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Stebinator, Sea Ranch, 08, with my Daughter, Krissy

THE TRUTH ABOUT HEADHUNTERS

 

 

    The executive search business is very unique: Few professionals actually do what we do. I have been doing this so long that I periodically forget that there are lots of young people who don't really understand the "rules of engagement", so here it is. This is straight talk, not glossed over with "executive speak".

First of all, recruiters exist because of the basic principles of supply and demand. When there are few candidates, the value of these candidates goes up, and subsequently, finding them, hiring them, and retaining them becomes much more challenging. This is particularly true of the smaller companies, who often lack the deep pocket capabilities of the big boys.

Secondly, recruiters are only matchmakers. I confidentially introduce people to other people; candidates to hiring managers. That's it. Since we often approach employed professionals, we sometimes get called 'Headhunters'. I don't consider that offensive at all. If I lost my office manager or my accountant to the efforts of such an individual, I'd probably call them the same thing.

Because we are paid by hiring managers, we are NOT an employment service. Every week I hear from some Gumbah who says "Stebinator, what are you doing for me? How many jobs have you found? This is somebody who does not understand what I do. If you match up with the qualifications a client seeks, then I call you. If you don't, you will not hear from me. This is why I always recommend that people frequent my job postings, and any time they see something for which they are qualified, to notify me and ask for more detailed information.

Third, our value to you is to introduce a job opportunity you do not know about, or one which you feel uncomfortable approaching. If you find a lead on your own, don't go calling me, call them directly. We put price tags on people's heads, and that is not always in your best interest, particularly if you have an "in" with the company.

Four, our job as the recruiter is to submit a GROUP of talented candidates, not just you. This is why some of you more seasoned professionals often don't get far with recruiters- it's because our job is to submit a lineup of about 5-7 prospects, and inevitably the older candidates get screened out because they are "overqualified". Sound familiar? This happens all the time, and frequently at the expense of many dear friends and industry colleagues. Moreover, if you have had lots of jobs, or a recent DUI, forget it. The other candidates we submit will clean your clock!  Remember that this has nothing to do with whether you can get a job as a senior person- it's just that normally you won't find that job using a recruiter.

Five, you must be sure that the recruiter you are working with has-

a.     a legitimate search assignment with a legitimate company. Recent activity in the Green Industry has suddenly attracted a number of "newbie's"- er, new recruiters out trying to get a piece of the green rock. Many of these post fictitious positions, because they want candidates to send in resumes, and then use those resumes to start a business.

b.    clients in the industry who they have made placements with.  The recruiter should have no problem telling you who they have worked with in the past. After the placement is made, it should be public knowledge. If they are a Gumbah newbie, they need to come out and tell you.

c.    your permission BEFORE sending your resume out! Some of these new recruiters use resumes to get gigs. They find out about an opening, usually by reading a job ad or posting, and then swoop in using you as bait to get the assignment. I know, I was taught this when I started years ago. Just last week, a good candidate I know had his resume sent to his own boss!!! So help me God. In this case their had been a recent merger, and the Gumbah recruiter did not know this, and suddenly one afternoon the candidate received this email-

"Dear XXXX, I was surprised to hear that you "need to get out before the ship sinks", and that you feel like "the boss is going to get rid of you anyway" I am going to make this very easy for you: come in tomorrow morning to get your things, YOUR FIRED!"  This was in California, and in Crop Production.

If you are certain of the three prerequisites, feel free to work with a recruiter- we work with premier companies who have exceptional career opportunities. There are some fine ones I know of, and if you want referrals, I can help.

One last thing- there is no such thing as having any loyalty to any one recruiter, and anybody who tells you this is just being stupid and selfish. This is all about YOU, and your family and future. You owe it to yourself to work with as many resources possible to get you that new job!

Steve Stebbins, not a Gumbah

 

If you have any questions about this website call The Stebinator 209 744-2003
Last modified: 01/07/09