Recruitment Agencies - Interested to no reply
Discussion
Is it just me who is having this issue with recruitment agencies or is it a common thing.
They contact me on LinkedIn for a vacancy they have or they contact me after seeing my CV online. So first thing, they are calling me not the other way round so they have seen my CV.
I talk to them and they sound REALLY REALLY interested in me, I'm perfect for the job they have in mind, my skillset is exactly what the so called potential job vacancy is looking for and they will forward my CV to the company they are recruiting for and be in touch ....do I ever get a call back. NEVER.
Happened several times over the last few months.
Are they fishing for my CV to add to there books? Are my skills not suitable for the job even though they have seen my CV and contacted me for a job I didn't apply for?? I don't get it. Kinda annoying as some of the jobs actually sound quite interesting so I get excited then nothing.
They contact me on LinkedIn for a vacancy they have or they contact me after seeing my CV online. So first thing, they are calling me not the other way round so they have seen my CV.
I talk to them and they sound REALLY REALLY interested in me, I'm perfect for the job they have in mind, my skillset is exactly what the so called potential job vacancy is looking for and they will forward my CV to the company they are recruiting for and be in touch ....do I ever get a call back. NEVER.
Happened several times over the last few months.
Are they fishing for my CV to add to there books? Are my skills not suitable for the job even though they have seen my CV and contacted me for a job I didn't apply for?? I don't get it. Kinda annoying as some of the jobs actually sound quite interesting so I get excited then nothing.
I wouldn't let it get to you too much, if you know the company details I'd look at seeing whether the roles are advertised directly on LinkedIn or similar
I've had real mixed experiences with agencies, some good and some awful. Now I'm nearly 10 years into my career I know which ones to take seriously, some of the bigger names who work across many industries are the worst in my opinion.
Still get bitten though, recently went through three stages of interviews for a role, I was apparently the preferred candidate but then the recruiter told me that the budget for the role had changed and HR had only signed off a budget of 15% lower than what I had been told was available. I said I wouldn't accept less than the original pitch, so they gave the role to someone else
Happened to meet the hiring manager socially, and it turned out that the budget had never changed, and was always the lower amount! He said that they had since stopped using that agency, because three other candidates they had put forward for a number of roles had similar experiences with salary available vs expectations
I've had real mixed experiences with agencies, some good and some awful. Now I'm nearly 10 years into my career I know which ones to take seriously, some of the bigger names who work across many industries are the worst in my opinion.
Still get bitten though, recently went through three stages of interviews for a role, I was apparently the preferred candidate but then the recruiter told me that the budget for the role had changed and HR had only signed off a budget of 15% lower than what I had been told was available. I said I wouldn't accept less than the original pitch, so they gave the role to someone else
Happened to meet the hiring manager socially, and it turned out that the budget had never changed, and was always the lower amount! He said that they had since stopped using that agency, because three other candidates they had put forward for a number of roles had similar experiences with salary available vs expectations
Unfortunately online applications etc. mean companies like this and company HR teams do not bother replying if you are not going to get an interview. Share the frustration as often you get asked to produce this and that, get on a call with the agency etc. etc. and then they don't bother to let you know the company has decided not to speak with you. Even a copy pasted standard message via a mail out program would work, but these agencies work day to day and couldn't really give a toss about actual people...as the name implies at companies Human 'Resources' people are just a resource, a number, nothing more, so not surprised they treat people that way. All that said, I find the very best companies don't do this.
donnie85 said:
Are they fishing for my CV to add to there books?
Probably. Most of them are just gobby kids who think they're amazing because they wear a shiny Burton suit to work. Think early-stages 'The Apprentice' firing candidates. They really don't have your interest at heart, they're on commission and to them it's just a numbers game.In the interest of fairness I have spoken to two or three agents over the years who seem alright, call back, aren't pushy etc...
donnie85 said:
Just don't get what the recruiters are getting out of it though by wasting 15 minutes of my time asking me questions after seeing my LinkedIn profile, say I'm perfect for the role they have in mind to not calling me?!
