Sometimes this profession really needs a hard kick in the @ss and more specifically, so do the people doing the recruiting. Let me explain.
A few weeks ago, I received a call from a Recruiting Director (RD) of a small but very interesting technology company and was asked to come in to talk about a contract assignment. I’ve really enjoyed these types of environments and from my research, this one was smokin’. Had a very productive chat and demonstrated some techniques that the RD was not utilizing – hey, we can all learn from each other. He was excited, I was excited, he asked for references, and we left with the RD going to make arrangements to have me come back in very soon to speak with one of the key VPs.
I contacted them my references, and let the RD know that he was free to call. Even sent a few more teasers to the RD.
The weekend passed as did quite a few more days – I sent the RD an email; the RD replied with a position-on-hold-nothing-to-do-with-you email. The RD asked for forgiveness and I replied back with “So each of us has a fair perspective on time, just how long do you expect to be on hold?” Could I be any more reasonable?
Another 10 days passed, and having been around the block several times, I knew the signs. So I left a wassup VM, and finally got hold of the RD at 4:15 PM EST several days later (today, 6/1) asking if it was too much trouble to just email back a simple, “Sorry not interested” rather than let this situation fester (the RD knew from the start I’m a blogger and we even joked during the first – and only – meeting about the bad manner exhibited by many in our profession).
Naturally, the RD became defensive and said – and I’m paraphrasing – “While I might of hired you before this call, you’re showing yourself to be selfish and not the kind of person we want here.”
I’m fine with the RD’s decision. Call me selfish if it means wanting better communication between recruiter and candidate.
How many other recruiters out there ask for references and tell you they want you back in to speak with the higher ups – only to never offer closure? Frankly, and I cannot believe I’m actually sounding like Karen Mattonen, how many ambassadors of ill will do people like this RD send out into the world every day?
The bottom line is that you know who you are – don’t worry, unless you respond to this blog no one will ever know your identity but me – but this didn’t have to come to the edge. I’m disappointed in this person because they elected to attack rather than introspect.
Recruiters can – and should – do so much better…
The Recruiting Inferno 