Candidates - Things To Be Aware Of When Using A Recruitment Agency

RacyRed

Sexki11en, If you can honestly say that you have never been economical with the truth to a candidate, then you have my utmost respect.

Can you?

Sammyantha

sexki11en wrote: »

To the OP who asked why no consultants are in here defending themselves, it's a waste of time. No one listens. Even when we try and be helpful. You all know better. Check my previous posts.

Having read this through so far, I can see why many would be put off posting.

RedSoleShoes

sexki11en wrote: »

And now I shall bow out of this thread. I have to call ANOTHER candidate back (who cried this morning when I told her she'd got one of the jobs I submitted her for) with her start date. The job she's wanted for ages. And a £4k salary rise thanks to my negotiation with the client.

Do you think you would have negotiated for the candidate's salary rise if there hadn't been some extra commission in it for you? I think not......

Just for the record. I am not here to "bash" recruitment agencies. If you read the original post, it was a warning to other candidates NOT to give any information to agents about roles they are applying for as it will be used to either harass that company or so the agent can try and place other candidates in that role. That is the behaviour that I find appalling. As for all the other complaints, you are no worse than Estate Agents really. But that is a whole other thread..... :rotfl:

wilykit

I had a good experience with Hays in April 2009 and went to them 4 weeks ago when I had no job....I went in for the interview and assessment etc but have heard NOTHING from them since. Even though they said I would be a 'priority' as I have worked for them before AND I have seen them advertising jobs I have done before but they didn't even give me a call!

cavework

LilyDeTilly wrote: »

Do you think you would have negotiated for the candidate's salary rise if there hadn't been some extra commission in it for you? I think not......

Just for the record. I am not here to "bash" recruitment agencies. If you read the original post, it was a warning to other candidates NOT to give any information to agents about roles they are applying for as it will be used to either harass that company or so the agent can try and place other candidates in that role. That is the behaviour that I find appalling. As for all the other complaints, you are no worse than Estate Agents really. But that is a whole other thread..... :rotfl:

And that would be all Estate Agents would it ?

Any other occupation you would like to make blanket derogatory comments about based upon your obviously wide range of experiences in so many fields?
Seems recruitment consultants are accused of selling candiates short by agreeing to poor rates of pay and are also in the wrong if they negotiate a higher rate of pay.
SK did her job and did it properly.

RedSoleShoes

cavework wrote: »

Seems recruitment consultants are accused of selling candiates short by agreeing to poor rates of pay and are also in the wrong if they negotiate a higher rate of pay.
SK did her job and did it properly.

I'm not sure where you got the idea that I said it was wrong. I merely pointed out that she did it as much for her benefit as the candidate's. Let's face it, RCs are not in it to be do-gooders so should not imply that they are being altruistic in negotiating better wages for candidates.

Again, I reiterate the main point of this thread, which is to advise candidates not to pass on any information about their other job applications, interviews or job offers to recruitment consultants as they use this information purely for their own gain - even if it means back-stabbing the candidate.

RedSoleShoes

cavework wrote: »

And that would be all Estate Agents would it ?.

I wouldn't know, I don't believe I have met ALL estate agents.

DKLS

LilyDeTilly wrote: »

It's good to hear a positive story, I'm glad you have found something :xmassmile

I realise that they are basically middle-men/women who are only in it for the commission but back-stabbing is really not the best idea. The agent at Hays who tried to do that to me has now shot himself in the foot as I am responsible in my new role for any initial recruitment drives so, if it turns out that we have to use an agency (which I will avoid at all costs) then I will not be using that one!

So maybe they need to realise that their candidates could eventually become their clients in the future.....

Your missing an opportunity, I have forgotten the number of meals I have had at the expense of agencies, plus a few trips out to the Races, a few footie matches and casino nights with free spends, there is nothing wrong with playing a few agencies off each other.

As for securing work with agencies, it can be like working with the devil at times, but if you can find a decent recruitment agent and they do exist and know the rules of the game you can do very well, the good ones can open doors that otherwise would be firmly shut to you.

1984ReturnsForReal_2

moggylover wrote: »

Then perhaps they need to set up their computer system to at least send an automatic/standard email;)

Many, many moons ago when we did not have the facility for email, but customer service standards were far better across the board, many of those recruiters would have spent long periods of time answering the phone and talking to individuals about the circumstances: that needs to be an integral part of their job now as well. They offer a two-fold service, they need to be service orientated to both the employer and the candidate or should get out of a service industry.

We are far too easily persuaded that poor service, lack of discretion, and outright greed are acceptable these days, hence the fact that the Country really is a rip-off!

Now I can tell that many moons ago you did not work in recruitment.

Because before email a proper personal letter to a candidate from a consultant would of been a page long minimum & taken 30 mins + to write.

1984ReturnsForReal_2

RacyRed wrote: »

Doesn't matter. Most firms limit themselves to a couple of agencies anyway and most candidates are registered with multiple agencies.

Ergo, the *right* candidate's CV will cross her desk, but Hays will not get the fee.

Its not professional & your way of working leaves things to chance as an employer (or rather bad employee).