They've now got your details and know your skillset. If a real job that matches your skills comes available they will be able to contact you instantly to see if you are interested, rather than then having to try to find suitable candidates. If you mention them going quiet on this job they will give you some excuse, but you will forgive them because this new, real job sounds perfect for you and you are all excited about the prospect of finding such a great role.'Twas ever thus.
Ex Recruitment Consultant here; don't judge, horrible career choice.
It's common practice to call "good" candidates pitching a fictitious role solely to find out information. This information can range from previous company's, hiring managers, colleagues movements, departments closing / changing / opening, recent interviews that you've had or heard of etc etc etc
It is a quiet time of year that engenders a lot of time spent phishing for Rec's that are struggling.
It's common practice to call "good" candidates pitching a fictitious role solely to find out information. This information can range from previous company's, hiring managers, colleagues movements, departments closing / changing / opening, recent interviews that you've had or heard of etc etc etc
It is a quiet time of year that engenders a lot of time spent phishing for Rec's that are struggling.
To OP.
Being a bit of a veteran of this type of practice, simply refuse to give them any information on previous employers etc, you do not have to give it out. And it shows them that you know the game and they usually change tack a little after this, or they get annoyed and you put the phone down on them, they are just cold calling after being given possible roles at a firm by the account manager, it is them that you speak to about roles, not the office juniors who are fishing for your info, treat like them cold call salesmen.
If you are a solid candidate for a role they will contact you anyway, as you will likely see it on a job board or something.
Being a bit of a veteran of this type of practice, simply refuse to give them any information on previous employers etc, you do not have to give it out. And it shows them that you know the game and they usually change tack a little after this, or they get annoyed and you put the phone down on them, they are just cold calling after being given possible roles at a firm by the account manager, it is them that you speak to about roles, not the office juniors who are fishing for your info, treat like them cold call salesmen.
If you are a solid candidate for a role they will contact you anyway, as you will likely see it on a job board or something.
Joe5y said:
Ex Recruitment Consultant here; don't judge, horrible career choice.
It's common practice to call "good" candidates pitching a fictitious role solely to find out information. This information can range from previous company's, hiring managers, colleagues movements, departments closing / changing / opening, recent interviews that you've had or heard of etc etc etc
It is a quiet time of year that engenders a lot of time spent phishing for Rec's that are struggling.
On the rare occasions I've dealt with recruitment consultants I have been very careful about what information I share. I don't give previous details etc of names. I only really discuss the job they apparently have and I ask lots of questions to try and find out the company name (often the job description is a copy/paste from the hiring companies own website) to see if the job is for real. It's common practice to call "good" candidates pitching a fictitious role solely to find out information. This information can range from previous company's, hiring managers, colleagues movements, departments closing / changing / opening, recent interviews that you've had or heard of etc etc etc
It is a quiet time of year that engenders a lot of time spent phishing for Rec's that are struggling.
Alot of these recruitment guys give me real company names however that's why I can't decide why they don't call me back.
For example 2 weeks ago a guy, sounded older then your normal recruitment consultant, found my CV on a job site (I didn't apply for the job, was on there from a job I spied for ages ago), said he loved my CV and had an exciting opportunity for a company I had heard of and he would be in contact with me in the coming days as my skillset was perfect for the role. Over 2 weeks and I have heard nothing back.
For example 2 weeks ago a guy, sounded older then your normal recruitment consultant, found my CV on a job site (I didn't apply for the job, was on there from a job I spied for ages ago), said he loved my CV and had an exciting opportunity for a company I had heard of and he would be in contact with me in the coming days as my skillset was perfect for the role. Over 2 weeks and I have heard nothing back.
donnie85 said:
Alot of these recruitment guys give me real company names however that's why I can't decide why they don't call me back.
For example 2 weeks ago a guy, sounded older then your normal recruitment consultant, found my CV on a job site (I didn't apply for the job, was on there from a job I spied for ages ago), said he loved my CV and had an exciting opportunity for a company I had heard of and he would be in contact with me in the coming days as my skillset was perfect for the role. Over 2 weeks and I have heard nothing back.
