Recently I discussed with a client the poor reputation recruiters have in the market. They expressed the sentiment that recruitment must be a difficult market to work in, as their perception was that, for the most part, all recruiters do is randomly spray CVs around hoping that something eventually sticks.
I was going for dignified and considered as a response, but I think I came across as outraged and insulted. So much so that in their answer I was encouraged to “calm the farm, I’m not talking about you specifically”.
We batted this about for some time and, while I admitted that to a fair degree that does happen, my position was that for the most part we operate with integrity. My indignation must still have been showing, as my client also went on to explain that they found it confusing: on one occasion they had an impressive professional experience as a candidate with a recruiter, sadly not with me, although I’d like to think that is the level at which I operate, yet the same organisation had not delivered the same level of professional performance when presenting candidates.
There is ample anecdotal evidence of less than ethical recruiter behaviour, but still I maintain that, rogues and charlatans aside, the industry operates with integrity and in the best interests of clients and candidates.
To charge a fee we must add value. How can we justify a fee if we don’t add value?
So, what’s the view of clients and candidates on the recruitment industry? I’d genuinely like to know. Tell me what your experience has been.
