Sadly it’s true; there are arrogant, unpleasant, aggressive recruiters in this world (but not many!).
Anyway, the very worst amongst these, a smug, self-important, borderline sleaze-ball, was interviewing a young graduate, and as was his wont, he thought humiliating her would be a good way to go.
“So” he snorted, leaning back in his chair and sneering at the young woman opposite him “What makes you so special?” Before she had time to answer, he went on, “I see dozens of graduates every week. Why should I refer you to my clients? Indeed, what separates you from the next arse-hole?”
Boom boom!
*****************************************************************************************************
Jump on board The Savage Truth Facebook Page for real time comments, insights, rants and jokes about the wonderful world of recruitment.
*****************************************************************************************************
An oldie but a goodie. Thanks Greg for putting a smile on my face.
” An oldie but a goodie”…like me!
Quick witted too. I l hire her!!
It reminds me of the “Richard Head” we had working here a few years ago. he did just that to a young brilliant Chinese academic who had asked for me but unfortunately I was off ill. So “Richard Head” saw him. The young Chinese Graduate called me aftewards and told me what happened and how humilated he was so I apologised and I made a note of this on my pc.
Well 6 months later the young Chinese Graduate who had now secured a very good position with one of my clients was given the task of recruiting a Graduate Engineer and he advertised a role. I did not at the time see the advertisement but “Richard Head” did and without informing me called the company not knowing it was the same young Chinese Graduate he humiliated.
Well The young Graduate invited “Richard Head” in to speak with him abut the role. Smug as he was”Richard Head” went along and asked for the young Chinese Graduate not knowing or remembering it was the same guy who he humiliated a 6 months ago.
When he came face to face with the young Chinese Graduate he realised who it was and all the young Graduate did was point his hand out and indicated with his finger the exit. The reception area had several people waiting and the young Chinese Graduate said that “Richard Head” was so embarassed he just hurried out.
The young Graduate invited me in to talk to him. I took the brief got full fee, filled the role. The young Graduate said to me, “Alan today’s candidate is tomorrow’s client”.
“Richard Head” resigned shortly after and has not been seen since in the recruiting circle.
I still today remember those words ” todays candidate is tomorrow’s client”
ps: I am sure you all know the abbreviation of “Richard Head”?
Good article Greg (the golden oldie)
From yet another MUCH more oldie!!!
Thank you for sharing. A short and yet an important story.
The unfortunate factor is our industry has a sink or swim model and is inviting enough to give anyone a go. I have seen similar examples to this one happen many times from recruiters that work for rather big brands that boast about their reputation all the time.
Hopefully in future people like the recruiter in this story never make it into the industry in the first place.
“today’s candidate is tomorrow’s client” – never a truer word spoken!
Hi Greg,
Unfortunately there are tin sheriffs everywhere, we have all encountered them. In most cases these type of people suffer from an inadequacy. Great response from the grad!
Cheers Robert
Sad but true it is in MANY recruiters!
A fresh story this week.
I was working with candidate ( notice the change in language) about developing a career strategy to create a pathway to partnership in a law firm. At the end of the discussion the candidate spontaneously said ” no one has ever done that “(develop a strategy) and then went on to tell me this story…. “A recruiter rang me about a job and when I asked where the job was they said XYZ. I stopped and replied something like this ” do you not know that I am working at WYZ firm already – silence. So my question to the candidate was
” who did you think the recruiter was thinking about?” The reply just rolled off the tongue so easily
” themselves”
Candidates are more perceptive than they have ever been. A CLASSIC I just love it.