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As a 10-year veteran recruiter, I've heard just about every gripe, stereotype and only-half-funny joke in town about headhunters. Strangely, people often say them right to my face, as if there is no chance that I may be offended, right? But really, I am not offended, and here's why: A lot of recruiters truly earn their reputations as marginal-at-best scheisters. More than a handful of recruiters are lazy, not very knowledgeable about their clients or industry of focus, and definitely just out for the buck.
But some are exceptional, and can serve as a significant ally as you navigate job search. They are connected with decision-makers at the very companies you would die to work for. They can help you get in the door, interview well, and negotiate like a champ.
So how do you spot the duds? Here are a few signs that you may not have landed on the best recruiter in the game, and what to do if you find yourself in this boat:
She seems unconcerned about your career goals: This is a significant red flag. If a recruiter has decided that you're the perfect match for an opportunity, she's going to want you on board. A good recruiter will ask you what you are looking for, and work with you to see if this opportunity lines up with your goals. A dud will see only the potential "win" for her, and steamroll you into the mix, whether you think it sounds great or not.
What to do: If you feel like this is happening, either call the recruiter out and let her know you would like to talk about your goals and consider asking her manager if you may be able to work with another recruiter on the team.
She rushes through everything with you: This could be problematic on several levels. First, you may not get a good overview of the company or opportunity if the recruiter is all zippy-do-dah when explaining things. Second, it could be a sign that she is not terribly knowledgeable about (or connected to) the hiring company. And third, it might mean that she's already decided that you are not a fit and too chicken to just tell you that.
What to do: Try asking a few semi-detailed questions about the specifics of this role, and the organisation. If the recruiter either won't or can't answer these questions to a level you're satisfied with, consider declining to work with this recruiter.
She has talked with you in months prior, and can't remember: In the year 2015, with all of our technology, scanning software and candidate databases, there's just really no excuse for a recruiter not knowing that she called you two, four, nine months ago. Look it up, my friend. Look it up. If this does happen, it's a sign of disorganisation and laziness.
What to do: If you're truly dissatisfied with the recruiter and still interested in the opportunity, find out who the recruiter's manager is and ask if it's possible to be reassigned.
The author is Jenny Floss, a career strategist. Reprinted with permission.
Link: http://www.jobjenny.com/the-blog/2015/2/22/5-signs-of-a-bad-recruiter-and-how-to-avoid-one
