What Will It Take To Get You Into This Job TODAY?
by hrwench

So, let me ask you this:

A Recruiter calls you (during these tough economic times) and asks you if you would "be open to discuss an opportunity if it were clearly superior to what [you're] doing now".

Would you say yes or no? My guess is that most people would say yes. I know I would.

The next thing out of my mouth would probably be, "what's the job?" Closely followed by "what's the salary range?" I have four cats to feed. I don't mess around.

Let's say the Recruiter's answer is, "Could you please give me a quick overview of your background, and I’ll then give you a quick overview of the job? If it seems mutually interesting we can schedule some time to talk in-depth."

HOLD UP, YO. Last time I checked, you called me.

So, let's say I ignore that bit of subterfuge and go onto "what's the salary range?"

He answers, “Before I tell you that, I’d like you to think about the best jobs you’ve ever held, those that gave you the most personal satisfaction. Were the reasons they were the best due to the amount of money you were making or due to the work you were doing?....Now, if the job I’m representing offered you a chance to maximize your personal satisfaction plus offered a competitive compensation, wouldn’t it make sense to at least discuss it for 5-10 minutes?”

For real? Did you find my number in the phone book? Is this the Air Force again? I told you guys when I was 18 that I wasn't interested and it still stands.

Wait, is this Crank Yankers? Am I actually talking to a celebrity?

No, friends. You're talking to a Recruiter that follows the advice of Lou Adler's latest article on ere.net.

Be sure not to skip the comments section, where Lou informs Ask A Manager's Alison Green that

  • The recruiter is *suddenly* well known.
  • The candidate is *suddenly* only one that would be interested in an executive position.
  • "Top performers" would listen to this spiel (so, is he insinuating that AAM is not a top performer? BAH!)
  • "Bad" recruiters come across crass when they use these tactics, but "good" ones come across as professional.

How would you respond to this Recruiter?

 

Cross posted at HR Wench

Submitted by hrwench (view blog) on Sun, 07/27/2008 - 00:55

Comments

 

Good time to

hang up the phone, Yep.

Virginia DeBolt
BlogHer Technology Contributing Editor
Web Teacher
First 50 Words

Submitted by Virginia DeBolt on Sun, 07/27/2008 - 06:21
 

oh, this made me laugh!

I have HAD this conversation!  Followed by several other frustrating conversations with the same guy.  He had my CV already, but wouldn't give me the details of the job, other than to say they needed my sort of experience.  Couldn't tell me the employer, the sort of systems I'd be expected to work on, or what my role would be (tech support?  database administration?  data analysis? app customisation? it was THAT BROAD)

this is what happens when recruiters try to recruit technical staff without any understanding of the technology.

I laughed, said I couldn't consider changing jobs for less than $x.  He kept calling back, with precious little detail, but a higher number each time.  eventually the number was high enough that i went to talk to the people.  and at that point, all became clear.  But that recruiter was the most frustrating adult i've ever had to deal with.

Submitted by kazari on Sun, 08/24/2008 - 22:05
 

I think it spans all industries

I'm in human resources and a recruiter tried this tactic on me for an HR job.  I mean, come on!  We both work in "the industry" and she still fed me the lines?  Crazytown! I wrote about the experience here.

Jenn Barnes

Blog: HR Wench

Twitter: hrwench

Submitted by hrwench on Sun, 08/24/2008 - 22:19