# Push back on unrealistic hiring requirements with data

A respectful, evidence-backed conversation plan to reset a role's requirements, pay, or timeline when the search is stalling.

- Topic: HR & Hiring
- Framework: Few-Shot
- Level: Standard
- Tags: HR & Hiring, Analyze, Fill-in Template
- Source: https://www.thinkwithprompt.com/prompts/push-back-on-unrealistic-hiring-requirements-with-data

## Prompt

```text
Help me push back on a hiring manager's unrealistic requirements.

**Role:** [TITLE and LEVEL]
**Current requirements:** [LIST - e.g. years, degree, specific tools, industry background]
**Pay range and location constraints:** [DETAILS]
**Search results so far:** [e.g. profiles found, outreach sent, reply rate, candidates rejected and why, weeks open]
**Hiring manager's concerns:** [what they are worried about]
**My read of the problem:** [optional]

Give me:
1. A short diagnosis of which requirements shrink the pool most and which actually predict success in the job.
2. Trade-off options as a table: Change | What we gain (pool size, speed) | What we risk | How to reduce the risk (e.g. training, onboarding, a skills test).
3. A conversation plan: open with shared goals, show the evidence, offer 2-3 options rather than an ultimatum, and agree on a decision with a date.
4. Lines to handle "Just keep looking" and "We can't lower the bar".
5. A follow-up email summarizing what was agreed.

Use only the data I provide; label assumptions as such. Point out requirements (like degree or years-of-experience rules) that may screen out qualified people unfairly.
```

## What to fill in

- TITLE and LEVEL
- DETAILS
- what they are worried about
- optional

Free to copy and use. From ThinkWithPrompt (https://www.thinkwithprompt.com/), a library of 2,663 curated AI prompts.