Recruiters - Friend or Foe?
I like recruiters! I believe they can open doors for you in your job search that may otherwise not be open to you. I have used two recruiters in my career and was hired both times. In both cases, I was contacted by the recruiter. I was not looking for a job the first time I spoke to a recruiter. I was working for Macy’s Department store as a salesperson and I just happened to answer the telephone and within a few weeks I was running a retail store as a manager.
The second time I was found by a recruiter, I was actively looking for a job and a recruiter found my resume online, Monster.com, and they contacted me. I had actually already accepted another position and about to relocate my family when the recruiter called. The opportunity turned out to be excellent and I accepted the job opportunity. The recruiter did an excellent job communicating with me and the company. I had a very tight window of time that I needed to make a decision. The recruiter help to accelerate the hiring process, and I was prepared for the interview and ultimately received a great offer.
Your preparation is equally important when you are working with a recruiter, as it is when you are working on your own looking for potential job opportunities. Do not minimize your need for preparation at any point during the interview process.
What I like most about recruiters is their ability to help negotiate your new salary. In instances I used a recruiter, the salary exceeded my initial expectations. Should you use a recruiter in your job search? I believe it is an option you should consider. It does not have to be the only option you use in your job search, but I believe that great recruiters can help you find your next job opportunity.
Tips to Remember
1. Do not align yourself with one recruiter. If a recruiter wants you to sign an exclusive contract - say no, and walk away.
2. Do not pay one penny to a recruiter. Their fee should be paid by the organization looking to fill the position.
3. The best way to find a recruiter is through word of mouth. This is where networking is useful. Someone you know, probably knows someone, who knows a great recruiter.
4. Keep in mind the recruiter should have your best interest in mind. You are never at the mercy of the recruiter.
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POSTED IN: Coach's Cornor, Recruiter Info
3 opinions for Recruiters - Friend or Foe?
Ken Sampson
Sep 4, 2007 at 10:27 pm
Recruiters are generally self serving malevolent careerists themselves, whose role frequently mirrors the intent of most companies, which is protectionism. Of course, for lower paying jobs, these truths don’t carry much relevance. Avoid the recruiter, aptly referred to as the headhunter, unless you have the strong upper hand needed to gracefully push them out of the way of your career and forward progress.
Darlene McDaniel
Sep 4, 2007 at 11:15 pm
Hi Ken, Thank you for your comment. I wondering if you have any additional thoughts around this issue. I would lvoe to talk to you more. You can reach me at darlingmcdaniel@gmail.com.
Andy Greider
Apr 27, 2008 at 6:04 pm
I work with recruiters all the time and find most of them to be excellent people…maybe I’m just fortunate, but there it is. As always, you’re a reflection of the company you keep and are repped by, so keep good company - recruiter or otherwise…
So, that said, I think any recruiter who is transparent, upfront and candid about how this helps them, too - and what your chances and prospects are - and isn’t in it for the money…is a great recruiter. Also, look for recruiters who ask “How can I help you?” outside of how they can find you a new job. If the recruiter is a strong networker and is willing to help you in addition to where they see return, that’s also a great sign.
On the con side, the recruiters who are solely money driven or who leave me messages “Hi, I have a project to discuss - please call me” with no extra info - that’s not cool.
In a nutshell - You can’t do good business with bad partners…but not all recruiters are bad partners.
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