The truth is, it can be tough to be a recruiter. The stigma around the profession is oftentimes still negative and hard to work past when attempting to build new relationships with clients and talent.
I get it. Some recruiters are bad – just like some lawyers, some policemen and some government officials. But you can’t judge them all equally because of a smaller group’s bad behavior. Unfortunately, that is exactly what I’ve heard perpetuated in an audio interview by a well-known woman in the human resources field.
Below I’ve listed some of the main points of the interview and why I don’t believe them. Coming from a top search firm with multiple Best of Staffing Awards under our belt, it is safe to say that not every firm is of equal value. Here is what I have to say in response to “The Truth About Recruiters:”
- Myth: A recruiter is being paid by an employer, and therefore only working for the employer – NOT the job seeker.
A recruiter works for both the employer and the job seeker. Yes, the employer may be paying us – but what’s wrong with that? Wouldn’t job seekers rather not pay to receive assistance finding a job? The employer is paying us to find talent that makes a great fit and will stay in their position a long time – they are willing to shell out money now to save on turnover later.
- Myth: A recruiter acts like a friend but just has a transaction to make.
For us, it is never just a transaction. We truly want to build relationships to help grow our network, receive quality referrals down the line and create a better business in general. However, our candidates must also remember that employers are our partners, too, so we do need to have everyone’s best interests in mind.
- Myth: Recruiters talk down your value, and place you where you’re overqualified for a lower salary.
Again, completely false. A recruiter makes commission based on the salary of each candidate who is placed. Why would we aim to undershoot a candidate’s value when our own paycheck is determined by their salary? We are paid to find high-quality talent that is difficult for a company to find on their own. In higher levels like this, we would be hard-pressed to place you somewhere you are overqualified.
- Myth: Asking for salary is a bullying, fear-based, high-pressure tactic. Recruiters get you to think you NEED them.
We are not bullies, and in no way are we trying to scare you. I cannot work without your salary information because I need to know if the offers I have are enough to pay you, and pay you what you’re worth. My job is to make this a smooth process, but if I don’t know your salary and offer you a job way out of line, it is a waste of everyone’s time. When I know your salary upfront, I know what options we can talk about that make sense.
- Myth: LinkedIn is the game changer – you can find any job you want online and don’t without a recruiter.
My biggest clients post their jobs on LinkedIn – so yes, you could find those jobs on your own. But my biggest clients also engage me to help with those same positions – so they are not relying on LinkedIn applications alone to fill their jobs. In many cases, they send the position opening to me first, then release it to the public. You may not need a recruiter, or even be looking for a job – but is it such a bad thing that we are sending you opportunities?
- Myth: Employers can be unethical too – the long application process is disgraceful.
Unfortunately, long applications are still the way to get hired for many positions. It isn’t a fun process, but it’s not designed to be. A lengthy application process is one way an employer can weed out those who aren’t serious about an opportunity. An employer needs this information to make informed hiring decisions, and in some big companies, going through the process is mandatory. Sometimes you have to pay your dues. If you don’t – you’re probably not getting the job.
Recruiters aren’t bad people. We are here, sending you career opportunities – a completely free service to job seekers. If you find yourself seeking out your next position, do not be afraid to call a recruiter. Look for one that has a long history of success and loyalty, and you’ll see that “The Truth About Recruiters” is not the truth at all.
