| Topic Name: |
Why does it seem that recruiters are all talk no action? |
| Message Name: |
Budget your time |
| Date Posted: |
04/17/2002 |
| In Reply To: |
I am sick and tired of taking time to go see recruiters and they talk all this talk and when it comes right down to it, they don't actually follow through.
I would say about 99% of the recruiters that call me to come in for an interview with them (for a possible position)have you come in, fill out papers, take computer tests that take hours and then hand you their business card and say that they will call you on Wednesday. Wednesday comes and goes and you don't hear from them at all, so you call them and they say they have nothing for you. You keep calling them and nothing. You think that maybe they don't actually have a position lined up but then you see them advertising for a position like one you just interviewed with them for on the NY Times.
Why did they have me come in in the first place? I hesitate now to even schedule an appointment with a recruiter because I feel like they waste your time. |
| Message: |
Odious as recruiters can be at times, they're still of some use. You never know if any particular one might have the connection you are looking for to that perfect job. But, you are right. Bad recruiters can be time sinks.
When a recruiter comes calling, explain that you are on another call. State that you can call them back in 15 minutes, if they so desire, once you are done with your call. Get their name, number, and company name. After you hang up, do a quick check on the web to see if they're with a reputable group. If they look good, call them. Otherwise, don't even bother.
Let's say they look good. What next? In your call, find out if they're working on a contingency or retainer basis, their recruiting experience, and a list of clients for which they've filled positions. Find out how they found you. Still sounding good? Go to the next step.
State you'd be very interested in seeing a description of the job they're trying to fill. This is a good time to offer to send an email with your "updated" resume attached. Offer to receive their information any way you can, e.g., email, fax, snail mail. If the job is as hot as they claim, and you're THE ONE they're looking for as they are implying, they will jump at the chance to send you an email. For now, do not give out any specific salary expectations until you've had a chance to see the description, and even then be cagey and try to get the recruiter to state what is budgeted for the position.
Still looking good after you read the job description? This is the time when you can start to seriously consider having a face-to-face with them. Clarify what this meeting entails. Test? Forms? Actual meeting with a hiring manager? Location? Any particular item you'll need to bring? How much time to plan for?
Understand that your time is valuable. Treat it like money, which it truly is. In fact, it's even more valuable as once time is spent, it is gone. With money, there's always the next paycheck. Budget your time and spend it wisely. Dont' waste it on scam artists...errr... recruiters you have not checked out totally.
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