#head hunting recruitment

[alliance00]

Head Hunting Recruitment: Strategies to Attract Top Talent

Introduction

It is regarded as searching for a diamond in the rough while finding the appropriate candidate for an important role. Head hunting recruitment, nowadays, is considered a part of the essentials of managerial consideration to find the best fit for high-impact roles. High-performing organizations use strategic approaches and often, this includes the finest headhunting firms and agencies. What are these strategies and how will it benefit your organization? Let's dive in.

What is Head Hunting Recruitment?

Head hunting recruitment is focused and specialized in identifying and recruiting the best candidate suited for the highly regarded or critical roles. It is unlike general recruitment, where the headhunting process involves a proactive approach to find candidates not yet on the job hunt. It's more about finding talent than waiting for opportunities to come along.

Why is Head Hunting Important?

Top-level positions are the most critical for a company's success. The right person in these positions will bring growth, stability, and innovation. Companies use headhunting to get professionals with rare skills and leadership qualities.

How is Head Hunting Different from Regular Recruitment?

Traditional Recruitment:

Focuses on active job seekers.

Relies heavily on job postings and applications.

Head Hunting:

Targets passive candidates.

Utilizes research, networking, and direct outreach.

Imagine that traditional recruitment is like casting a net, and headhunting is spearfishing—focused and targeted.

Characteristics of Good Headhunters

Exceptional Communication Skills: Building trust with both clients and candidates.

Industry Knowledge: Understanding trends and demands.

Persistence: Following up and staying proactive.

Attention to Detail: Candidate is a good fit for the role and culture.

Methods to Hire the Best

a. Personalized Outreach

Generic messages won't cut it. Your pitch must clearly outline what's in it for the candidate.

b. Leveraging Social Media

LinkedIn and other social media platforms are goldmines to find and connect with professionals.

c. Competitive Benefits

Highlight perks that matter—flexibility, career growth, and work-life balance.

Role of Top Headhunting Firms

Top headhunting firms act as talent scouts for organizations. They combine expertise, extensive networks, and industry-specific knowledge to find the perfect match. Their involvement often ensures faster hiring and better results.

How Head Hunting Agencies Operate?

Head hunting agencies typically follow these steps:

Understand the Role: Gain clarity on the job requirements and company culture.

Research Candidates: Identify potential candidates through databases and networks.

Initial Screening: Assess candidates’ skills, experience, and interest.

Shortlisting: Present top candidates to the employer.

Final Placement: Facilitate interviews and negotiations.

Building a Strong Employer Brand

A good employer brand attracts talent automatically. Present your company's values, work culture, and achievements on your website and social media sites.

Utilizing Technology in Head Hunting

AI Tools: Automate candidate sourcing and screening.

Data Analytics: Predict trends and identify top talent.

CRM Software: Maintain candidate relationships.

Overcoming Challenges in Head Hunting

a. Engaging Passive Candidates

Offer a compelling reason for them to consider the opportunity.

b. Handling Counteroffers

Be prepared to address and counter lucrative counteroffers.

c. Keeping Up with Market Trends

Monitor your knowledge on the industry best practices and salary metrics

Effective Candidate Interaction Techniques

Be Transparent: Honesty builds trust.

Listen Actively: Understand candidates’ aspirations.

Follow Up: Show genuine interest in their journey.

Networking End

Networking is the spine of success in headhunting. Go to events, participate in online forums, and connect with people profoundly.

Selecting the appropriate headhunting agency

Look for agencies with:

Proven expertise in your industry.

A solid track record of successful placements.

Personalized and transparent processes.

Case Studies: Success Stories in Head Hunting

For example, a leading head hunting agency placed a seasoned CFO in a multinational firm within just two months, leading to a 30% increase in profitability within a year. Such success stories highlight the impact of effective headhunting.

Conclusion

Head hunting recruitment is not just about filling vacancies; it\u2019s about shaping the future of organizations. This approach, driven by the advanced strategies of top headhunting firms and head hunting agencies, ensures companies find the best talent tailored to their requirements. Whether you are an employer or a candidate, learning and implementing these strategies is essential for professional success. To explore how Alliance Recruitment Agency can assist you in achieving your goals, feel free to contact us today.

View source: https://allianceinternationalservices.medium.com/head-hunting-recruitment-strategies-to-attract-top-talent-2cf402312bde

[cornflowersandspoons]

Knights.

Kudos to Fyodor for bringing the medieval aestethic to bsd, I think the Hunting Dogs should get some of it as well. ☺️

[hauntingblue]

ENIES LOBBY TIME!!!

Sanji's face here.... he Knows he is going to fuck him up

THAT IS SANJI??? 😨

Holding them in my hands again....

Sanji struck a nerve there akdjaoajkq

Increible trio btw.... look at the evidence

............ me next please 🙏🏻

That is love right there I can see it

What if we all killed ourselves (except usopp is telling her the opposite ajahkdhsakjd)

I need sanji to go insane like this more often.... after the timeskip it doesn't happen as much and I love to see him suffering

This is so funny.... there is no denying to her face card

"It's not like she actually wants to die" well yes she does, but no because you know she doesn't really. It is in a quantum state right now

Luffy is such a menace akdhaksjkaak

TELL EM!!!! THAT'S MY GIRL!!!!

Look at franky worrying about robin.... do not fret luffy is coming and he will NOT lose!!!!!

This is zoro remarking how usopps fear of being left behind makes no sense.... this is so good.....

This is so endearing but it also breaks my heart....

Who is that sultry binch... (I don't recall this attack AT ALL and i'm sure we never see it again)

They botched his bbl.... 😔😔😔

Luffy's face here... he was convinced she wanted to go with them but was compelled to do otherwise but no.... he thought wrong and he can't fight to her.... I've just been staring at this page for minutes like damn.

Nevermind.... this is something your mother would say "you want to die??? Just wash the dishes and you can do whatever you want later"

"If you wanna die, or whatever...." this is so good like he knows what he is doing.... he Knows.... look at her face. After knowing how luffy and ace were as kids this just makes more sense (oda didn't think about this i'm sure but damn does it fit) also the slight manipulation.... look at all of us we're already here and look how we all miss you already... you know that post about luffy being selfish but his selfishness is jusg kindness to others... yesh

Thinking about robin's cinderella lifestyle.... why did her mother leave her with that aunt and why didn't some archeologist take her in?? Because she doesn't complain about anything just like she doesn't respond when that mother accused her of hitting her child without reason... that's so fucked

Alright this is funny (and also true)... I'm sorry fellow women....

*Justin Bieber voice* I like your laugh... dereishi shishishi

SHE'S GONNA ASK HER MOM TO TAKE HER TO THE SEA WITH HER??? LIKE SHE DOES AFTER WITH LUFFY??? MY GOD!!! I just bursted into tears like I got punched in the nose I can't keep going ajdhakajk

I lied i can keep going... but head in my hands over this....

Find out how my emotional stability survives this arc in ennies lobby part 2. coming soon

[fishing-for-blood]

Hey guys maybe queue this one up for next year because it. .fuckign WORKED

[andywalts10]

Five Metrics All Recruiters Need to Measure for Business Success

Have you ever wondered why certain companies seamlessly attract top talent while others seem to struggle? The below-mentioned metrics to track talent hold the answers. In the dynamic realm of recruitment, accurately assessing the appropriate metrics is essential for enhancing strategies, optimising processes, and ultimately pledging to secure business triumph. The metrics mentioned in this article provide valuable insights into the efficient hiring practices and overall status of talent acquisition efforts.

Discover Game-Changing Strategies in Our Employer Insights!

Quality Hires Make all the Difference High-quality hires are the lifeblood of any successful organisation, acting as the cornerstone for sustained growth and competitive advantage. These individuals not only bring superior skills and expertise to their roles but also contribute significantly to improving overall productivity, driving innovation, and enhancing team morale. Tracking the quality of hires is essential for recruiters and HR professionals, as it provides a clear measure of the effectiveness of their sourcing strategies, selection, and onboarding processes. By focusing on quality hires, companies can build a robust and dynamic workforce capable of meeting current and future challenges.

Enhancement Tips:

Implement structured interviews and tailored assessments. Use data-driven tools to evaluate candidates objectively. After hiring, gather feedback from managers and peers. Learn more about enhancing your recruitment strategies with our exclusive employer resources.

To know more Game-Changing Strategies in Our Employer Insights please read here - https://talenthigher.com/five-metrics-all-recruiters-need-to-measure-for-business-success/

[talenthousesblog]

International Manpower Recruitment Services for Top Talent

International Manpower Recruitment Services: Your Path to Success

Introduction

In today’s globalized world, businesses are expanding and, consequently, require talent from across the globe. This is where international manpower recruitment services come into play. At HR Talent House, we connect employers with top-tier talent, especially in high-demand sectors such as oil and gas. Moreover, our international manpower recruitment services are crucial for companies looking to hire skilled professionals from different countries. We offer tailored recruitment strategies, headhunting capabilities, and specialized recruitment for oil and gas jobs in Saudi Arabia. By partnering with HR Talent House, you can, therefore, help your business thrive by accessing the best global talent available.

Understanding International Manpower Recruitment Services

The Importance of International Recruitment

International manpower recruitment services play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between global talent and local opportunities. Therefore, companies, especially in dynamic markets like Saudi Arabia, need diverse skill sets to remain competitive. By tapping into international talent pools, businesses can, consequently, access a broader range of skills and expertise. Additionally, they can enhance innovation through diverse perspectives and meet specific project needs more effectively. Moreover, leveraging global talent allows businesses to stay ahead of industry trends and comply with local and international regulations, ensuring sustained growth and success in a competitive landscape.

