3 ms·

I've worked with some great recruiters in the past. Especially when you're growing rapidly, or in times when the market is red-hot and it's hard to find and cl

by jdp23 16y ago

I've worked with some great recruiters in the past. Especially when you're growing rapidly, or in times when the market is red-hot and it's hard to find and close the best candidates, they can really help leverage a company's resources. Sure, there are a lot of bozos and unethical recruiters out there -- and plenty of times when it is just adding overhead. But it's a big mistake to paint everybody with the same brush. Instead, I'd say the thing to do is ask around and see who has a good reputation; try them out and see how well they work for you; and if you have good results, try to make it into a long-term relationship.

jdp23 16y ago
i was surprised to see the parent post voted down. it seems to me that i presented some facts based on my own personal experience, a different opinion than the original article, and a specific recommendation. what do you think triggered the downvote?
Timothee 16y ago
I think the theme of "recruiters are a waste of time" comes back again and again because most people (me included) haven't seen a single one that was useful or helpful. And every time in threads like this one, there are a couple of recruiters jumping in explaining that yes the industry has a lot of bozos but that they are doing their best, etc. I'll stay on the side of "recruiters are a waste of time" until I meet one that seems to know what he's talking about, follows up on positions he was supposed to set me up with, gives me advice on resume/things to learn/..., etc.
- angelbob 16y ago
  I've met at least one internal recruiter (i.e. recruiter for Scribd, not a general headhunter) who was good. Presumably there are equally competent headhunters out there... Somewhere.
  - Dylanlacey 16y ago
    But an internal recruiter is, presumably, on salary, so wants to do the best for their company AND is likely to care more about placing the best value candidate, rather then the cheapest.

by jdp23 16y ago

jdp23 16y ago

i was surprised to see the parent post voted down. it seems to me that i presented some facts based on my own personal experience, a different opinion than the original article, and a specific recommendation. what do you think triggered the downvote?

Timothee 16y ago

I think the theme of "recruiters are a waste of time" comes back again and again because most people (me included) haven't seen a single one that was useful or helpful. And every time in threads like this one, there are a couple of recruiters jumping in explaining that yes the industry has a lot of bozos but that they are doing their best, etc. I'll stay on the side of "recruiters are a waste of time" until I meet one that seems to know what he's talking about, follows up on positions he was supposed to set me up with, gives me advice on resume/things to learn/..., etc.

angelbob 16y ago
I've met at least one internal recruiter (i.e. recruiter for Scribd, not a general headhunter) who was good. Presumably there are equally competent headhunters out there... Somewhere.
- Dylanlacey 16y ago
  But an internal recruiter is, presumably, on salary, so wants to do the best for their company AND is likely to care more about placing the best value candidate, rather then the cheapest.