Hi,
Being a recruiter and hr professional ,such issues arises every now and then. Yes, we r human too and we get frustrated. After spending five years in HR, I am bit able to screen candidate's interest while issuing the offer letter. Few tips, wish it would be helpful.
1.Just stay in touch with candidate. Check their attitude, once you issue the offer letter, shortlisted candidate starts ignoring your call then its the high time to start taking the back up. Backup is always good so you don't have to start search again.
2. If you use naukri.com or some portals to search candidates, search for the shortlisted candidate,if he is regularly updating his CV then he is just using your offer letter.
3. Ask for resignation mail from his current employer,it is the main thing to cater the candidate.
4. At the time of interview,just check his psychology. Ask indirectly how keenly is he looking for job. Whether he is just looking for time pass or for serious need of change. How many interview he has faced recently. I know nobody will answer genuinely but you have to reach his/her mindset.
5. MOST important check the CV,if candidate is completing his/her one year tenure or about to reach his appraisal time then dont consider him/her. Chances are high that he/she will use offer letter for raising his values in current company or some future companies. If still u need to consider him/her then ask the proper reason why he /she wants to switch before Increment.
These are my learnings,I don't know how seniors will take it , pardon if I am wrong somewhere.
Now in the last point- Dont get frustrated, just call those candidates after 15-16 days and politely tell them such behavior put your stake in risk.Market is small, we use to keep meeting again and again,so if you want to decline do it honestly. It will be time saver and reputation saver for both of us. Then dont wait for their reply, end with a Thank you note.
Accepting/ declining is upto candidate..dont take it to heart. This will continue as this tendancy can not be curbed. Stay positive.
All the best !!!!