FRED BAYR: Three substantial steps to a happier relationship between recruiters and candidates
If the barrage of antagonistic and defensive comments typically posted on the bottom of these articles is anything to go by, the relationship between the average recruiter and the average candidate is not in a healthy state.
Some candidates are, admittedly, excessively disparaging. Recruiters are not 'scum' (at least not many of them); we are just doing our jobs. On the other hand, however, we recruiters are also inordinately defensive; we view criticism with more spite than Al Fayed has for Chelsea fans.
As the parents in the recruiter-candidate relationship, it's up to us recruiters to take this in hand. There is a way to heal this rift and it involves the three point plan below. If this is followed by everyone in the recruitment industry, recruiters and candidates will coexist harmoniously. At least I like to think so.
1) Total and utter honesty
Recruiters must be honest. We must appreciate that candidates are human beings and not mere numbers on a database. We must not make promises that undermine candidates' trust. We must never send out CVs without permission. In no circumstances must we divulge how much someone earns to their colleagues.
2) Acceptance of disinterest
Candidates have real jobs with real responsibilities. Sometimes they have to blow us recruiters out. Occasionally, candidates might even agree to turn up for a meeting simply to get us off the phone. Unfortunately, this is something we need to accept.
Recruiters must be humble. We must learn to take no for an answer. When a candidate says he or she will turn up for a meeting and doesn't, we must accept this, stoically. Under no circumstances must we spread rumours about them across the City as a means of revenge.
3) Nullification of arrogance
Being a recruiter is frustrating. Some candidates are simply not particularly bright. Some are less bright than we are. However, this doesn't give us the right to feel intellectually superior. Personally, I have a third class degree in English Literature from the University of Winchester and am fully accepting of my place in the hierarchy. However, even if I come across someone with a BA in Hospitality Management, I am never rude or overbearing.
It does not take much. This is my manifesto for change. One day, the relationship between candidates and recruiters shall be a happy one. And I, Fred Bayr, am leading the way.
