Making sure recruiters actually recruit for you: mission impossible?

16 May 2010

3 minute read

Making sure recruiters actually recruit for you: mission impossible?

Here is some advice that might help you turn the tide in your battle against rotten recruiters.

Fools rush in: take time to choose a consultant

It's clear from recent reader comments on eFinanancialCareers articles that many candidates don't think much of their current recruiters. Investing time to select a replacement could ensure you don't get stuck with another cowboy.

Find a consultant who is a specialist in your job function and has relationships with the employers you want to work for, says Ashton Bilbie, director, Profusion Wealth Management. "Talk to colleagues and friends about good and bad experiences they have had. Where possible, get a personal referral to a consultant - it can make the difference between getting a meeting with them or not."

Have a longer-term career plan

The more information you provide about your goals, the better chance your headhunter has of helping you achieve them. "A good recruiter will think laterally to come up with ideas outside your target position. With a clear picture of your goals, you will form a productive ongoing relationship," says Toby Aikins, principal consultant, Charterhouse Partnership.

Agree in advance which employers to target

Recruiters who don't have your best interests at heart will simply punt around your CV without prior permission. "It's vital for the candidate and headhunter to agree on a target list of potential firms to approach, whilst at the same time understanding who won't get covered due to the fact that a headhunter will only have a certain client base, not the entire market to reach out to," comments Ian Gaston, managing director, Tardis Group.

No secrets

Candidates should be open about who they have already spoken to, or are already interviewing with, advises Gaston. "It doesn't look good for a candidate to start a first-round interview with company X whilst about to receive an offer from company Y. Reputations on both sides can be damaged, and in some cases, if the offering firm hears, it can get cold feet and retract the offer," he warns.

Family matters

It's best to discuss all the factors which may affect your career choices. If you're planning to move interstate, or have holidays booked later in the year, be honest about it, comments Aikins. "If you know that you need a certain salary to survive, don't say you would consider less than that amount. We won't judge you for your choices and extra information means we can provide you with more holistic career advice and better career choices," he adds.

Two-way street

A candidate who refers their friends and provides market information is always going to stay top of mind, according to Blaise Habgood, business development manager, banking and financial services, Randstad. "I also encourage candidates to call their recruitment consultant and invite them for a coffee when they are in the area to exchange information."

AUTHORSimon Mortlock

Content Manager

Sa
Sarah
31 August 2011
The views above are "breathtaking" to say the least and lacking in intelligence and obviously laden with the hallmarks of individuals having opinions based on "bad experiences" which left a bad taste in their mouths.
I have had three significant career moves in one life so far. I have been a lawyer, a nurse and a recruiter.
Whilst looking for my next career move as a lawyer I used a recruiter, her efforts were so abysmal that, I was of the view I could bring something to the table.
As with so much in life... unless you dare to take the risk you don't stand to gain. In my opinion it is about quality, you have walked in your own shoes, so you know what you are after. The difference between a great recruiter and an average one is striking. I don't buy the above opinions a good recruiter can add value, open doors and assist you in a time poor world to obtain your next great job. An educated person has an inquiring mind and has the skill of perception. Therefore I think you can see the difference of someone who is serving your interests and one who is exploiting you.
We all have the ability to choose and the ability to discern. I am a person who does my best and no less.
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MC
MC
11 June 2010
To discuss the article's points:
1. Choose your consultant
I cannot really choose my consultant. If I find a job that I think is suitable for me, I apply and I have no control as to which agent the employer chose.
2. Communicate your longer term career plan with the agent
Good advice. But to what extent do agent/s really use this information, after they have had the first look at your resume, I cannot say.
3. Be selective in the employers
I would consider it a luxury and an ideal situation if I was in a position to be picky.
4. No secrets
Should I give an agent a reason to stop considering me for a role because of a role that I might be employed elsewhere in a role I am still unclear of? No. In an interview, I will give the agent no reason for concern. I am available and I do not want him/her to be confused with that fact.
5. Family matters, holidays, salary
If you are already unemployed, you need the money even if it's lower than your expectations. Besides, Centrelink will penalise you if they find out that you refused work by choice.
Reply
MC
MC
11 June 2010
To discuss the article's points:
1. Choose your consultant
I cannot really choose my consultant. If I find a job that I think is suitable for me, I apply and I have no control as to which agent the employer chose.
2. Communicate your longer term career plan with the agent
Good advice. But to what extent do agent/s really use this information, after they have had the first look at your resume, I cannot say.
3. Be selective in the employers
I would consider it a luxury and an ideal situation if I was in a position to be picky.
4. No secrets
Should I give an agent a reason to stop considering me for a role because of a role that I might be employed elsewhere in a role I am still unclear of? No. In an interview, I will give the agent no reason for concern. I am available and I do not want him/her to be confused with that fact.
5. Family matters, holidays, salary
If you are already unemployed, you need the money even if it's lower than your expectations. Besides, Centrelink will penalise you if they find out that you refused work by choice.
Reply
J.
J...
4 June 2010
I posted this else where before I saw this article.
Its true about recruiters they are incedibly narrow minded and I would even say xenophobic. Like someone above wrote...let them all go back to the UK.
I recently starting working for a Brit in a settlements role. I have 6 years pure settlements experience. He didnt know anything about settlements but was proposed as a candidate by the recruitment agency because he has "UK experience". He's 10 years younger than me and only got out of uni 3 years ago.
How do i know this ? Because I went for the same role but was knocked back by the recruitment agency because I did not have CHESS experience. They didnt even send me resume to the bank saying my background wasn't good enough ! They called back a few weeks later and sent me off to the same place for the junior role. I took it as had been unemployed for 18months after coming back to Oz from Germany.
I have now unofficlally taken over the functions of the manager. Any training required ? Im it. Any emergencies ? Im it. Any responsibilities ? Im it. But Im still paid $55k while he gets $85k the recognition.
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da
damien
4 June 2010
Aristotle, thanks for your reply.
Unfortunately I have never had any of the screening methods you mentioned. This is despite meeting 10 or 15 different recruitment agencies in Sydney over the last few years. To be clear I am not with 15/20 agencies as I have requested many to remove my details when I found they were most unprofessional. Generally Ive found that the small local recruitment agencies are the best. The big international ones are just filled with overseas cowboys trying to move up the corporate ladder. They really are arrogant bastards.
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