Access a wider range of skills and expertise

Enhance innovation through diverse perspectives

Meet specific project needs with specialized professionals

Comply with local and international labor regulations

How International Recruitment Works

The process of international recruitment involves several steps to ensure the right match between employers and candidates. Firstly, these steps include identifying the specific needs of the job and the required skills. Secondly, it involves sourcing candidates through various channels such as job boards, social media, and professional networks. Next, the process includes screening and selecting candidates by conducting interviews, assessments, and background checks to ensure they meet the job criteria. Finally, onboarding and integration are crucial, assisting with visa processing, relocation, and cultural integration to ensure a smooth transition for the candidates.

Identifying Needs: Understanding the specific requirements of the job and the skills needed.

Sourcing Candidates: Using various channels to find suitable candidates, including job boards, social media, and professional networks.

Screening and Selection: Conducting interviews, assessments, and background checks to ensure candidates meet the job criteria.

Onboarding and Integration: Assisting with visa processing, relocation, and cultural integration to ensure a smooth transition.

The Role of HR Talent House in International Recruitment

At HR Talent House, we have a proven track record of successfully placing international talent in key positions across various industries. Our comprehensive approach includes several critical steps. Firstly, we design tailored recruitment strategies that align with your business goals and cultural values. Secondly, our extensive global network ensures we find the best candidates to meet your specific needs. Additionally, our expertise in compliance navigates the complexities of international labor laws and visa requirements, facilitating smooth hiring processes. Finally, we provide ongoing support throughout the recruitment process, ensuring a seamless integration of new talent into your organization.

Tailored Recruitment Strategies: We design recruitment plans that align with your business goals and cultural values.

Extensive Network: Our global network of professionals ensures we find the best candidates for your needs.

Expertise in Compliance: We navigate the complexities of international labor laws and visa requirements to facilitate smooth hiring processes.

Headhunting Companies in Saudi Arabia

What is Headhunting?

Headhunting is a specialized recruitment process aimed at finding highly qualified candidates for senior-level positions. Unlike traditional recruitment, headhunting, therefore, focuses on passive candidates who are not actively seeking new opportunities but are, nevertheless, open to the right offer. Additionally, headhunting involves a more proactive approach, reaching out to potential candidates who may not be visible through conventional recruitment channels. Consequently, this process ensures that businesses have access to top-tier talent, even those who are not actively looking for a change.

The Benefits of Headhunting

Headhunting offers several advantages for businesses, including:

Access to Top Talent: Headhunters have the expertise to identify and attract top-performing individuals who may not be available through conventional recruitment channels.

Confidentiality: The discreet nature of headhunting ensures that both clients and candidates maintain privacy throughout the recruitment process.

Tailored Matches: Headhunters take the time to understand the unique needs of the business and the candidate, ensuring a perfect fit.

HR Talent House: Leading Headhunting Company in Saudi Arabia

As one of the leading headhunting companies in Saudi Arabia, HR Talent House is dedicated to finding the best talent for your executive positions. To achieve this, our headhunting services include several key components. Firstly, we conduct comprehensive market research to identify potential candidates who meet your specific needs. Secondly, we build strong relationships with candidates to understand their career aspirations and ensure a perfect fit. Additionally, we provide seamless support throughout the recruitment process, including negotiations and onboarding. Consequently, our approach ensures that you find top-tier talent efficiently and effectively.

Comprehensive Market Research: We conduct thorough research to identify potential candidates who meet your specific requirements.

Personalized Approach: Our headhunters build strong relationships with candidates to understand their career aspirations and match them with suitable opportunities.

Seamless Integration: We assist with negotiations, onboarding, and integration to ensure a smooth transition for new hires.

Manpower Employment Agency: Your Recruitment Partner

The Role of a Manpower Employment Agency

A manpower employment agency serves as an intermediary between employers and job seekers, facilitating the recruitment process and ensuring the right fit for both parties. Agencies like HR Talent House offer a range of services, including:

Temporary Staffing: Providing temporary employees to meet short-term project needs.

Permanent Placement: Finding candidates for long-term employment opportunities.

Contract Staffing: Supplying skilled professionals for specific contract periods.

Advantages of Using a Manpower Employment Agency

Partnering with a manpower employment agency offers numerous benefits, such as:

Efficiency: Agencies streamline the recruitment process, saving businesses time and resources.

Expertise: Recruiters have in-depth knowledge of the job market and industry trends, ensuring they find the best candidates.

Flexibility: Agencies provide flexible staffing solutions to meet the changing needs of businesses.

HR Talent House: Your Trusted Manpower Employment Agency

At HR Talent House, we pride ourselves on being a reliable manpower employment agency, offering customized recruitment solutions to meet your unique needs. Our services include:

Extensive Candidate Database: We maintain a vast database of qualified candidates across various industries.

Thorough Screening Processes: Our rigorous screening processes ensure we only present the best candidates for your consideration.

Ongoing Support: We provide continuous support throughout the recruitment process, from initial contact to final placement.

Oil & Gas Jobs in Saudi Arabia

The Demand for Oil & Gas Professionals

Saudi Arabia's oil and gas industry is, indeed, one of the largest and most dynamic sectors in the world. With ongoing exploration and production activities, there is, consequently, a constant demand for skilled professionals. Furthermore, key roles in this sector include:

Engineers: Petroleum, drilling, and production engineers

Technicians: Maintenance, inspection, and safety technicians

Project Managers: Overseeing large-scale projects and ensuring timely completion

Geologists: Analyzing geological data to guide exploration and production

Recruiting for Oil & Gas Jobs in Saudi Arabia

Recruiting for oil and gas jobs in Saudi Arabia requires a deep understanding of the industry and the specific skills needed. HR Talent House specializes in:

Industry-Specific Recruitment: We focus on finding candidates with the precise skills and experience required for the oil and gas sector.

Global Talent Pool: Our international recruitment services allow us to source talent from around the world to meet the demands of the Saudi market.

Compliance and Integration: We ensure all candidates meet local regulations and assist with their integration into the Saudi work environment.

HR Talent House: Experts in Oil & Gas Recruitment

As experts in oil and gas recruitment, HR Talent House is committed to providing top talent for your business needs. To achieve this, our approach includes several key elements. Firstly, we design customized recruitment plans tailored to the specific requirements of the oil and gas industry. Additionally, our extensive network of industry professionals allows us to quickly identify and attract top candidates. Furthermore, we ensure comprehensive support throughout the recruitment process, from initial contact to final placement. Consequently, our approach not only meets but exceeds your expectations, ensuring you secure the best talent for your business.

Customized Recruitment Plans: We design recruitment strategies tailored to the specific needs of the oil and gas industry.

Strong Industry Connections: Our network of industry professionals allows us to quickly identify and attract top candidates.

Comprehensive Support: From initial contact to final placement, we provide ongoing support to ensure a successful recruitment process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, international manpower recruitment services are essential for businesses looking to expand their horizons and tap into global talent. Therefore, HR Talent House stands out as a leading provider of these services, offering not only expertise in headhunting but also manpower employment and specialized recruitment for the oil and gas sector in Saudi Arabia. Moreover, by partnering with us, you can ensure access to top talent, efficient recruitment processes, and ongoing support to meet your business needs. Consequently, this partnership will enhance your ability to thrive in a competitive market, securing the skilled professionals necessary for your success.

Read More.....

Author Bio: Simi Gajala has been working in digital marketing since 2018, amassing 6 years of experience. Currently Working as a Digital Marketing Executive at HR Talent House. Simi specializes in SEO, SMO, Google Ads, Meta Ads, and blogs & content writing, Boosting Brands, Increasing Visibility, And Enhancing Online Performance.

[hrinternationaluae]

Dubai Recruitment Consultants: Top Talent Acquisition in UAE

Dubai Recruitment Consultants: Your Guide to Top Talent Acquisition

In today's competitive business environment, finding the right talent is crucial for success. For companies in Dubai, working with top-tier Dubai recruitment consultants can make all the difference. This comprehensive guide will explore the benefits and services offered by these consultants, ensuring your business attracts and retains the best talent.

Why Choose Dubai Recruitment Consultants?

When it comes to recruiting top talent, Dubai recruitment consultants offer unparalleled expertise and resources. They provide personalized services tailored to your business needs, helping you navigate the complex job market in Dubai. These consultants are well-versed in the latest recruitment trends and have extensive networks, making them invaluable partners in your hiring process.

The Role of Dubai Executive Search Firms

Dubai executive search firms specialize in identifying and recruiting top-level executives. These firms have a deep understanding of the leadership landscape and can help you find candidates who fit your company's culture and goals. By leveraging their expertise, you can secure leaders who will drive your business forward.

Benefits of Using International Employment Agencies

An international employment agency can help you tap into a global talent pool. These agencies have the resources and networks to find candidates from various countries, bringing diverse skills and perspectives to your organization. This global approach can be particularly beneficial for businesses looking to expand their reach and innovate.

The Importance of Head Hunting Firms

Head hunting firms play a critical role in identifying and recruiting passive candidates who may not be actively looking for a job but are ideal for your company. These firms use advanced techniques and industry knowledge to target high-caliber professionals, ensuring you get the best talent available.

Understanding the Recruitment Process

The recruitment process with Dubai recruitment consultants typically involves several key steps:

Needs Assessment: Consultants work with you to understand your business needs and the specific skills required for the role.

Candidate Sourcing: They use their networks and resources to find potential candidates, both locally and internationally.

Screening and Selection: Consultants conduct thorough interviews and assessments to ensure candidates meet your criteria.

