The Lonely Office How Hiring Decisions Really Get Made with Deepali Vyas | Ask a Recruiter
Jan 20, 2026
Deepali Vyas, an elite executive recruiter and talent advisor, shares her insider insights into the hidden mechanisms of hiring. She discusses how power dynamics often lead to the rejection of highly qualified candidates and how factors like executive presence and emotion dictate decisions. Deepali emphasizes the importance of authentic networking and explains why interview performance can overshadow a stellar resume. She also decodes the subtle cues interviewers focus on, offering key strategies for candidates to enhance their chances of success.
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Hiring Isn’t A Pure Meritocracy
- Hiring is driven by psychology and power, not pure meritocracy.
- Managers often avoid candidates who might expose their weaknesses or threaten status.
Position Yourself As A Partner
- Signal partnership, not threat, by positioning yourself as someone who elevates the manager.
- If insecurity persists, walk away because a threatened leader is a career risk.
Final Decisions Favor Presence Over Paper
- Final hiring talks focus on executive presence, influence, and chemistry more than the JD.
- Leaders bet on who will show up well in tough meetings and elevate the room.