Recruiters

How about recruiters, Jack? Are they worth it?

Well, that's a relative question.

I have some very close friends who are recruiters. They are good, hardworking people who enjoy connecting quality candidates with the right company.

I have also met with recruiters who are only after a quick buck and will do anything to get that commission. I mean anything.

Recruiters can connect you with some great positions you would have never heard of otherwise. Almost all of my dealings with recruiters over the past few years have been very positive.

During the post-DotCom crash of 2001-2002, however, I had nothing but bad experiences with recruiters. I wasted a lot of time going to "interviews" (meetings at a recruiter's office, no employer present) and getting dressed up for nothing.

So take it with a grain of salt. As I said, I have a number of friends who are recruiters and they know my opinion.

Here are some (also opinionated) things to watch out for and expect when dealing with recruiters.

1. A recruiter must be either a full time, recognized recruiter and/or a member of an established employment/recruitment company. Watch out for "fly by night" operators!

2. A recruiter must understand your occupation and industry. Unethical recruiters will only know buzzwords.

3. Ethical recruiting companies will have direct, long term relationships with several different client companies for which they provide quality candidates.

4. Good recruiters constantly network for both candidates and target companies. Further, they maintain regular contact with their network for future placement.

5. Good recruiters are long term employees or owners of their own recruitment company. Beware companies with high employee turnover.

6. Recruiters do not charge you, the candidate, for their services. Never pay a recruiter a fee, payment, surcharge or stipend for matching you with a position. The employer pays the recruiter when they hire a candidate.

Remember, recruiters cannot hire you.

Recruiters cannot pay you.

An interview with a recruiter is not the same as an interview with the end employer.

If looking for work, a call from a recruiter is better than no call at all.

But you know my philosophy, Marketing Me is not a passive art. It is a constant network and work until you drop occupation.