Onboarding Support: They assist with the onboarding process, ensuring a smooth transition for new hires.

Customizing Recruitment Strategies

Dubai executive search firms often customize their recruitment strategies based on your industry and company size. Whether you're a small business or a multinational corporation, these firms can tailor their approach to meet your specific needs, providing you with the best possible candidates.

Leveraging Technology in Recruitment

Modern head hunting firms utilize advanced technologies such as AI and big data to enhance their recruitment efforts. These tools help them identify top candidates more efficiently and accurately, giving you a competitive edge in the talent market.

Industry-Specific Recruitment Expertise

One of the key advantages of working with Dubai recruitment consultants is their industry-specific expertise. They understand the unique challenges and opportunities within your sector and can provide insights and strategies to attract top talent.

Benefits for Multinational Companies

For multinational companies, international employment agencies offer significant advantages. They can help you navigate the complexities of hiring across different countries, ensuring compliance with local regulations and cultural nuances. This expertise is crucial for building a diverse and effective workforce.

Executive Search for Specialized Roles

Dubai executive search firms are particularly valuable for filling specialized roles that require niche skills and experience. These firms have the knowledge and resources to find candidates who possess the exact qualifications you need, saving you time and effort in the recruitment process.

Enhancing Employer Branding

Dubai recruitment consultants also play a vital role in enhancing your employer brand. They can help you develop strategies to attract top talent by showcasing your company as a desirable place to work. This includes creating compelling job descriptions, promoting your company culture, and highlighting your employee benefits.

Long-Term Talent Management

Working with Dubai executive search firms can also benefit your long-term talent management strategy. These firms can help you build a talent pipeline, ensuring you have access to qualified candidates for future roles. This proactive approach can reduce hiring time and costs while maintaining a high standard of talent.

Navigating the Legal Landscape

International employment agencies are well-versed in the legal aspects of hiring across different countries. They can help you navigate complex labor laws and regulations, ensuring compliance and minimizing risks. This expertise is particularly valuable for businesses operating in multiple jurisdictions.

Conclusion

Partnering with Dubai recruitment consultants offers numerous benefits for businesses looking to attract and retain top talent. Whether you're seeking executive leaders or specialized professionals, these consultants provide the expertise and resources needed to achieve your recruitment goals. By leveraging their services, you can build a strong, diverse, and effective workforce that drives your business success.

Read More.....

Author Bio: Simi Gajala has been working in digital marketing since 2018, amassing 6 years of experience. Currently Working as a Digital Marketing Executive at H.R. International UAE. Simi specializes in SEO, SMO, Google Ads, Meta Ads, and blogs & content writing, Boosting Brands, Increasing Visibility, And Enhancing Online Performance.

[sabujahmedmarketing]

Take your team to the next level with our Dhaka-based headhunting agency. From executive roles to specialized positions, we're here to help you find the perfect fit. Let's redefine excellence together!

[hangesophtalmologist]

The Salesman's Obsession

title: the salesman's obsession

pairing: squid game's salesman/ recruiter x f!reader (y/n)

synopsis: when someone dares to interrupt his game, the infamous salesman ought to punish them... but she doesn't intend to play by his rules.

warnings: violence, physical assaut, social stigma, psychotic mc, squid game au

a/n: we shall give the people what they asked for (salesman x readers) (i'm people)

The slap rang out like a gunshot, ricocheting off the cold subway walls. The man on the ground – disheveled, panting – flinched. His cheek blossomed red, but he didn’t dare look up. Above him, the Salesman stood poised, palm still tingling. His eyes were bright but empty, the light behind them clinical, dissecting.

"Come on now, one more try,” he taunted. His voice was smooth, almost musical and weightless, as if he were suggesting a game of chess. "Don’t stop at three. You’ll regret that more.”

It wasn’t joy he was feeling. Amusement, merely. Detached, surgical. Like stepping on something fragile just to hear the crack. The pathetic, the desperate – they all crumbled the same way. He just had to give them a little push, and their precious facade fell apart, leaving behind the twitching core of greed, ready to humiliate itself for scraps.

The sweating businessman bent to pick up his red tile, trembling. His shoulders sagged under the weight of silent despair. Miserable. The Salesman’s lips curled, though not exactly enough to be called a smile. He enjoyed the process. The inevitability of it.

Another failure.

He raised his hand, licking his lips in anticipation, but before he could swing, something unexpected happened. A hand grabbed his wrist.

Firm. Unshaking.

Cold.

His head snapped to the side; the sharp turn of a predator interrupted mid-hunt.

You.

His gaze narrowed. He’d noticed you earlier, lingering on the platform’s edge. Background noise. He rarely missed details, but somehow you had slipped through the cracks. Perhaps that was the first red flag.

His gaze drifted over your hand, slender fingers circling his wrist like a cuff. He could break free easily. Yet he didn’t. Your grip felt… deliberate. Measured.

“Enough,” you said, cocking your head to the side, sly eyes scrutinizing him.

His expression shifted, just slightly. Interest flickered, not outwardly hostile, but curious. He searched your face for clues – that familiar, nauseating blend of pity and self-importance most saviours carried. Yet, your eyes betrayed neither. But he didn’t need any tells – he knew people like you. Hypocrites yearning for crumbs of recognition.

“And who might you be?” His voice retained its warmth, but irritation simmered beneath it.

You stepped between him and his trembling opponent, your hand falling away. “Doesn’t matter.”

His gaze darkened as annoyance started to seep in his body. He didn’t even watch as the man behind you scrambled to his feet, disappearing into the crowd like prey escaping a hunter. His focus was entirely on you now – the intruder. He examined you for long time – longer than what he was used to. The Salesman never cared much for remembering anyone other than his recruits – but there was something about the lines of your face, the crooked slope of your mouth, the mischief in you pupils. Something challenging. Something he wanted to crush.

"You just cost me 100,000 won," he said lightly, adjusting his cufflinks with meticulous care – but the tightness in his jaw betrayed the casual tone. "So. How do you plan to pay me back?"

You shrugged, defying. “I don’t plan to.”

His grin widened, but the glint in his eyes sharpened. “I see. Then I’ll have to take it from you. A slap or cash. Choose.”

“I have a better idea,” you smirked, lazily flicking the red tile between your fingers. “I’ll take his place. I want to play too.”

His smile faltered. The thrill flickered out, but simply for a second – you weren’t desperate, not twitchy or ashamed. Not his typical prey. Yet. Because after all, if you wanted to play, it was because you wanted money – like everyone else.

He just needed to crack your confident mask to see you scrambling for it.

A chuckle escaped his mouth, hunger for your humiliation gnawing at his stomach. He wanted to see your heroic aspirations slapped out of your mind until you were nothing more than the lowlives he usually dealt with.

Yes. This would be even more fun to watch.

His smirk returned, though colder. “Fine. Each loss costs 100,000 won. Can you pay?”

“Don’t worry. I won’t lose.”

Your smugness stirred something primal in him—something ugly, something he hadn’t felt in years. You flipped the red card over your fingers, defiance oozing off you. Then in a split second you hurled the tile to the ground with surprising force. There was no hesitation, no tension. He didn’t need to look down to know you had flipped the blue card over. He watched you carefully, waiting for the inevitable flicker of relief that most winners betrayed.

None came.

Your eyes had barely left him either, like you were also gauging his reaction. Your lips stretched in a predatory smile – a thrill of excitement ran down his veins.

“I paid the debt. Now let’s play for real,” you cheered, displaying a naïve smile, one that could have fooled him as genuine if there wasn’t a flick of calculation - measurement - behind the easy curve of your lips.

The Salesman was a man of control – he could recognize when someone was leading a game, and right now this someone wasn’t him. He wasn’t surprised when you succeeded again.

“You won,” he stated, but there was no satisfaction, no amusement – he was still hungry for your humiliation. He reached for his luggage. But your foot stopped him, stepping on it as you suddenly reduced the distance between them.

“Oh no, Mister. You must have misunderstood me,” you slowly leaned towards him and whispered against his face.

He should have seen it before – but it was only now, when you were inches away from him, that he finally noticed the spark of amusement hidden in your eyes. It wasn’t heroism, nor greed that animated you.

Danger. His heart raced with the adrenaline that was reserved for his favourite kills, an all-too-powerful feeling that welcome your next words.

“I wasn’t playing for money.”

And then with sudden, brutal efficiency, you slapped him. Hard. Hard enough to send him stumbling on his feet and wipe any thought from his mind.

The crack resounded louder than his own had.

His head jerked to the side, pain stinging his cheek. Silence stretched between you. The slap burned, but not as much as the unfamiliar sensation curling in his gut.

Your laugh cut through the quiet, light and playful, but dripping with something – something mad.

He scoffed, bringing a hand to massage his cheek. It was stinging, the only proof that the last seconds had happened. When he looked back at you, you had tilted your head in an innocent expression.

But your conniving smirk was taunting him. “I get you now; it is quite fun. Have a nice day, Mister.”

You turned and walked away, your figure shrinking under the flickering subway lights.

The Salesman didn’t follow. Not immediately.

He watched you disappear into the station, the flickering fluorescent lights overhead casting fractured shadows on the tiles.

He stayed rooted, fingers twitching at his side, replaying the moment. Over and over.

Then, without warning, he laughed. Deep, unhinged, shaking laughter that echoed through the empty station. His stomach twisted with hunger, sharper and more vicious than he had felt in years.

You.

You weren’t a prey.

No, you were something far more valuable.

You were a challenge.

And he would break you. Piece by piece.

