The Recruiter Reputation

Why recruiters have a bad reputation and how to avoid the bad apples.

Let's be honest, all industries have their fair share of "bad apples". Most recruiters are hardworking and passionate about what they do but there are plenty of stories out there about bad experiences with a recruiter that tend to dominate what people think. Here are some reasons of WHY recruiters get a bad rap and how to avoid those situations.

1. COMMISSION OVER CONCERN

Most recruiters get paid more in commission than they do in their base pay - that is the reality, right? Well, because of this payment model, it can make some recruiters focus more on the money than the job itself. As a candidate, if you feel the recruiter doesn't have your best interest at heart, it's simple, walk away. We spend more time at work than at home, so it is very important to find the "right fit" and if the recruiter doesn't share this same philosophy, you can end up with the job that you're not happy with only because they want to cash in on that commission.

My motto: Just because it is a GOOD job doesn't it mean it is a GOOD job for you!

2. JUST FLUFF

Some recruiters will tell you what you want to hear. They might talk up a job and only tell you the "good", when we all know that each job or company comes with its fair share of challenges. When interviewing with a recruiter, do not be afraid to ask tough questions. Ask about the company's culture, why the last person left the job, what challenges this job may come with, etc. If you feel like you are being sold on the job, then that is exactly what is happening.

3. LACKING FOLLOW UP

YEP. You heard it, lacking follow up. The most common complaint I hear from candidates. Yes, there should be some room for human error here, but if you reach out to the recruiter and are ghosted or don't hear back after an interview, it is very disheartening, am I right?

As recruiters, we need to do a better job putting ourselves in the candidates' shoes. Sometimes the candidate is putting their life on hold to see if they got the offer so when they hear nothing but crickets from the recruiter it isn't going to leave a very good impression!

4. ZERO TRANSPARENCY

I never understood the notion of not being open and honest, especially with candidates. One of my least favorite things to do, as a recruiter, is backfill a position. Filling it once can be a task, but twice, that's tough! I find one of the best ways to avoid this is to be up front and honest about EVERYTHING. Because guess what, the candidate will eventually figure it out on their own. So, anything your hiding, will come to fruition. Trust me.

5. PASSIVE AGGRESSIVE

We live in a culture where people are easily offended which in return created the habit of passive aggressiveness. As recruiters it is important to give up front and honest feedback to the candidate. Beating around the bush doesn't help anyone. If the client gives constructive criticism, it is important to just tell the candidate up front and not stray from the truth. Afterall, feedback is a gift!

P.S. I once had a candidate tell me he appreciated that I wasn't passive aggressive, instead just aggressive-aggressive! :) Take it for what it's worth, but if you are work with our company, you will get nothing but the honest truth and feedback!