“What if she’s not actually qualified when we interview her?” “She is. I’ve seen her portfolio online. It’s excellent. But that’s exactly why Janet interviews her and makes the final decision. Everything has to be handled exactly like any other hire. Standard process, fair evaluation.”
Grace nodded slowly. “What’s the salary range?” Adrien named a figure that was market standard for the position in their city. Not suspiciously high, not insultingly low. Full benefits package. Everything we offer at that level. Completely standard.
“When do you want this to start?” “Get the position posted today. Start the local talent search immediately. When you find Rachel’s portfolio, send her a personalized email saying we’re reaching out to promising local designers we’ve discovered and encouraging them to apply. And if other qualified people apply, then Janet interviews them all fairly and picks the best candidate. That’s how it should work.”
After Grace left, Adrien sat back in his chair. This felt right. He wasn’t manipulating anything inappropriately. He was simply making sure opportunity found someone who genuinely deserved it and was genuinely qualified for it. The position was real. The need was legitimate. Rachel’s talent was undeniable. All he was doing was connecting those things together in a way that gave her a fair shot.
By end of day Tuesday, the position was posted on five major job boards. Grace had also begun systematically searching through local design program alumni databases exactly as Adrien had requested. On Wednesday afternoon, Grace appeared in Adrien’s doorway. “Found her. Rachel Crawford. Her portfolio is in the City Community College alumni directory from five years ago. Adrien, the work is genuinely impressive. I’m not just saying that.”
“Good. Draft the outreach email. Standard local talent search language.” “Already done. Want to review it?” Adrien read Grace’s email. It was perfect, professional, encouraging, but not suspiciously personal. It simply said the company was conducting a local talent search for their new design position. Her portfolio had been discovered in their research and had caught their attention. Would she be interested in applying?
“Send it.” Grace clicked send, then looked at Adrien. “You’re sure about all of this?” “I’m sure that woman has real talent being wasted. She’s working herself to death at jobs that don’t use her skills at all. We need a designer. This is just smart recruiting, Grace. It’s what any good company should do. Finding overlooked local talent.”
“And if she figures out the connection eventually, the grocery store, seeing her at the diner—” “There’s no inappropriate connection to figure out. We found her portfolio through a legitimate local talent search. That’s the complete truth.” Grace nodded, though she looked thoughtful. “All right, let’s see if she responds.”