| Topic Name: |
Recruiter Etiquette |
| Message Name: |
A recruiter's perspective |
| Date Posted: |
09/05/2005 |
| In Reply To: |
I have undergone a similar situation. In fact, I went to Greystone Staffing in Long Island and spent hours and money going there from NYC. I meet this extremely giggly woman, who asks questions and when its my turn, tells me that she does not know much about the position. So after I fill many forms I have to leave. Anyways, she gets back to me only after I call to follow up on a position. After 2 months, she calls me and tells me about an internship that pays terribly, and when I ask about the company, doesn't tell me the name. And she kept giggling. Anyway, she hasn't called me back. And she actually had the nerve to tell me that I should contact her if I find something. No way! I have had similar experiences, and whenever a recruiter calls me, if they want me over to just fill forms, I refuse, and they feel offended. I honestly think that they are extremely useless. |
| Message: |
Well, there are certainly a large number of bad recruiters out there - barriers to entry in this business are very low, and there is no regulation at all. Pretty much anyone can put out a shingle and say they are in business. (I also find that people who have failed at other professions tend to join the business, which is very unfortunate.)
However, keep in mind that a recruiter is dealing with hundreds of candidates and up to a dozen projects at a time. It is physically impossible for me to update all of my candidates - I wouldn't get any work done. Personally, I tell qualified candidates that they should feel free to follow up with me if they haven't heard from me in a week. Obviously, I'll get ahold of them if we are moving forward with them, but client schedules, etc. often get in the way. If I am uncertain about whether they will be qualified or not, I tell them that they will hear from me in a certain amount of time if I can consider them on the search. That's the best I can do. If they're not qualified, I will either tell them right up front (or, if they are the type to argue the point, I'll email them. I don't have time for that discussion, and I can't change the client's requirements.)
Something to remember - it is very DIFFICULT to be the person who delivers bad news. As a recruiter, I'm dealing with people at a very vulnerable psychological point: they're putting their experience and skills out there in hopes they are good enough for a job, perhaps in a situation where they desparately need to find employment. Every rejection hurts, and it is hard to be the person who delivers that rejection. Obviously, it's harder to be the rejected candidate, but this is the reason why some recruiters don't get back - avoidance is easier than confrontation. That's no excuse, but it is a reason.
Also keep in mind - clients often don't tell recruiters about changes in their schedules and use recruiters as gatekeepers. Recruiters are supposed to present a seamless interface between candidate and client, but it isn't always possible.
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