[izzyzt]

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐥’𝐬 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞

the salesman (gong ji-cheol) x f/reader — squid game

| Y/N confronts the recruiter after two years, but he turns the tables with a sinister game and a chilling warning: “This is your only warning, sweetheart.”|

———————————————————————————

Y/N slammed the door to the cheap motel room shut, tossing her bag onto the creaky bed. The room smelled like stale air and mildew, but she didn’t care. This wasn’t about comfort; it was a pit stop on her endless hunt for him.

It had been two years since she escaped the Squid Game alive, but she was anything but free. The blood money still sat untouched in a locked safe, a constant reminder of the lives she took and the people she lost. And above all, it reminded her of him—the man who started it all.

The man who gave her that damn card.

He had a face she couldn’t forget, one that haunted her even now: sharp features, a smile too charming for someone so cruel, and eyes that sparkled with amusement no matter the circumstance. She didn’t know his name, but that didn’t matter. She’d been chasing his shadow ever since, following every lead, every whispered rumor.

Tonight, she’d finally seen him again—on the subway. He was sitting there, calm as ever, as though the two years of her obsessive search had been nothing but a game to him. She had pushed through the crowded train to get to him, but he slipped out just as the doors opened, vanishing into the bustling platform.

And now here she was, back in this dingy motel, trying to piece together her next move.

But then, a voice she hadn’t heard in two years broke through the silence, smooth and playful.

“Took you long enough.”

Her blood froze.

Y/N turned sharply, and there he was. Him.

He was sitting in the armchair by the window, one leg crossed over the other, his posture relaxed. His suit was sharp and pristine, a stark contrast to the shabby room, and his eyes sparkled with an unsettling combination of amusement and mischief.

“How did you get in here?” she demanded, her voice sharp and trembling with anger.

He tilted his head, like a curious child trying to solve a puzzle.

“You really should learn to lock your doors, Y/N.”

Her fists clenched at her sides as she stepped toward him, her body burning with rage.

“What do you want?”

He stood, taking his time, adjusting his cuffs as though she hadn’t spoken. When he finally met her gaze, his smile widened.

“What do I want?” he repeated, stepping closer. “That’s the wrong question. You’ve been looking for me, haven’t you? Shouldn’t I be asking you that?”

Her rage boiled over, and without thinking, she threw a punch at him.

He caught her wrist mid-air with startling ease, his grip firm yet calculated. He didn’t flinch, didn’t blink—just smiled as though she’d done exactly what he wanted.

“Now, now,” he murmured, his voice dangerously calm. “Is that any way to greet someone you’ve been chasing for so long?”

She yanked her hand free, glaring at him with fire in her eyes. “You ruined my life!”

His brow arched as he took another step forward, forcing her to back into the edge of the bed.

“Ruined it?” he echoed, his tone soft, almost pitying. “Or gave it purpose?”

She wanted to shove him again, to scream, but the way he was watching her—calm, unflinching, almost playful—stopped her in her tracks. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a coin, holding it up between his fingers like a magician about to perform a trick.

“Let’s play a game,” he said, his voice light and cheerful, as though they were old friends.

Her jaw tightened.

“I’m not playing anything with you.”

He pouted, tilting his head.

“Don’t be like that, sweetheart. Heads or tails. You pick.”

“What’s the catch?”

“No catch,” he replied, flipping the coin between his fingers. “Just a simple game. Call it.”

Her hands balled into fists again, but this time she swallowed her anger, narrowing her eyes.

“Heads.”

He grinned, flipping the coin high into the air. It caught the flickering light as it spun before landing neatly in his palm. He didn’t reveal the result right away, instead stepping closer, so close that she could feel his breath against her skin.

“Are you sure about that?” he whispered, his voice low and intimate.

“Just show me,” she snapped.

He opened his hand slowly, revealing tails.

His grin widened as he leaned in, his hands moving to the bed on either side of her, caging her in. The space between them vanished, his presence suffocating.

“Looks like you lose,” he murmured, his tone deceptively gentle.

“What now?” she spat, refusing to let the proximity rattle her.

His smile softened, but the intensity in his eyes burned brighter.

“Now, we see how far you’re willing to go.”

She tried to shove him away, but he didn’t budge. His gaze never wavered as he leaned closer, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper.

“You’re messing with my work, sweetheart, and I can’t let that happen.”

Her breath hitched as his hand brushed against her jaw, tilting her chin upward. His grip was light, almost tender, but it sent shivers down her spine.

“This is your only warning,” he continued, his lips barely an inch from hers. “Back off. Or next time, you won’t see me coming.”

With that, he released her and stepped back, adjusting his cuffs as though nothing had happened.

Y/N glared at him, her chest rising and falling with barely controlled rage.

“I’m not stopping,” she said, her voice trembling with defiance.

His smirk returned, sharp and dangerous.

“Good,” he said, walking toward the door. “That makes it so much more fun.”

The door clicked shut behind him, leaving her alone in the suffocating silence. On the table by the window, she noticed the coin he had left behind, perfectly balanced on its edge, a taunting reminder that the game was far from over.

[escelia]

New Sibling Just Dropped

Or Danny gets willingly isekai'd into the DCU and gets a twin out of it.

I know I disappeared from the face of the earth for a bit there, and there's stuff I should probably be updating, but I come baring different stuff this time :D

Just started this for fun, and I have at least one other chapter of it done, but idk how long this bout of inspiration will last, so I'm just rolling with it for now.

@flamingpudding look! i pulled a jason todd and rose from the grave!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Danny was tired. The kind of tired you felt behind your eyes and in your bones, and weighed heavy with achievement. He was perched on the edge of a building in his ghost form looking over Amity Park with a soft smile as he watched Youngblood run through the park with human children, Cujo playfully on their heels. His galaxy cloak (which had been a coronation gift) billowed around his lap like a gas with stars twinkling inside. 

It had been a few years now since he took up the Crown of Fire and became High King of the Infinite Realms, and while he had accomplished many things since then, graduating from high school wasn't something on that list. It sucked that he wouldn't get to walk across the stage with Sam and Tucker, but in the face of all he'd been able to do for both Amity and the Infinite Realms, it was worth it. They coexisted now. There was still trouble every now and then, but Danny had helped the ghosts who insisted on staying in Amity Park find a place in their city where they could thrive.

Youngblood watched over the children of the city, Box Ghost started a box recycling center, Lunch Lady started a program to get food to families that couldn't afford it, and Pointdexter started reporting bullying at the school since he was already there. 

On the Realms' side, Danny shut down Walker's prison. Since it was his lair, he couldn't take it away from him completely, but it no longer housed the many ghosts the warden had considered "rule breakers." He'd given Walker a new set of rules to enforce and essentially took him under his wing as a royal soldier, kept under the close watch of Fight Knight, who'd defected from Pariah Dark so fast after his defeat that it was laughable. 

He'd done something similar with Skulker, though he was a harder case to crack. Unlike Walker, who was happy as long as he had a set of rules to enforce, Skulker wanted to keep hunting. He'd been recruited forcefully by Walker and Fright Knight after they caught him on his way to fight Danny again.

All in all, everything had begun to run smoothly now. The fatigue weighing on him reminded him that it had been hard to accomplish, and continuing to lead his double life hadn't made it any less exhausting. A cold breath rushed through his chest as he felt a familiar presence slide up next to him. 

"You didn't time out," Danny pointed out without looking to face the ghost beside him. Clockwork hummed in acknowledgment.

"Sometimes it's pleasant to watch time flow in person." It was Danny's turn to hum at him. 

"How are you feeling?" The Ancient asked thoughtfully. The younger ghost tilted his head pensively. 

"It's hard to say. I'm tired, but I'm happy. And also sad..." he paused to gather his thoughts. "I feel like I've done everything I needed to."

But not everything he wanted to do. 

"Go on," Clockwork pressed. The teenager did turn his head now to make a face at his mentor. If the guy knew how he felt and what he was going to say, why would he say it out loud? But the other just arched a brow at him and waited.

"Fine," he pouted. "I've spent so much time and energy finding places for everyone here. The GIW are gone, my parents stopped hunting ghosts, Jazz got into the psychology program at Stanford, Sam and Tucker are graduating today... I helped make that happen, I know I did! But they're moving on without me. They're growing up and I don't feel like I am."  

'I don't feel like I'm ready.'

Danny stopped to take a breath and wipe away the icy tears gathering in his eyes. He felt stupid for crying over it. He was 17 for Ancients' sake! Jazz would have told him he grew up too fast, but he still felt like a child. He had no idea what he was doing! And yet! And yet... he felt...

"But you also feel ancient, right? Like you've been around too long and seen too much?" Clockwork said as though he were reading from a script. Danny sulked. Stupid time ghost with his dumb Time Stream TV or whatever. 

"Yeah..."

"All Ancients feel that way. Though you may be feeling unbalanced in more ways than one because of how young you died and the fact you are half human."

"What do you mean?" Danny turned his whole body to face him now, tucking his knees under his chin and circling his arms around them. His cloak moved with him in inky black wisps and settled around him again like clouds of galaxies. 

Clockworks form shifted to that of a child.

"You feel young because you died young. However, it is the nature of humans to grow and change. While you may have died at 14, your childhood died before that. You yearn to grow and learn, while also being an incredibly powerful Ancient."

He supposed that made sense. He recalled all the years cleaning the lab before the portal had even been built, and the fighting and neglect (Jazz's words, not his) that spawned his disdain of Christmas even longer before. He wanted to go back to school. He wanted a reason to love Christmas. He wanted pets and family dinners that didn't come alive. He wanted to grow up properly.

"But you still want to help people," the ghost said as though Danny had been talking out loud or having his mind read. 

