RESOLUTIONS

Belated New Year’s greetings faithful and new readers! The last few quarters saw incredible growth in the sectors I support, culminating in another great year. I had the pleasure of a little year end travel to prepare me for the onslaught of the coming months ahead. I anticipate another fast paced period of growth and opportunity. I’m rested and ready to roll!

Going forward, it would be nice to see more resolve regarding ethical behavior this year. I’d also like to see more courtesy, thoughtfulness and regards to people’s roles in other people’s lives.

As a recruiter, we are often on the receiving end of bad behavior. Part of it is the industry’s fault, i.e. being perceived as money grubbing sales people just trying to make a deal. I had hoped that model went out with the last millennium, but I think not; so shame on recruiters who bully their way into deals and are duplicitous in their actions.

For a long time, I felt a shadow on the fact that recruiters are well paid for their services. As if we should feel awkward or embarrassed about receiving compensation for locating great talent for great companies. I would occasionally hear an accusatory note from those I might represent. I’m proud to say that I serve a great purpose and enrich lives while enriching my own. It’s the old win, win – on steroids.

What often behooves me though, are the candidates or clients who shun my call, take umbrage when they’re not a fit for a role, or expect you to understand when they pull the rug out from under a deal, yet expect you to feel good about assisting them in their own personal search efforts or another search when they are in need. Can’t decide if it’s total disregard for other’s situations, selfishness or professional immaturity. For those who engage in any of those distasteful practices, please don’t expect any quality recruiters to represent you – ever.

In addition, recruiters often work in small niches, whether it’s a city, an industry or a discipline. We are at the heart of what’s happening and we hear it all, sometimes before the street does. When someone is disingenuous regarding their situation, it always comes back to bite. Whether it’s a client who says they don’t have an opening and they do, or a candidate who says they don’t have other offers and they do. Yes, you lose credibility with the recruiter and everyone else affiliated with the deal. Is it important? In a niche market – what do you think?Why burn a bridge that could help your career in the future? And, it’s not only the recruiter and their livelihood you impact. It’s your own reputation. I’ve always said, the way a company treats a recruiter is not too far from how they treat their employees. And a candidate who deliberately uses a recruiter and client has just damaged their own personal and professional reputation in the community. Trust is a commodity not easily re-earned.

So, for the New Year, I’d like to see everyone, recruiters, candidates and clients alike, take a moment to consider how their personal actions influence their professional lives. Courtesy, respect and consideration make for a very doable resolution – in any year.

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