| Topic Name: |
Recruiter Etiquette |
| Message Name: |
Yes... |
| Date Posted: |
09/07/2005 |
| In Reply To: |
I wanted to take a moment to make some comments to those candidates that feel that we in the industry have zero people skills and lack the interest in following up with our candidates. Each recruiter is going to be different in his/her approach but it has been my feeling for the duration of my career that without the talent, we are unable to fill our jobs. Therefore, it would make no sense for a good recruiter not to follow up with each and every candidate. We are not available at all times but those of us that have chosen this profession and are good at what we do, certainly understand that each candidate should be shown respect. Let's face it here folks, we are not talking about rocket science. How hard is it to pick up the phone or drop an e-mail? Those of you who are working with recruiters that are not meeting your needs, simply take your skills and talent someplace else. There are plenty of us out there. Choose a firm and recruiter that leaves you with a good feeling and provides answers to your questions. |
| Message: |
I definitely think that all recruiters are not bad. In fact, I am sure rejecting a candidate must really tough. Sometimes I think that companies make recruiters do all the "dirty work". But when a recruiter tells me that my profile is perfect for a position, especially when they call me up and make me put in extra effort for them, I do not appreciate not being called.
In my experience, I have filled out paperwork with my social security and driver's license # by spending an hour traveling to their office and back, and the recruiter has been particular about calling me before that paperwork and never after, for which I have neither the respect nor the patience. I have started telling them, 'I will put in the effort only if you have an interview for me, or if you will not make me just fill paperwork and are really interested in talking to me about my background.' Some have been rude after hearing that and have snapped back with 'we have been operating successfully for 20 years like that, and if you do not wish to be associated with a successful procedure, it is your call to make.' And I have been firm, because honestly, I do not have the time and patience to put in effort that has no results. I can meet to talk, but not just fill paperwork.
I also find it confusing that different recruiters call me about the same position, which makes me doubt their credibility. They also give false hopes and never call back. I just wish they were honest! I can deal with that.
By the way, I have also come across the good ones that get the paperwork only when they have an interview, and are serious about their work. Unfortunately, they are extremely few. But this is just my opinion on independent recruiters.
I have also realized that the HR people or interviewers within companies have absolutely no respect for the amount of time we candidates put in. For them, they can treat us as they like, and since we are at the other end, there is little we can do or say for fear that it may jeorpadize our chances of employment. I have had a few interviews where they have felt that I am either under-qualified or over-qualified. Since that is clear in my resume, I don't understand why they would call me for a second or third interview, and not bother to get back unless I send several emails and leave several messages. I have been available at the last minute for interviews, spent hours meeting 7-9 people, and they don't have the decency to get back to me. I have had such an experience with Virgin Mobile and Analytic Partners. The only companies that have been very professional are Accenture and Prudential. And I have to say that I really admire the AC Nielsen HR people. They really care about you as a candidate, and although their process takes a long time, they treat the candidate's time as valuable.
I really wish that there was some respect for the job seeker, since my time is as valuable as the HR person /interviewer's time.
|
|