"I hate it when you do that," Danny complained. Clockwork just smiled smugly.

"I know." He laughed at the glare Danny threw him. 

"I have a proposition for you," the older ghost began. Danny perked up in intrigue. "I know of another earth dimension with some problems that need to be addressed. Your role as High King puts you in a position to be helpful."

"Their problem has to do with the Realms?"

"In a manner of speaking, yes. Ectoplasm from the Realms is pooling into what are referred to on their planet as Lazarus Pits. They are both helpful and harmful as they do not dissipate into the air so they continually collect and concentrate emotion, but they do sometimes revive the dead."

Danny grimaced in disgust at the thought of dunking a person into a stagnant pool of contaminated ectoplasm. "That sounds disgusting."

"Quite," Clockwork agreed. 

"So what's your proposition?"

"Well, if it is agreeable to you, I would like to de-age your physical form and place you with a family that's had dealings with the Pits firsthand. I've found them to be quite charming." 

"Ah, so you want me to go in undercover?" Danny couldn't help but roll his eyes a little. It wasn't a half bad idea. He could try his hand at childhood again and still get to handle his duties as King Phantom. Leading a double life again would be easy enough, it was just stepping from one role into another. 

"Not at all." Clockwork smiled knowingly. Danny was officially suspicious of his ghost guardian. "This planet has had all kinds of dealings with the occult, and even humans with superpowers isn't that unusual. While I would advise against telling anyone you are a king right away, you are in fact just that: a king. You may do what you wish." 

For an ancient and wise time ghost, Danny thought Clockwork was really shit at hiding his expressions. Though he tried to keep the grin off his face, Danny could clearly see the twitching of his lips and gleam in his eyes that promised the old man was scheming. 

But to get his childhood back. Or, at least a semblance of one... it deserved consideration. Danny looked back out at the cityscape again. Sam and Tucker... they were down there graduating from high school without him. He'd been the one to encourage them to pull away from Team Phantom activities to zero in on their studies, but he didn't regret it. Sam wanted to major in environmental science and Tucker wanted to go to MIT and he just didn't fit into those plans. After Jazz left for Stanford, his parents often forgot he was still there. He'd managed to convince them to study ghosts properly instead of hunting them, and with a little help from the "friendly ghost King Phantom" they were given a place to start. They dove into their research with the same excitement and fervor they'd had all their lives. Which of course meant he went days, sometimes weeks, without seeing them emerge from the lab. It was easy enough to slip past them to the portal while they were distracted. 

The point was that he'd started to feel his anchor to this city, to this realm, start to dissipate as the people who kept him there started to break away from him. He still loved them, wanted to protect them, but they were safe and happy now. He felt fulfilled in his task of protecting them, but there was a buzzing beneath his skin to do more. 

Danny took a deep and controlled breath. He didn't need it in his ghost form, but it felt good to feel his lungs stretch to fullness. 

"When would I start?" He asked finally. The straight face Clockwork had been trying to keep, and he really was so bad at it, finally broke into a wide grin. 

"Right now. Everything is already in place and your duties in the Realms will be taken care of in your absence." 

Danny smiled softly at his guardian. Clockwork sure had a funny way of showing it, but he cared so deeply for the boy next to him that when Danny responded with a bad pun, he couldn't even be annoyed. 

"Well, no time like the present!" He winked.

Clockwork chuckled, and with a flash of light, he sent Danny on his way. 

The more time the older ghost spent with his young ward, the more he appreciated him. The Danny he’d come to know was nothing like the Danny’s from other worlds he’d encountered while trying to prevent Dan from existing. His Danny was now truly one of a kind. None of the others, not even the ones that eventually turned into Dan, had been Ancients. There would never be another Danny like him, and every universe was adjusting to include him should he ever decide to visit them. He had a place in any world, should he choose, but Clockwork knew he was needed most in the one he’d sent him to. It would be truly entertaining to watch the young Ancient settle into his role there, and Clockwork was actually finding himself looking forward to it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was dark and quiet a long while before Danny opened his eyes. And when he did open them it got really loud and really bright really fast. It belatedly occurred to him that he should have asked like a billion more questions before agreeing to be iseaki’d into a different dimension to join a family he knew literally nothing about. 

There was shouting before someone in what looked like a ninja cult uniform shoved a knife into his hand and pushed him in the path of a person in a different uniform. The man in front of him was dressed in blue and black and wearing a mask that covered his eyes, but Danny could see the surprised shape of his mouth before it morphed into something like anger. And then he was being lunged at.

He shrieked as he dodged out of the way. Not his most graceful save, but whatever. His voice was a bit shrill and his center of gravity felt way off. He must have actually been de-aged! He wondered how old he was now. He still felt light on his feet thanks to his ghost half which felt blessedly intact. But the other guy was fast and he ducked into a roll just in time to dodge whatever weapon he was holding. This guy meant business, but he had no idea why he was trying to kill him. 

‘Great, thanks Grandfather Clock for throwing me right back into the good ol’ days,’ he thought sarcastically. Nobody had attacked him for no good reason like that since Walker and Fright caught Skulker mid hunt for the very last time. 

What he now saw was a baton swung down from overhead and Danny knew he wouldn't dodge it in time, so he caught it with the flat of the blade that had been shoved into his hands.

“Wait! Why are we fighting?” Danny yelled, panicked as the guy pushed more force into it. The man's face twisted into something like confusion for a moment and he backed off just the tiniest bit before the scuffing of shoes to his right had him looking over just in time to see another guy in a mask, this time in red, rushing at him. He threw his hands up in surrender. 

“Wait!” He shrieked before he was absolutely bodied sideways into the ground. 

Why was he doing this? He was half ghost, he could have just gone intangible and disappeared. He didn't have to be body slammed into the ground. Wasn't he a child now? Did that guy in red actually just slam a whole child into the ground? 

“Red, hold on! This one's different!” 

“What do you mean?” The guy Red asked. He was still pinning Danny to the ground.

“Yeah, what do you mean?” Danny asked breathlessly, then whimpered, “Someone please tell me what's going on!” 

The one hovering over him must have seen something on his face that convinced him to not try and kill him anymore, because he grabbed him by the collar and started dragging him along. 

“We'll take him in for questioning. Don't let Robin see him.”

“Who's Robin?!”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It had been a long, arduous, and confusing journey from wherever they were to… well, wherever they were now. They'd blindfolded him for the transport so he still had no idea what was going on. He had learned that the guy with batons was Nightwing, and Red was actually Red Robin. The one they called Robin was a feral looking thing with swords, he was very small and stabby. Then there was Batman, and he totally threw off the whole bird theme but was easily the most intimidating. And that was all he knew so far. He'd been restrained at an interrogation table. 

Danny groaned and knocked his forehead onto the table. He really, really wished he'd asked Clockwork more questions. He'd at least been able to catch a glimpse of himself in the glass behind Batman. He looked like he was eleven or twelve again, which was not as young as he'd been expecting, but much more preferable than being a literal toddler. The group of people he’d been brought in by seemed to be heroes. They were all incredibly weary of him, but hadn’t gone out of their way to harm him since his capture. Though it was hard to call it a capture when there wasn’t a chase involved. 

“How old are you?” Batman asked suddenly. His voice was low and rough and somehow Danny could tell it didn't sound like that naturally. 

“Um, maybe eleven or twelve?” Danny replied carefully, picking up his head from the table and having the decency to look a little embarrassed. 

“And what's your name?” He looked like he was expecting something.

“My name is Danny, sir.” 

“Hmm…” 

It was quiet and awkward for a long moment.

“Why are you different from the other clones?” 

“Yeeeaaah, I'm not a clone.” Danny absolutely did not jump when the brute slammed the file folder shut in front of him. 

“We'll see what your DNA results have to say about that,” he said confidently before turning to leave, his cape dramatically flaring out behind him.

Sheesh, and he thought he’d had a flair for the dramatics.

‘Okay, time for some assessment,’ Danny thought to himself as he looked around the small closed room. It was soundproofed incredibly well. While he didn’t have super crazy hearing, it was enhanced by his ghost half, and combined with his other sharp senses, it tended to help him gather more information than others could. The most he could hear outside the room was a quiet hum of activity and nothing discernible. Still, he needed to decide how much he would say to these people. How much truth did he want to weave into his tale? These people clearly already had their own assumptions about him in mind, and while there was absolutely nothing wrong with being a clone, he knew he didn’t have what it took to keep up an act like that for long, which would just end up being awkward for everyone. 

He also would not be telling them about his status as Ghost King, per Clockwork’s suggestion. His captors seemed like the uptight sort, and revealing that he was a big, scary ghost monarch didn’t seem like it’d go over well. Telling them he was a halfa would probably get them off his back over the clone thing, at least. He went over the list in his head.

He was a halfa from another dimension, so he couldn’t be a clone.

He had no plans of fighting with anyone unless absolutely necessary. 

He did not have a way back to his other dimension. 

His name was Danny, and he didn’t have a family anymore.

He did not know why he was in the middle of whatever fight he woke up in. 

No, he didn’t know those people.

Danny must’ve been lost in thought for quite a while because his thoughts were interrupted by Batman bursting back through the door. The man’s demeanor had changed completely and he whipped off his cowl to reveal disheveled dark hair, blue eyes, and an expression of absolute heartbreak that accompanied his shuddering breaths. With the mask off, he reminded Danny a lot of his father. 

Batman searched his face and, much like Red Robin had before, seemed to notice something there. 

“She did it twice,” he muttered to himself. “Two of them this whole time and she didn’t tell me about either of them,” he said through gritted teeth. His frown deepened. Danny copied his frown. 

