If you are searching for a job or you are attending college as an online student who will soon be graduating, you may have wondered about contacting a recruiter. However, if you have the wrong ideas about what recruiters do, you may feel disillusioned or frustrated if you do choose to work with one. What are some of the common misconceptions you could have regarding recruiters that could be clarified? Here are 6 myths . . .
Recruiters are ill-mannered and rude. Recruiters could make up to a 100 calls per day. Therefore, if the recruiter you spoke with seemed blunt or even a tad bit rude, understand that he or she has a job to do and a limited time in which to find the right job candidate. What may appear as brusqueness to you could be a hard working recruiter who is trying to complete her job. Recruiters are not career coaches. They typically cannot respond to unsolicited calls or resumes and they tend to prioritize their time. Speaking about their jobs . . .
Recruiters work for the job seeker. Recruiters may assist in placing you with a company but only if you fit the bill. They work for employers who need a specific job opening filled by a particular candidate. The job hunt is for you alone. A recruiter is not obligated to take over your career search.
Recruiters only recruit for one job. Often times, recruiters may contact you regarding a job availability because they could think that you are the right candidate for the position. Yet, recruiters may get in touch with you about other job slots as well so be sure to clearly communicate what type of jobs appeal to you.
Recruiters determine whether or not you get the job. While recruiters may help out with screening some candidates, they do not have the final say when it comes to hiring. Higher level mangers usually decide whether or not you make the cut.
Recruiters all get paid in the same manner. There are two types of recruiters: contingency recruiters and retained recruiters. Contingency recruiters often deal with competition and they usually are not paid unless their client hires the candidate they present. Retained recruiters are generally hired by companies and they may earn fees that are paid out as the recruiters work on their recruiting assignments.
Recruiters are only trying to place contract or temporary job slots. Many times, recruiters are attempting to fill full-time employment openings so before you ignore a recruiter’s phone call, hear what he or she has to say about the position.
Working with a recruiter could be a great way for you to expand your career networking and maybe even assist you in pursuing your career. While it might be unreasonable to expect a recruiter to answer your every concern and hold your hand when job searching, a good recruiter could be a fantastic resource who you may have overlooked before in your career hunt.
Pamela Rossow is a freelance writer who works with higher education clients. She is a native South Floridian who enjoys photography, literature, and hockey. You can follow her on Google+.
