I use password software connected to my identity theft protection service. It’s handy because it provides the correct password right when I’m ready to log-in to a particular site. Life was good until a couple of weeks ago when this software vendor decided to put bright red exclamation points next to more than 50% of my passwords. When I mouse over the exclamation point, I get the judgey message telling me my password is unacceptable, weak and should be changed. When I click the “more info” icon, I get a terse description of how to create a more acceptable password (that a human could possibly remember). I’m sure the software developer who made this change was well-intentioned, but the side effect of it has been negative. Every time I use the software, I feel like I’m being told: You suck at creating passwords, and I’m not going to let you forget it! As a recruiter or hiring manager, it’s important your messages don’t create the same feelings in your recruiting prospects. If you’re frequently reminding prospects of how great your company is and implying they’ve made a poor choice in their career, they may experience your messages as criticism or judgement. This is why being positive is often a precursor to change. Most of my passwords are pretty good and appropriate for the sites I use. If my software vendor told me this first, I would be much more open to changing the few that need updating.