United, speechwriters stand
March 27, 2012
A few years ago veteran speechwriter Hal Gordon had an unsuccessful and absurd experience interviewing with a big global company. This firm is frequently in search of a speechwriter for its CEO, and itโs looking for a scribe again.
Institutional memory not being what it once was, a company recruiter contacted Gordon again last week asking if he would recommend other speechwriters for the job. He reminded her of his poor treatment at the companyโs hands, and added:
Unfortunately for you, the speechwriting world is very small and stories like this get around very quickly. Indeed, I have already been contacted by speechwriters whom you have approached, asking me what I thought about this position. Sadly, I could in all honesty do nothing more than relate to them the same story that I have just related to you.
Still, new people are entering the profession all the time, so you may well be able to assemble a fresh crop of candidates to go through your interview process.
Sincerely,
Hal Gordon
โHappily,โ Gordon adds in an email, โIโm so close to retirement that I can afford the luxury of telling such people what I really think of them.โ
Hal, on behalf of the younger setโthanks.