What An Executive Recruiter Can And Cannot Do For Candidatres

I wish I could help everyone who comes in to meet me.  Unfortunately, there are misconceptions about what a recruiter can and cannot do.  I thought I would write about it.  

There are all kinds of recruiters.  But in broad strokes here is what most of us do and don’t do.

1.    Recruiters don’t get people jobs

One of the great misconceptions is that recruiters can get candidates jobs.  We can’t.  (See number 4, below).  Recruiters are almost like wholesalers.  The best we can do is understand our clients and their needs and then send candidates we think are appropriate for that position.

2.    Recruiters don’t market candidates

I have written about this many times.  The notion that if you meet a recruiter, he or she immediately make introductions is mostly wrong.  Most reputable recruiters work only on assignment which means that they only send candidates appropriate to the specifications of that assignment.

3.    Recruiters don’t network candidates

Many candidates misunderstand recruiters.  They assume that even if the recruiter doesn’t have a specific job for them, they will network them to friends and associates.  Most of us meet far too many candidates to do that.  We get paid to place candidates, not to network them. 

4.    Recruiters do work for their clients, not for their candidates

We are paid by our clients.  They pay us to find people who match the criteria they give us.  While we can stray from this slightly, especially if we know the client well, we cannot send candidates who we know are wrong; that would be wrong for our clients and hurtful to our candidates.

5.    Recruiters work on assignment

See numbers 2, 3 and 4, above. 

6.    Recruiters, especially single industry recruiters, can help with your career

Recruiters who specialize in an industry can be very excellent mentors and guides.  They know companies and who they hire.  And they often know many of the people.  They understand the nuances of hiring.  They can be wonderful sources of information and guidance.

7.    Recruiters, can help you with your resume

It doesn’t matter how senior or junior you are, a good recruiter can help with your résumé.  They understand what clients are looking for and may have you adjust your résumé for a job. Without your specific permission, a recruiter cannot and should not make any changes to your résumé.

8.    Recruiters can and should brief you before an interview

You should expect a recruiter to tell you about the company, the job and the people you will be talking to.  They should also send you written job specs if they have them.  They can help you position yourself for the job.  They can also help facilitate the entire interviewing process.

9.    Recruiters should follow up to give you feedback

I have written that my pet peeve is when I cannot get feedback from a company after an interview. Unfortunately, it happens too frequently.  However, as a candidate, you have a right to know how you did and if there are any next steps.  If you did not do well, you should receive constructive criticism as given to the recruiter by the company.
 

10.    Recruiters should either negotiate for you or help you negotiate

Many companies, even when using a recruiter, like to cut them out during negotiations (they wrongly think we are trying to get candidates higher salaries when, in fact, just the opposite is true, especially with good clients).  Candidates should always keep their recruiters informed of all discussions.