Myths about Using Executive Recruiters

Nov 30

Some of my best friends and colleagues are outstanding recruiters. If you are currently looking for a job, there are a few things you need to know about what recruiters can and cannot do for you.

One of the most common misconceptions is that recruiters help people find jobs. While it is true that recruiters do place people in some very excellent positions, recruiters are primarily beholden to the customers they represent.
It is the job of a recruiter to find a candidate to fill a position. As such, recruiters seldom market candidates to companies, and when they do, they only select the cream of the crop as ‘Most Placeable Candidates’ (MPCs).
Roughly about 5% of the revenue a recruiter makes is from placing a candidate into a company. 95% of the revenue is from finding a good candidate to fill a specific open role. Recruiters either work on contingency or are retained by the employer.
If you are in career transition, have changed positions frequently, or if you have worked in multiple industries, it is less likely that a recruiter will be able help you. The recruiter may want to help you, but the corporations that pay 20% of annual base salary in commissions expect recruiters to hit the nail on the head.
Networking with recruiters who are in your niche market is still a very good idea. If you establish a positive relationship with a talented recruiter, they will remember you the next time a suitable opening does come across their desk.

Recruiters are an important part of a search strategy, which should also include networking with people in and outside of your network, participating in related industry groups, and to a lesser extent using the Internet.

It is important not to put your eggs in one job search basket. In addition to reaching out to a network of recruiters, it is vital to make sure that your professional message gets into the right hands, and is presented in a way that is dynamic and compelling.

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This article is part of the Career Collective monthly blog posts. Below are links to the other blogs for December 2010 from the Career Collective.

5 Misconceptions Entry-Level Job Seekers Make, @heatherhuhman, http://heatherhuhman.com/2010/12/5-misconceptions-entry-level-job-seekers-make/

How "Interview Savvy" Are You?, @careersherpa, http://careersherpa.net/how-interview-savvy-are-you/

Employers Don't "Care", @ValueIntoWords, http://careertrend.net/employers-dont-care

Misconceptions about Using Recruiters http://t.co/kjQYmud @DebraWheatman, http://careersdonewrite.com/blog/2010/11/30/5-misconceptions-about-using-recruiters.html

15 Myths and Misconceptions about Job-Hunting, @KatCareerGal, http://resumesandcoverletters.com/tips_blog/2010/12/15-myths-and-misconceptions-ab.html

Are You Boring HR? @resumeservice http://resume-writing.typepad.com/resume_writing_and_job_se/2010/12/boring-hr.html

Job Search Misconceptions Put Right, @GayleHoward http://www.theexecutivebrand.com/category/blog/thinking-the-right-way/

Who Cares About What You Want in a Job? Only YOU!, @KCCareerCoach, http://coachmeg.typepad.com/career_chaos/2010/12/who-cares-about-what-you-want-in-a-job-only-you-.html

How to get your resume read (sort of), @barbarasafani, http://www.careersolvers.com/blog/2010/12/01/how-to-get-your-resume-read-sort-of/

The 4 secrets to an effective recruiter relationship, @LaurieBerenson, http://blog.sterlingcareerconcepts.com/2010/12/01/the-4-secrets-to-an-effective-recruiter-relationship.aspx

Job Interviews, Chronic Illness and 3 Big Ideas, @WorkWithIllness http://workingwithchronicillness.com/2010/12/job-interview-chronic-illness-and-3-big-ideas/

The secret to effective job search, @Keppie_Careers: http://www.keppiecareers.com/2010/12/01/the-secret-to-effective-job-search/