I took a call from an obnoxious recruiter this morning. The recruiter contacted me because an ex-colleague listed me as a reference. It made me think that it might be worthwhile to briefly review basic job search etiquette.
We all understand this is an extraordinary time to be looking for a job. While networking proves to always be the most efficient use of time, recruiters do serve a role in the job search process and can be incredibly useful sometimes. [emphasis on sometimes]
The problem arises when using inexperienced or disreputable recruiters. When you sign up with an executive recruiter, do your own due diligence. Make them work for that commission. Many recruiters are point blank LAZY. Therefore, YOU have to manage the process!
Case in point might be where you register with an executive recruiter and the recruiter asks for references. The request is not out of the ordinary. However, learn to ask smart Q's ahead of time. Ask the recruiter what their process is when presenting you as a candidate to prospective employers. Your resume alone and a basic discussion with any recruiter about your professional experience should be sufficient to present you as a candidate to prospective clients.
If a recruiter proceeds to actually call references, make sure it is only because you anticipate an offer or you are negotiating an offer and NEVER beforehand.
The case this morning was a recruiter that called in advance of even setting up an active interview with a prospective client. This is bad bad bad. [emphasis on bad]
I called my ex-colleague to tell them that an executive recruiter called me as a reference. I was eager to say "congratulations" on getting a job offer and then I found out an interview hasn't even been set up!
Now, common sense prevails. If every reference was contacted prematurely in the process by every recruiter that you register with, this is BURDENSOME on your reference and it reflects poorly on both the executive recruiter and YOU.
My two cents for the day...