I've had similar in the past while hiring. Its gone something likeFor example 2 weeks ago a guy, sounded older then your normal recruitment consultant, found my CV on a job site (I didn't apply for the job, was on there from a job I spied for ages ago), said he loved my CV and had an exciting opportunity for a company I had heard of and he would be in contact with me in the coming days as my skillset was perfect for the role. Over 2 weeks and I have heard nothing back.
1. I'm looking to hire and speak to our internal recruitment team, who put up a post on LinkedIn advertising a role that is fairly obviously reporting to Mr Manager X (me)
2. I get bombarded with requests from recruiters who have seen that role and want to know if I am the hiring manager
3. To a point, I reply and say we aren't using agencies at this stage for this role
4. Some of them come back with anonymous CVs of people who are "on their books" and would be interested in the role if I was to engage their agency's services
5. I continue to stick to my not using agencies line, and they generally go away
I'm assuming yours is one of the CVs that gets included in stage 4, and the recruiter who has been CV harvesting isn't actually engaged by the end company
What I don’t get on LinkedIn is this - as someone who is obviously in a hiring manager position (although I might also be persuaded to look at a highly paid CTO role elsewhere) why do I get several requests a day to connect from recruiters I have never heard of? Why on earth would I connect with them? Does anyone?
mikef said:
What I don’t get on LinkedIn is this - as someone who is obviously in a hiring manager position (although I might also be persuaded to look at a highly paid CTO role elsewhere) why do I get several requests a day to connect from recruiters I have never heard of? Why on earth would I connect with them? Does anyone?
Two reasons IMO. Firstly, I think there is a lot of willy waving about how many connections recruiters have on LinkedIn. Therefore they will add all and sundry. Secondly, if you're hiring, you may post a link to the vacancy, which recruiters will use as a hot lead to sell you their services.donnie85 said:
Is it just me who is having this issue with recruitment agencies or is it a common thing.
They contact me on LinkedIn for a vacancy they have or they contact me after seeing my CV online. So first thing, they are calling me not the other way round so they have seen my CV.
I talk to them and they sound REALLY REALLY interested in me, I'm perfect for the job they have in mind, my skillset is exactly what the so called potential job vacancy is looking for and they will forward my CV to the company they are recruiting for and be in touch ....do I ever get a call back. NEVER.
Happened several times over the last few months.
Are they fishing for my CV to add to there books? Are my skills not suitable for the job even though they have seen my CV and contacted me for a job I didn't apply for?? I don't get it. Kinda annoying as some of the jobs actually sound quite interesting so I get excited then nothing.
I've mentioned this many times, but they're doing is buttering you up to get hold of your job title and reference contact details, they then go to your former employer and try to fill your old job.They contact me on LinkedIn for a vacancy they have or they contact me after seeing my CV online. So first thing, they are calling me not the other way round so they have seen my CV.
I talk to them and they sound REALLY REALLY interested in me, I'm perfect for the job they have in mind, my skillset is exactly what the so called potential job vacancy is looking for and they will forward my CV to the company they are recruiting for and be in touch ....do I ever get a call back. NEVER.
Happened several times over the last few months.
Are they fishing for my CV to add to there books? Are my skills not suitable for the job even though they have seen my CV and contacted me for a job I didn't apply for?? I don't get it. Kinda annoying as some of the jobs actually sound quite interesting so I get excited then nothing.
They then ask you if your applying for other roles under the guise of not wanting to send you for the same job, but actually they're fishing for information on roles they might be able to fill. They'll ask about the interview technique and questions (to prep their own candidates), the name of the interviewer (they may make up a name and wait for you to correct them) etc etc etc.
They're sneaky c**ts, the vast majority of them....... Worse than used car salesmen, and that's saying something.
Few years ago I was told I was being put forward for a role with X company, after a couple of weeks I chased them, the agent gave me some generic BS response, I then went direct to the company only to be told they were not recruiting, the HR person asked for the name of the agency with the intention of having words. I later looked at the PDF job description i'd been sent by the agency, checked the document properties and found the role was from 10+ years ago.
The best jobs don't get advertised, so if you don't have the contacts then your stuck with agencies.
