I was having a conversation with a client today, and we came around to discussing recruitment consultants. Not surprisingly, she happened to mention how 'unhappy' she was with the approach of many of them - and she did highlight the word many - and it got me thinking....
So for some fun (although I have to say they all exist) I thought I would try and capture ten types of recruitment consultants plying their trade in our industry. so here they are:
- The Mailshotter: They create dubious adverts designed to attract candidates, take the best candidates, write an email with their key skills on and just send it out to their list of clients. They add no other value and expect full intro fee.
- The Aggressor: Three words sum them up –pushy, pushy and pushy. They don’t listen to what you are saying until they hear the words, ‘….send me the details’. Worse than next doors Doberman!
- Amnesia Consultant: Conveniently forgets that you told them that you are not recruiting, and that you never use recruitment agencies. They call every week and feign memory loss. Very irritating!
- The Professional Closer: If you have ever heard a sentence from a recruiter start with the words, “If I had the perfect candidate……….” then you know that he is just about to try and dazzle you with his sales patter! Sit down and smile, it is probably quite good sales stuff. Just stay away from the close!
- The Mind Reader: I hate these, because it is all about them making assumptions which are usually wrong. They have heard a rumour (or make it up) that you might be recruiting, and then try and bluff / blag / lie (delete accordingly) their way in. As with assumption making, it is usually wrong and embarrassing for them!
- The Bullshitter:You know the sort, answers yes to everything, including when you ask them if they place astronauts with NASA! They will tell you anything they think they want you to hear. They never deliver and have the integrity of an amoeba!
- The Know it All:They know more about your industry than you. They name drop every name in the industry (although when you question them they suddenly start to falter!), and they try and tell you how to do your job. Can be useful if they really are an expert – but check though!
- The Cowboy:You know when you meet them, as their Stetson gives them away! They really are the chancers of the recruitment industry. They have no scruples and will do anything to make money out of you, including probably trying to sell you their Mother!
- The Order Taker: I hate them! They phone up and say (exactly),” Have you got any vacancies today?” then you say “no”, and they reply, “Ok then, goodbye”. They need to be put down – they are not recruitment consultants!!
- Old School and Quality:They do seem to be few and far between, but these consultants are the ones you are looking for. They know what they are talking about, and do the job properly. They understand and value your business and won’t waste your time with inappropriate CV’s.
So come on then, how many more do you know, I know you just want to add to my list!
I am already look forward to what you are going to come up with!
