the consultant they desperately need.

Funny how politeness magically appears the moment pressure does.

And here’s the part I love the most:

We didn’t change.

Our expertise didn’t change.

Our process didn’t change.

Only their situation changed — and with it, their tone.

In HR and in life, one rule stays constant:

Be polite to everyone.

You never know who you’ll need when the “easy role” becomes the impossible one.

But hey…

I’m not complaining.

If the tone changes, at least the respect arrives on time — even if the CVs didn’t.