I was asked to write a foreword for a friend’s e-book recently. I won’t share the exact title since it is not out yet but the book deals with secrets that recruiters won’t tell you. The time he took to put this resource together is testimony to his professional credibility – the only thing a recruiter really has to offer you. The only thing a recruiter has is credibility.
While writing the piece it dawned on me – sharing the secrets of the game with candidates is really what has differentiated my recruiting practice. That is exactly what has allowed me to enjoy life as a generalist recruiter – I am the recruiter that will tell you what others won’t.
The misnomer of recruiting, Folks – is that, as a candidate, you think your recruiter exists to find you a job. Most recruiters do genuinely enjoy helping people – but a recruiter is primarily looking to find their client the right person. We do not broker people, we broker jobs. Let me manage your expectations for a minute – you are two things to a recruiter – a human being and a commodity. You need to understand that. When a recruiter is talking with you, you are a human being. When speaking with their client, you are a commodity. A good recruiter knows how to treat you with respect even though you are a product.
As a candidate, what I think you should expect, if not demand, is the truth – and I would suggest you always look for congruence in your recruiter’s words and actions – tempered with the understanding hiring authorities are often elusive moving targets.
Are you getting facts or generalities? You obviously need facts. Ironically, what you need from the recruiter is what they need from you. The best recruiter-candidate relationships are built on respect – like all good relationships – and clear communication.
One last thought, probably the absolute key – once the process gets rolling, your sense of urgency needs to be amped up. Amped up! If your recruiter calls, you better call them back. A strong sense of urgency indicates interest and ultimately offers reassurance to the employer that you are serious – you control the sense of urgency that controls the inference whether you are REALLY serious, which influences whether you get this gig or your slightly more amped up competition does. Think. Please.
Tags: Andy Gregory, career, cgp network, interviewing, sense of urgency, touchpoints
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