All Recruiters Are Deceitful, Ill-mannered, Money-Hungry Jerks with Slimy Reputations

Okay. I’m the first to admit it. I have a love for people. It’s like I am addicted or something. Combine this with my love of coaching, my need to do research, add a few social media tools and we are talking about one crazy, ecstatic lady!

I guess it was something that could have been detected early on. I have always enjoyed providing service and helping people in any way that I possibly could. Whether it was solving a problem, offering my assistance or even just creating a smile on someone’s face, they all brought me joy.

Whenever careers were the topic of discussion, everyone always told me I should be a recruiter. What??? I baulked at the idea and was rather offended. All recruiters were deceitful, ill-mannered, money-hungry jerks with slimy reputations. They never cared about anyone but themselves. I had bigger expectations for my career. After all, I was into helping people and making them smile so recruiting was not for me. Or was it?

With one thing leading to another, I soon found myself recruiting. One moment I was doing research on people and the next I was told to go make friends. I picked up the phone and started talking to everyone. It was like I didn’t even notice it happened. It started so innocently and it appears that I was the only one shocked when it occurred. I never thought my career path would cross over into the recruitment industry but, it did. I was so surprised. Even more surprising though, was that I actually liked it.

I suppose this is quite similar to the feeling people are experiencing when they say, ‘if you love your career, you’ll never work a day in your life’. I know it is cliché but, it is true. I get the opportunity to combine all the things I love into my career. Everyday I do research, coach and use social media tools. I couldn’t be happier! The recruiters that I speak with are so warm and friendly and seem to genuinely share the same people-passion as me.

With a goal of improving the reputation, instilling confidence and building trust and rapport within the industry, I have a lot of work left to do! So don’t be surprised when you get that call from me and you hear a passionate voice on the other end of the phone. I mean, you didn’t think that all recruiters were deceitful, ill-mannered, money-hungry jerks with slimy reputations, did you?

Comment by Christine Staccia on July 22, 2010 at 11:13am: Recruiters provide a service. They connect people with opportunities. Good recruiters do care about the people they recruit and eventually place. Unfortunately many recruiters who work for staffing agencies are on commission or draw. This makes them try very hard to make a placement.

Then there are recruiters who are on a base. They also work hard to make a placement but do not have the need to work like a commission person. Bottom line is recruiters are like lawyers, we may not always like them but we many times need their expertise to win a case or land a fantastic position. ..Comment

Comment by Brian Anderson on July 22, 2010 at 12:46pm: Thanks for the post: on Christine’s reply. Compensation has nothing to do with respect, being courteous and integrity. As we all know everything we do is a choice. I choose to be respectful, I choose to be courteous, I choose to be of high integrity and character. Who I work for has nothing to do with how I conduct myself. It’s a choice.

Comment by Lea McKay on July 22, 2010 at 3:13pm: Thanks for taking the time to read and write the comments guys.

@Christine: What you wrote is true. Just because it happens, doesn't mean it has to the norm nor accepted. Regardless of the expertise one offers, it should be done respectfully. Keep in mind, the service you offer attracts clients of similar mindset.

@Brian: I would be willing to bet that you have many who choose to repeat business and form relationships with you. Keep up the good work and thanks for being part of the solution!

Comment by Christine Staccia on July 23, 2010 at 11:49am: I am sorry so many people have had negative experiences with recruiters. I guess I have only worked with professionals with integrity. I think the successful recruiters are courteous and respectful. My experiences have been positive with the recruiter working with me. Commission compensation can make recruiters hungry. That does not excuse rudeness, of course. A good relationship is important in any business endeavor. Mutual respect is the most important.

Comment by Sylvia Dahlby on August 3, 2010 at 3:15pm: I hate to be cliche, but "one bad apple does not spoil the whole bunch" applies. Like any profession, a few bad apples create the slimy reputation. Everyone hates lawyers (recruiters and used car dealers) until they need one.