“Hey, are you okay?”

He still had no idea what was going on.

[alliance00]

Head Hunting Recruitment: Proven Tactics to Hire Top Talent

Introduction

Identifying talent is like seeking a needle in a haystack. Possible, but not easy at all. This is where comes the stage of head hunting. The very process of when one is either an initial or already a developed company helps in acquiring the greatest resource with a surety of winning the battle for success. But what is this all about? Here we present tactics, practiced by leading headhunting firms, head-hunting agencies, and head-hunting companies, in acquiring the most fitting candidate for you.

1. What is Head Hunting?

Headhunting or executive search is the process of recruitment done by organizations or agencies to hunt down the most skilled manpower available to be employed for special top-management positions. Think of it like matchmaking, except that, instead of a couple in love, headhunters have got a professional match.

2. Why Use Headhunting Firms?

Why do companies go searching for head hunting agencies? The simple answer is: expertise and efficiency. The firms usually have an eye for seeing and pulling in the best talent in the business world by saving time and resources while doing so.

Key Benefits:

Access to Hidden Talent: Many top professionals aren’t actively job hunting.

Time-Saving: Headhunting firms handle the legwork.

Industry Insight: They understand market trends and salary benchmarks.

3. Traits of Top Headhunting Firms

The best head hunting companies share common traits that set them apart:

Strong Networks: A wide-reaching professional network.

Confidentiality: This one must be exercised over candidate as well as client too.

Specialization: Frequently by industry or function.

4. Strategies for Identifying Talent

Top headhunting firms rely on proven strategies to locate the best candidates:

Research: Understanding the client’s needs and the industry landscape.

Networking: Leveraging connections and referrals.

Digital Tools: Using platforms like LinkedIn to identify passive candidates.

5. Building a Talent Pipeline

A talent pipeline ensures a steady flow of qualified candidates. This involves:

Continuous Relationship Building: Stay in touch with the potential candidates.

Database Management: Update the database of skills and roles.

Forecasting Needs: Anticipating future hiring needs.

6. The Role of Technology

Technology is revolutionizing headhunting. From AI-driven tools to data analytics, top head hunting companies are leveraging tech to:

Automate Initial Screening: AI algorithms help shortlist candidates.

Enhance Communication: Chatbots for immediate responses.

Improve Decision Making: Data analytics provide insights into candidate suitability.

7. Effective Candidate Engagement

Engaging candidates is the prime requirement for a successful recruitment process. Headhunting firms emphasize on:

Personalized Outreach: Tailored messages that resonate.

Transparency: Clear communication about roles and expectations.

Follow-Up: Maintaining regular contact to keep candidates interested.

8. Assessing Cultural Fit

It is not only about the skills but also about some person who would fit in the organizational culture and values. These include:

Behavioral Interviews: Assessing how a candidate handles specific scenarios.

Team Interactions: Introducing candidates to potential colleagues.

Feedback Loops: Gathering feedback from the marketplace.

9. Closing the Deal

Securing a candidate requires finesse. Successful headhunting firms:

Negotiate Offers: Balancing candidate expectations and employer budgets.

Address Concerns: Resolving any hesitations candidates may have.

Create Excitement: Highlighting the unique aspects of the role and company.

10. Measuring Success in Hiring

How do you know if a hire is successful? Key metrics include:

Time-to-Fill: How quickly roles are filled.

Retention Rates: Long-term employment of hires.

Candidate Satisfaction: Positive feedback from new hires.

11. Challenges in Headhunting

Even top headhunting firms face obstacles:

Talent Shortages: High demand and limited supply of skilled professionals.

Candidate Reluctance: Hesitation to change roles.

Market Competition: Competing offers from other companies.

12. Choosing the Right Headhunting Firm

All head hunting firms are not alike. How to make your selection:

Check Track Records: Look for proven success stories.

Evaluate Expertise: Ensure alignment with your industry.

Discuss Processes: Understand their recruitment methods.

13. Benefits of Specialized Agencies

Specialized headhunting firms focus on specific sectors, offering:

Deep Expertise: Knowledge of niche markets.

Better Candidate Matching: Finding candidates with rare skills.

Faster Turnaround: Quicker hiring timelines.

14. Tips for Candidates Approached by Headhunters

If you’re approached by a headhunter, here’s how to make the most of it:

Be Open: Explore the opportunity, even if you’re not actively looking.

Ask Questions: Understand the role and company.

Negotiate Wisely: Discuss salary and benefits transparently.

15. Future Trends in Headhunting

The world of recruitment is evolving. Expect trends like:

Increased AI Usage: Automating routine tasks.

Diversity Focus: Prioritizing inclusive hiring practices.

Remote Hiring Expertise: In tune with the globalized workforce.

Conclusion

Headhunting is an art mixed with science, as it requires a blend of people skills and strategic thinking. Having better knowledge of the process can place you in a stronger position, whether you are seeking talent as a business or being approached by a headhunter as an individual. By collaborating with top firms in headhunting companies or head-hunting agencies, such as Alliance Recruitment Agency, there’s potential to not only become top talent but also unlock opportunities for growth and success.

For more information, feel free to contact us and explore how we can assist you in achieving your goals.

View source: https://recruitmentagencyfranchise.hashnode.dev/head-hunting-recruitment-proven-tactics-to-hire-top-talent

[amiaclone]

Can you do one with the salesman and reader, where they are playing Russian roulette like the scene with him and gi-hun, and then they start falling for eachother?

Oooh never done anything like this before sure!

Salesman x gn! Reader

*You ran across the streets like your life depended on it trying to keep up with the man in the suit.*

*Like Gi hun you offered to work with him to end the games these people liked to do for a living you never won the games with Gi hun you did however survive the first game and were one of the few people who chose not to return*

*Hey! You’ve got a family even if you’re in debt to lots of money! Anything better then dying anyway*

*You were with two other guys you were in the very back you ended up losing track of them so you’re now trying to make time using there location they sent*

*You reached a dead end in the alleyway now only hearing the sounds of bins falling you immediately reached for your pockets*

*You had a knife one of the other guys had a gun….where are they?*

“Looking for someone?”

*You immediately turned your head almost instinctively and came face to face with the man you were hunting all day*

*He smirked eyeing you down like a predator would…..gross.*

“Hey pretty face long time no see.”

*He called you that the first time you met….the salesman is what you call him the one who finds players and recruits them….what a disgusting job*

“You…” *You keep your knife behind your back waiting to see if he engages any attack however he drops his case*

“If you think I’m here to kill you I would have already….i’ve been watching you for quite a bit…” *That alone almost made your spine shiver* “ I already had some fun with your “friends” anyway” *He cleared his throat keeping the same smirk on his face*

*That smirk almost filled with amusement and psychoticness what an interesting but terrifying man*

“You…..you killed them….”

*You weren’t shocked that he’d do such a thing but there was two against one! This man is obviously a threat…..*

*He however shook his head keeping the same smirk however his eyes widened a little*

“We had a game that’s all.”

*You shook your head and then out of the blue he took a step forward you followed suit taking a step back*

“What do you want?”

*You both said at the same time you quirked an eyebrow trying to keep a brave face while he had a small grin*

“I’ll answer first since a “lovely” like yourself asked.”

“I want to….play a game perhaps.”

*You shook your head*

“Why should i?”

*He seemed to pretend he was thinking*

"You're working with Gi hun aren't you? you know….you and him both have these amazing delusions about saving humanity so….I'll give you answers about the games *if* you win"

*You scoffed*

"How am i supposed to know i can trust you?"

*He seemed to take delight in that*

"Your choice. All up to you."

*You pondered in thought what will you gain? you could die but if you accept theres a chance you could find something big*

*And if you decline nothing will happen you could waste an opportunity but potentially live…..*

*Your mouth then spoke before you could even comprehend*

“What if I don’t win?”

*He laughed a bit*

“I was waiting for that! Hah….Well simple….theres a lot I could do…i could kill that lovely face of yours or…..make sure you or Gi hun can’t interfere with our business again….or…..well let’s see how it goes shall we?”

*He quirked an eyebrow waiting to see if you’d agree or not this was bad*

“I’ll agree if….you tell me what game we’re playing first…to make it fair.”

*He smirked raising an eyebrow handsomely*

“Ever heard of Russian Roulette?”

*Your heart nearly stopped beating for a second….he can’t be serious*

*Never mind he definitely is*

*He kept that same almost psychopath like smirk like he was enjoying this…*

“I suppose you’ve heard of it now… the choice is up to you will you….play with me?”

*You tensed and just blurted out*

“Let’s do it.”

*Hey you’d rather die atleast trying to stop the games but you know Russian roulette….your confident you’ll win.”

*He seemed almost shocked for a second you of all people would agree but that regained back to his usual composure*

“Well then i have it in my brief case the things we’ll use…”

*He brought me down further the alleyway and found an abandoned warehouse that had one table and two chairs facing each other*

“Since im fairly confident in myself why don’t you go first?”

*You shrugged you’d rather take the first one first declares a win i guess?*

*You put the gun and……It was fine.*

“Of course first obviously you’ll be fine…”

*He smirked a bit before taking it he placed the gun on the end of his nose*

*Clicked and nothing happened*

“You know something im just wondering….its surprising you’re agreeing to this since you chose not to go back after red light green light”

*You took it placing it on the bridge of your nose nothing happened*

“I chose not to go back because i would have gained nothing from playing a few games compared to me there’s a chance I wouldn’t have won…”

*He took it placing the gun on his forehead*

“You know….the day I met you….everything I said was and is still the truth…..you have a captivating beauty.”

