The Daily Recruiter

The recent economic climate has made a significant impact on the market; for both companies and employees. That’s right, on BOTH sides of the fence, players and coaches. This post is for the latter.

Always keep in mind that a good relationship with a solid agency will pay great dividends. Not so sure? Consider this: when’s the best time to have a ‘relationship’ with your attorney? Well, I’ll tell you when it’s NOT the best time: 3am, in jail, asking to borrow the yellow pages to make a phone call. Are you pickin’ up what I’m puttin’ down? Great!

So, heed some of these basic, yet often overlooked items when working with a Recruiter during your next career transition. First, let me preface by suggesting the best approach is a hybrid, of sorts. Stay passively aware of potential opportunities in the market with a professional ‘talent scout’ so you can evaluate and make your decisions proactively. Not out of fear or necessity.  The best and brightest keep an eye open for opportunities that could potentially be better than their current situation… Is this disloyal? Heck no. It’s REALISTIC! Just because you admire the shape and looks of a BMW M5 doesn’t mean you’re gonna trade in your busted, beat up 1990 Saab… In today’s market uncertainty; Mergers & Acquisitions, buyouts, bankruptcy’s etc, don’t be surprised if you wind up in the same position…  Don’t stick your head in the sand and pretend it isn’t happening…

Top 5 ‘Golden Rules’ of working with a Recruiter (as a Job Seeker)

1) Be mindful & respectful of their time. Recognize they aren’t YOUR agent, their Free of Charge, but their time is usually worth a minimum of $100 an hour, so don’t call every 2 days to follow up. In fact, if you don’t have a real good reason, don’t bother calling at all. If you absolutely must do so, email is preferred. Think that’s a little bit harsh? Really? DYK that a 200:1 ratio of incoming Candidates to Placements is not unusual at all. This is not a typo.  TWO HUNDRED (or more) to ONE.

Moreover, the last thing you need right now is someone commiserating with you on how bad it is out there ~ you need someone to help you land a suitable position. Often recently unemployed candidates can fall into several categories, make sure that ‘bitter and/or unhappy’ isn’t one of them. You are not a victim, so stop acting like it.

2) Do what you say you’re going to do, when you say you will. Trust me, our tolerance for ignorance and/or arrogance is really slim. Capiche? If not, best have a highly plausible explanation. Particularly important regarding scheduled interviews. Most don’t realize the amount of time, energy, logistical concerns and resources that go into this process.

3) Being anything less than forthcoming with information. This doesn’t mean give up all info blindly… If you are uncomfortable with a request, just ask why that’s important or relevant at this time and listen. This includes scenarios utilizing ‘cash register’ honesty. That’s where someone gives you change, but doesn’t tell you how they got it. Sneaky at best… Trust, but verify. Not unlike other industries, some have gained reputation for shady ethics. So, you’re right to be cautious. Just don’t sabotage a potential relationship which could be collectively beneficial.

4) Being ambiguous or disingenuous with your capabilities. They’ll find out soon enough. Finally, PEOPLE GET HIRED FOR WHAT THEY CAN DO BUT FIRED FOR WHO THEY ARE. Just because you’re walk on water doesn’t mean you’re getting hired – with the amount of investment a company is looking at paying in exchange for our services, believe me they are listening for our feedback on your soft skills (or lack of).

5) BE NICE Show a little appreciation for the effort. It’s wise and in your best interest to be courteous and respectful. Especially if you don’t get an interview or land that job.  Guess what? We BOTH get paid the same…ZERO. In fact, if you want to turn empathy into apathy, or worse, just give a little attitude to us on the back end of the process. Instead, ask questions & learn from the process.

That’s one of the Dalai Lama ’Lessons for Life‘: ‘When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.” This applies in spades here… Because anyone that has been doing this for more than a few years will tell you, we’re phone cops.

What does that mean?  Simple. This means we can hear, see and detect bull$hit from a mile away… So, mean what you say and say what you mean. We’re here to help, but don’t take us for granted.

This is NOT the unemployment office and we are NOT government employees. Be grateful.

Particularly if you have a relationship and feel said party is advocating your best interest…

Primary reason for this DISPARITY? We don’t get paid if you don’t get a new position; they get paid either way…  Think about it…….that’s the good news & the bad news. That’s REAL.

By Bill Vick, Author of Big Biller