THE RECRUITER

The Recruiter Is Part of the Decision Process

Candidates need to understand the role of a recruiter in the interview process.  Yes we qualify our candidates as to their needs and wants, yes we facilitate interviews with our client companies, provide feedback, coordinate additional interviews, and negotiate salary, terms of employment, etc.  We are the intermediary between our candidate and our clients.  Recruiters are a very important and valuable tool in the interview process.

Many candidates are under the impression that all the recruiter does is work on their behalf and thus, do not feel the need to communicate with the recruiter during the interview process.  I have said this before and I will emphatically say it again:

The recruiter works for the client, and is a part of the interview decision process!

There is seldom a consensus hire of one manager.  Multiple people are usually involved: a Regional Manager, a VP of Sales, a Marketing Director and, quite possibly, the CEO.

Let’s add one more person- the Recruiter.  I sit in on many conference calls during the decision process, and my input is vital- especially when I am representing multiple candidates.  If / when my clients ask me for particular feedback from a candidate of interest, I am required to provide feedback and to give my honest assessment of that candidate.  If a candidate fails to follow up with me after an interview,  I will mention that to my client with a very strong negative assessment.  If a candidate does not respect my role in the process as a decision maker, I will not endorse that candidate- period.

This week I had arranged four candidates for a position I was looking to fill in Florida.  Three got back to me after the interview.  One did not.  When I downloaded with the VP, he asked what that one candidate had to say.  When I told him that the candidate did not download with me, the VP immediately disqualified him from the process. And he was the number one candidate going in!

It amazes me how many candidates fail to realize that recruiters are PART OF THE DECISION PROCESS.  If you bypass one decision maker you are bypassing all. And I find it amusing that those same candidates who bypass me will call four days later for interview feedback from me!  Oh, they will get feedback alright!

Always remember to contact your recruiter after every interview.  The recruiter is not only your advocate, but is instrumental in you landing the job you want. That recruiter is part of the decision process, and could determine your fate with the company you are wanting to join.  Do not bypass this decision maker.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions- we love hearing from our candidates.