*He pulls the trigger and nothing happens i take it placing it on my forehead mainly to spite him*

“Oh really care to give into more detail?”

*You said it to humour him but he seemed to take it serious you pulled the trigger and for a second it seemed like it would have killed you but….*

*Nothing happened*

“Heh well……your eyes are fairly attractive every time you look at them it’s like there brand new all over again…”

*He placed the gun on the inside of his mouth that would normally disgust you it interested you in a….weird way*

*He pulled the trigger and it clicked. Nothing happened*

“Well the eyes compliment was nice….but looks aren’t everything.”

*You placed the gun on the bridge of your nose again and it clicked nothing happened you weren’t even paying attention to care if something happened*

*He smirked*

“Well why didn’t you decide to go back? After all your debt was pretty big if I’ll say……9 billion? And you still thought you had a chance”

*He pulled the trigger on his forehead and nothing happened*

“Anything’s better then dying”

*You take the gun and pull the trigger nothing happens this is getting boring….the salesman is up to something but what? What are those handsome eyes staring at me planning?*

“Cheap answer you didn’t go back just not to die? Knowing well your debt was just gonna get bigger and bigger….”

*He took the trigger and didn’t even hesitate to pull it and……nothing happened*

“You don’t seem like you have any but i have a family and loved ones waiting for me”

“Love is a ridiculous concept”

*This goes on forever taking the trigger and none seeming to pull victory*

*Each time the two of you only got more captivated by each other*

“You know the thing you said about love”

*He pulled the trigger and faced it towards his heart*

“It seemed you have stolen it.”

*A loud bang happened that nearly shot you out of your seat*

*But he was still alive it was nothing?*

*The salesman laughed* “That trick works every time was getting a bit bored doll….i think you’ve won at something.”

*Your eyes widened a bit* “Wait i won?” *The salesman seemed in denial for a second* “I suppose for showing me that….some things that aren’t blood and murder are still interesting” *he winks*

Hope you liked it if I haven’t gotten back to anyones asks yet believe me I’ll write it im just taking my timeee

[thewildwaffle]

Friend Shaped

The professor clacked his beak sharply three times in the front of the room. The students, around 40 individuals, and many species from across the galactic arm hushed almost immediately. “Welcome back, class. The day for your first planet-side mission to Nemulon 3 is fast approaching, and we've still got a lot of safety training to cover, so let's get started.” The professor stepped aside to allow a projection to display against the board behind him. A picture of a blue, green, and gray planet shone brightly against the dark tapestry of space. Nemulon 3 had been discovered deca-orbits ago but offered a wide variety of biomes that were the perfect blend of challenging and safe to train new recruits to the Galactic Alliance’s Exploration Fleet. “Today we're covering some alien fauna you may encounter while conducting exploratories. Most are small enough that they won't pose much of an issue, but we do have a few category 5 lifeforms that you need to be aware of.” The display behind the professor changed from an image of Nemulon 3 from orbit to a chart topped by 5 images with their respective labels: karindru, oold, dini-dini, barintuna, and great lavalen. Before the professor could start in on the next part of his lecture, a voice spoke out from the middle of the classroom.“That looks like a dog.” The professor stood with his beak half open. He was certainly not used to being interrupted, let alone this early in the lesson. “A what?” He finally choked out. There was a pause as if the offending student was thinking better about drawing more attention to themselves before slowly putting their hand up in the air. It was a human. Cadet Valentina, if the attendance role had been accurate. “I said it… it looks like a dog.” Human Valentina inhaled as if gathering the courage to say more. “They're a carnivorous canine species on earth that humans domesticated thousands of cycles ago and selectively bred to be pets.” The professor’s beak closed with a snap and some of the features near the base of his neck ruffled slightly. “Nemulon 3 is 47 light years away from Earth. Any similarities between each planet’s fauna is purely coincidental, a product of parallel evolution.” The human bowed her head and said nothing else, so the professor continued. “Now, for many of you of larger stature, a single karindru might not pose much of a threat, but their real danger comes from their numbers. They live, travel, and hunt in packs. Thankfully, their method of communicating with each other in their packs are quite loud, so you will hear them long before you see them, and hopefully, before they see you. Typically you’ll hear anything from yipping, chirping, and howling.” “Kind of like coyotes.” The professor stopped and stared at the human again, feathers ruffling once again. “Another kind of canine species back home,” Valentina offered quietly. If the professor was capable of growling, he might have been tempted to at that moment. Instead, he sighed slowly. “I can assure you, trying to get close to these will likely end with your injury or death.” “Well, that's what ancient humans thought about wolves too, but then we bred them into dogs and now they’re our best friends.” “Karindru are not, nor are any native creatures on this planet, your friend. Not now, not ever.” The professor turned sharply back to the board. The entire class was dead silent. Few even dared to breathe. It was quiet enough, in fact, to hear the human mumble under their breath, “If not friend, then why friend-shaped?”

The human was promptly given detention and assigned extra homework of writing “I will not try to domesticate any native fauna on Nemulon 3” one hundred times by hand.

[idkdudethisisntpermanent]

Elixir

wednesday addams x female reader

part i | part ii

summary: What happens when your best friend's roommate who you're always at odds with, suddenly becomes uncharacteristically affectionate towards you? Just what was in that mysterious bottle that set everything into motion?

word count: 1.9k

a/n: I've made a taglist! If you want to join, refer to this post

————

Friday nights at Nevermore Academy held different meanings for different students.  Some gathered for the Vampire Book Club, an all exclusive group that spent their evenings immersed in gothic horror novels.  Others were part of the secret society, kicking off the weekend by leaving cryptic messages and riddles around the school in search of their next recruit.  And then there were those fortunate enough to be welcomed home by their parents for the weekend.

But for you, Friday nights meant something different. You had no interest in secret clubs or cryptic hunts. Instead, you chose to spend the weekend cozied up with Enid for a movie marathon.

With a grin, the werewolf-in-training held up two DVDs, one in each hand. "Okay, we've got 10 Things I Hate About You and When Harry Met Sally."

You point to the hand holding the first film and Enid squeals excited to begin your long awaited movie night. It's been difficult finding a time where you both could commit to a long task like watching a movie without Wednesday getting in the way.

It wasn't that Wednesday particularly got in the way of these activities, but you both did. You two would inevitably clash when put in the same room together and be at each others throats until you were separated by some brave soul (most of the time Enid).

"Are you sure we won't be interrupted?" You ask as Enid climbed into the bed.  "I don't want to get my hopes up, and believe that I can actually have a moment of peace in your room," you added, recalling all the times you've stormed out of this very room due to Wednesday.

Enid bumps into her drawer as she climbs into bed and almost knocks off a glass bottle with a bulbous base, fortunately you were able to grab ahold of the dresser leg in time and stabilize the furniture before the glass bottle filled with liquid could fall.

"I should probably put this somewhere safer," Enid says grabbing the glass and walking it over to Wednesday's side of the room and placing it on her desk. "And yes Y/n, I've quadrupled checked.  She should be in the car by now, heading home.  Her mom was really insistent on her visiting this weekend, so she had no choice." Once Enid and you cozy up together in her bed and turn all the lights off, you hit play and the movie begins.

"Wednesday will literally deep cleanse this room if she found out we're watching rom coms in it," you laugh as Heath Ledger makes his appearance on screen.

Enid giggles, "Sometimes I think she's a secret romance lover, recently I found out she knew the plot to Clueless."

"No way!  I wonder what critiques she has about that film," you muse sarcastically. "She definitely had to feel some type of way about that yellow outfit."

Enid hums and you notice that she's now engrossed in the film.  Taking the cue, you focused on the screen as well, ready to enjoy your peaceful night together.

Only thing was, you couldn't.

As the film continues, all you can think about was how relieved you are that Wednesday isn't here.  How you don't have to listen to the incessant click-clack of her stupid type writer.  How you don't have to endure her cold, calculating gaze that always seems to dissect your every word and action, and especially how you don't have to listen to her sharp and cutting remarks that always seem to find their mark.

At some point during the movie Enid notices that you were not present and paused the film.  "Okay what's on your mind?"

Absentmindedly not registering her question, you respond, "Wednesday." Your eyes go wide, "Wait! I meant-"

She smirks, "You know Y/n/n, for someone who hates her, you bring her up an awful lot.

You scramble at Enid's statement. What was that supposed to mean? "She's just frustrating you know? Get's under my skin, obviously I'm gonna bring her up."

Wednesday suddenly enters the room following your explanation, and sits at her desk without a word. Then after a minute she speaks, "It's gratifying to know that my efforts have left the desired impact."

You didn't care that Wednesday walked in on you complaining about her however you did care that Wednesday walked in.

You give Enid a look, "I thought she wasn't supposed to be here."  The blue-eyed girl holds her hands up in defense, "She wasn't! I swear she was supposed to be back Monday morning."

She then turns to her roommate and asks, "Wens, what are you doing here? I thought your mom wanted to see you?"

"Something came up," the unconventional girl replies short, not explaining any further.

Enid knew that was the only explanation her roommate would give, and there was no point questioning any further. You however did not care, and narrowed your eyes at Wednesday. "Something came up?" That's all you're going to say? You're just going to crash our night with no explanation?"

Wednesday raises an eyebrow, her voice cool and detached. "I wasn't aware I needed your permission to be in my own room."

"You know that's not what I'm saying," you snap back, frustration bubbling up. "You always do this—just show up and take over, like no one else matters. We had plans, Wednesday."

"And now you have new plans," she replies evenly, not a trace of guilt or concern in her voice. "Plans that include me."

