As the year winds down and Santa checks his list twice, we at Talent Market figured it was only fair to do the same. After all, no one behaves quite like a hiring manager in December. Some respond to emails faster than Rudolph on a sugar high… and others vanish into the winter fog like they’ve joined the Witness Protection Program.

So grab some cocoa, settle in, and enjoy our completely scientific, highly objective 2025 Talent Market Naughty & Nice List.

🎄 Naughty

  • Mission-Optional Managers
    Those who treat mission alignment like a decorative bow instead of the actual gift. Ignore red flags and you’ll be unwrapping a problem in Q1.
  • Jargon Terrorists
    In exchange for synergy, stakeholder buy-in, and thought leadership, all cross-functional ninjas and innovation evangelists will receive a giant lump of coal from Santa.
  • Committees of Christmas Chaos
    A 12-person hiring committee with no clear decision-maker? That’s like watching a dozen Santa impersonators duke it out at the mall for rights to the garland festooned throne. All it’s gonna do is make the children cry.
  • Decision Dilly-Dalliers
    If Santa can deliver gifts to eight billion people in one night, surely we can make a hire before Easter candy hits the shelves.
  • Loose-Lipped Elves
    Some folks just can’t resist sharing “a little inside scoop,” even when it’s confidential. In a movement built on trust, spilling secrets is how professional bridges turn into smoldering Yule logs.
  • Unicorn Hunters
    If you’re looking for an expert with 10+ years of experience who will relocate to the North Pole, work in-office, accept below-market pay, fetch your dry cleaning, and wrangle your reindeer, you’ve officially entered unicorn territory. Not even Santa can bring that for you!
  • The Email Bermuda Triangle
    Emails are sent your way, but your mail provider has no intention of delivering them to you. Even your IT guy can’t figure it out. Scientists are still investigating.

⭐️ Nice

  • Movement Connectors
    They know the liberty movement thrives on relationships, and they’re always introducing people, sharing leads, and opening doors—not for personal gain, but for the betterment of the entire free-market nonprofit sector. Their connections create a multiplier effect that strengthens us all.
  • Plain-English Professionals
    Tip of the elf hat to those who recognize that the phrase “tiger teams” should only appear on your resume if you’re employed by a zoo.
  • Instruction-Following Angels
    Every time a candidate follows directions exactly, an angel gets its wings.
  • Thank-You Note Traditionalists
    Thoughtful follow-ups are the gifts that keep on giving! (Unlike that fruitcake that’s making its 14th annual lap around the extended family.)
  • Momentum Makers
    Efficient decisions throughout the search process keep the Claus-o-meter high and make sure momentum doesn’t melt away like a snowman in the Florida panhandle.
  • Mission-Minded Donors
    Their generosity enables everything we do, from supporting clients to empowering candidates. We couldn’t do this work without them.

That’s a wrap on Talent Market’s Naughty & Nice List. We hope it brought a smile and maybe a gentle nudge into your holiday season.

With that, Santa has officially signed off, the elves are clocking out, and we’re wishing you a season filled with joy, gratitude, and mission alignment!