You let out a groan. "But that's your problem, you can't just conform to our plans. You always give Enid and I shit for the things we want to do and we always end up catering to your needs. This is exactly why we can't get along. You never consider anyone else's feelings. It's always about you, your needs, your twisted games."

Wednesday's gaze narrows, and her tone turns icier. "If you can't handle a simple change in plans, that's your weakness, not mine. My presence shouldn't be so disruptive unless you're letting it be."

Letting it be?! You couldn't just let this dark kooky girl think that she has some sort of effect on you.

"Oh, don't flatter yourself, Wednesday," you retort, standing your ground. "Your presence isn't 'disruptive' because I'm weak, it's disruptive because you deliberately make it that way. You thrive on pushing people's buttons, and I'm not about to give you the satisfaction."

Wednesday's expression remains unchanged, but there's a flicker of something in her eyes—amusement? "Is that so? Then why are you so bothered by it?  If I truly had no effect on you, you wouldn't even be arguing with me right now."

You clench your fists, struggling to maintain your composure. "Maybe I'm bothered because I care about Enid, and you're always in the way. Maybe I'm just sick of you making everything about yourself!"

Wednesday's eyes narrow further, and her voice drops to a whisper.  "You care about Enid, yet you argue with me, knowing it will disturb her. Perhaps you should examine your true motivations, because from where I stand, it seems you're more interested in clashing with me than in protecting her peace."

You scoff, "I don't know what you're implying." Behind your cool nonchalant front you were panicking, worried that Wednesday will say something that you did not want to hear.

You glance over at Enid who is picking at her nails, calculating the perfect time to break you and Wednesday up without getting hit in the crossfire.

"I'm sorry Enid," you say genuinely. As much as you hate to admit it, Wednesday was right, you're a hypocrite. You know how much it bothers Enid when you and Wednesday fought, yet you always find yourself caught up in these verbal battles with her.

Giving Wednesday one last glare, you storm out of the dorm room not knowing where exactly you're headed. All you know is that you're done with the movie night—and done with Wednesday.

As you march down the hallway, footsteps echoing behind you catch your attention. You don't slow down, but you know exactly who it is before she even calls out to you.

"Y/n, wait!" Enid's voice rings out, filled with concern. You sigh, your pace slowing down automatically.

Enid catches up to you, and grabs onto your arm incase you decide to storm off again. "Please talk to me, I know you're upset."

You find your frustration start to crumble as you sense the concern in your friend's eyes. "I don't know Enid," you begin, your voice quiet. "It's like every time I'm around her, I get so worked up. And tonight, I just couldn't take it anymore. I'm so tired of feeling like this, I'm just constantly on edge around her."

Enid carefully listens, her expressions softening with empathy as you speak. "I get it Y/n. But you don't always have to fight her. Sometimes walking away is the best thing you can do for yourself and for her."

You nod, understanding where Enid was coming from. "You're right, I guess it's just hard when she knows exactly how to get under my skin. And tonight when she accused me of arguing with her for some other reason, like it was something I wanted. It just got to me." You finish in a whisper.

"She has a way of getting to everyone, but that doesn't mean you have to let it affect you so much. You've got to take care of yourself too." She smiles gently.

"Yeah, you're right." As you look at Enid, you can see the worry in her eyes, not just for you, but for Wednesday too. You get it. Wednesday is her friend as well, and even though she came running after you, she's probably also concerned about how Wednesday's handling things. Not that anything in this world could really faze her, but still, Enid cares.

You sigh dreading your next words, "Go." Enid quirks her head to the right like a puppy. "Let's go back to your dorm, I have to grab my bag anyways, and... you should check on her."

Enid smiles in relief and gives you a quick hug before you stroll on back to the dorm room of the polar opposite girls.

As you approach the door a sense of unease starts to creep in, but you push it aside. You probably just didn't want to face Wednesday after your heated exchange.

When you open the door, the sight that greets you is... off. Wednesday is sitting at her desk, but something about her looks strange— her normally sharp posture seems a bit more relaxed, and her gaze, usually piercing, is unfocused, almost dreamy.

Before you can fully process this, you hear a soft rolling sound, and your eyes dart down to see Thing, casually pushing the glass bottle that Enid almost knocked over from earlier. It stops right at your feet. You pick it up, turning it in your hands. It's empty.

A chill runs down your spine as realization dawns on you. Wednesday drank whatever was in this bottle.

Enid steps closer, noticing your frozen expression and the empty bottle in your hand. Her eyes widen in alarm, quickly shifting to Wednesday, who now seems to be gazing at you with an intensity that's entirely different from her usual cold demeanor.

"Wednesday?" Enid's voice is hesitant, as if she's afraid of what the answer might be.

Wednesday stands up slowly, her movements uncharacteristically casual. She steps toward you, her eyes locking onto yours, and for a moment, it feels like the air in the room has shifted.

"I'm glad you're back," Wednesday says softly, her voice carrying a warmth that catches you completely off guard.  "I was just thinking... how much better this night would be if you stayed."

Your heart skips a beat for reasons you do not know the answer to yourself. You exchange a bewildered glance with Enid, something is definitely not right.

The room falls silent, the tension thick as you both realize that Friday night just took an unexpected turn. Looks like your movie marathon will have to wait.

next chapter

[sgt-tombstone]

do you think the recruits make chuck norris type jokes about the 141?

lieutenant riley doesn't go hunting, because hunting implies the possibility of being unsuccessful. lieutenant riley goes killing.

one time sergeant mactavish threw a grenade and killed five enemies. and then it exploded.

sergeant garrick sleeps with a pillow under his gun.

captain price has a bear rug in his room. it's not dead, just scared like the rest of us.

oh my god, 100% yes

Everyone thinks it started with Ghost, but Price was the original hardcore spooky bastard (in a very Chuck Norris kind of way), especially after he got promoted to captain. All of the rookies who made those kind of jokes are gone now, though, so he hasn't heard a Norris joke in a while

Enter Simon Riley.

It starts out kinda small, just an exaggerated rumor every now and then (he wears a skull mask; no matter how terrifying he is, people are going to talk), but then someone brings back Ye Olde Chuck Norris Joke, just one, and the entire mess hall lights up

Everyone is SO CAREFUL not to let Ghost hear about it, especially not the rookie who originally brought it up. By the end of the week, every rookie on base is whispering them and giggling about it. They've gotten more and more outlandish, as jokes do, and because none of the 141 do themselves any favors, especially when they step off the plane from their most recent op covered head to toe in blood, guns little more than mangled pieces of metal, their gear nearly in tatters, but they're all smiling and laughing like they're out for a day at a theme park

Price loves it. It reminds him of his younger days, before he got strapped with so much desk duty, when he really struck fear in the hearts of friends and enemies alike. He's always been the monster in the dark for terrorists, but his years have softened him around allies. Hearing the rookies whisper wild jokes back and forth is incredibly nostalgic and very affirming for him

Gaz and Soap? They're in on it, 100%. They both heard about it almost immediately after it happened and all it took was a shared glance to decide to feed the flames. Whenever they have babysitting rookie training duty, they'll drop little tidbits of "lore", most of it fake but some of it true. They don't have to stretch the truth too much because they know the lunch break gossip the next day will have blown everything out of proportion anyway. Whenever they hear a rookie go, "well, I heard...", they'll always pipe up with, "that's not how it happened, here's what really happened..." and the rookies fall for it every time. They have a shared note where they keep their favorite jokes they hear around base

Ghost hates it. He's used to striking enough fear into the hearts of rookies that they stay approximately forty-seven feet away from him at all times because the very sight of him has them shaking in their boots, but as the jokes grew more bizarre, the fear has been replaced with amusement. It's an awed sort of amusement, but still. Every time he hears a rookie giggle behind his back, he can't help but feel a bit mocked. It's fine when he calls himself nothing but a tool in the army's hand, and he's gotten used to (and comfortable with) being seen as nothing more than a walking weapon, but there are enough true stories about him to garner fear and awe; he doesn't need people making up lies.

It all comes to a head when a rookie starts talking a little too loudly, probably unaware that Ghost is even in the room. It's something stupid, so stupid that it's not even funny, but then Soap butts into the conversation, and Ghost tenses. They meet each other's eyes and Soap keeps direct eye contact as he smirks and says, "In an average living room there are a thousand objects Ghost could use to kill you, including the room itself."

Which is, objectively, true. But there's a glint in Soap's eye, the sort of mischievousness that Ghost loves so much, and he realizes that Soap just gave him the perfect opportunity. Like bait in a perfectly hidden trap. Ghost steps close to the back of the unsuspecting rookie, surrounded by a gaggle of even more unsuspecting rookies, and leans down to whisper in his ear.

"And I'll use every last one of them on you if I ever hear another joke on base, Private."

God, he hopes he isn't a corporal.

Apparently he isn't because the man jumps almost two feet in the air, a choked-off scream escaping his lungs as he whips around to find Ghost standing far too close for comfort, staring him dead in the eyes.

"Me, sir?" He stutters out, and Ghost almost smiles at the fear in his voice. The other rookies shoot to their feet as well, already edging towards the exit but unwilling to take their eyes (or ears) off of the conversation.

"Yes, you," Ghost rumbles, deep and dangerous. "If I hear anyone make a Ghost joke, I will hunt you down and show you why they call me The Ghost."

The poor soldier stammers out an affirmative, or maybe an apology, but he and his friends are out the door before Ghost can really parse out the words, and then it's just him and Soap. Soap, who's grinning like a lottery winner, eyes ablaze.

"That was hot, sir."

"You're fucked up, MacTavish," Ghost grumbles, but he can't keep the smile off his face. Maybe he could have some fun with the 141 jokes after all...