Edited by lyonspride on Thursday 19th December 12:57
I've found agencies to be very hit and miss, I usually ignore 80% of the LinkedIn messages because they are usually for jobs not even related to my field. The ones I have replied to it's usually the same routine: 5 minute chat over the phone "now we'll pass your CV over" then never hear a word back, but saying that I've managed to get 2 interviews this year (but no offer) and the recruiters were brilliant, always chasing, updating, doing the leg work.
lyonspride said:
I've mentioned this many times, but they're doing is buttering you up to get hold of your job title and reference contact details, they then go to your former employer and try to fill your old job.
They then ask you if your applying for other roles under the guise of not wanting to send you for the same job, but actually they're fishing for information on roles they might be able to fill. They'll ask about the interview technique and questions (to prep their own candidates), the name of the interviewer (they may make up a name and wait for you to correct them) etc etc etc.
They're sneaky c**ts, the vast majority of them....... Worse than used car salesmen, and that's saying something.
Few years ago I was told I was being put forward for a role with X company, after a couple of weeks I chased them, the agent gave me some generic BS response, I then went direct to the company only to be told they were not recruiting, the HR person asked for the name of the agency with the intention of having words. I later looked at the PDF job description i'd been sent by the agency, checked the document properties and found the role was from 10+ years ago.
The best jobs don't get advertised, so if you don't have the contacts then your stuck with agencies.
If the best jobs don't get advertised how do you find them?They then ask you if your applying for other roles under the guise of not wanting to send you for the same job, but actually they're fishing for information on roles they might be able to fill. They'll ask about the interview technique and questions (to prep their own candidates), the name of the interviewer (they may make up a name and wait for you to correct them) etc etc etc.
They're sneaky c**ts, the vast majority of them....... Worse than used car salesmen, and that's saying something.
Few years ago I was told I was being put forward for a role with X company, after a couple of weeks I chased them, the agent gave me some generic BS response, I then went direct to the company only to be told they were not recruiting, the HR person asked for the name of the agency with the intention of having words. I later looked at the PDF job description i'd been sent by the agency, checked the document properties and found the role was from 10+ years ago.
The best jobs don't get advertised, so if you don't have the contacts then your stuck with agencies.
Edited by lyonspride on Thursday 19th December 12:57
Was considering contacting companies directly but unsure how you find out who I should contact. My situation is I have years of logistics experience but no procurement, so wanting to get a buyer role whilst I'm doing my CIPS and keep close to my salary of £28k. I know most companies have procurement teams but unsure how I go about finding which companies best to contact
The reason you don't get a reply is that the vast majority of agencies (not all, but almost all) are rude, ignorant and lazy. They are all over you like a cheap shiny Burton's suit if they get a sniff of a percentage. But if nothing comes of it, they will not be arsed to have the good manners to tell you - they will not even taken the 5 seconds required to drop you a quick email.
i working for big brand agency coming, up to xmas not a word about not needed after holidays, just rumours where I work. I emailed the agent, but basically fobbed off, she emails another guy I work with that he will be needed but in new year, but only after threat of legal action, he had a contract though, mine was just ongoing. They lied to get me to take the role.
They really are lowlives, I can't claim because they give no answers, on holiday now until the 2nd, and i wish the government would outlaw them, but too much money in it.
I don't think i could live with myself treating people like animals. And not just this agency Ive been treated pretty s
t by all the ones ive had the displeasure of using.
They really are lowlives, I can't claim because they give no answers, on holiday now until the 2nd, and i wish the government would outlaw them, but too much money in it.
I don't think i could live with myself treating people like animals. And not just this agency Ive been treated pretty s
t by all the ones ive had the displeasure of using.Thesprucegoose said:
i working for big brand agency coming, up to xmas not a word about not needed after holidays, just rumours where I work. I emailed the agent, but basically fobbed off, she emails another guy I work with that he will be needed but in new year, but only after threat of legal action, he had a contract though, mine was just ongoing. They lied to get me to take the role.
They really are lowlives, I can't claim because they give no answers, on holiday now until the 2nd, and i wish the government would outlaw them, but too much money in it.
I don't think i could live with myself treating people like animals. And not just this agency Ive been treated pretty st by all the ones ive had the displeasure of using.
The govt won't do anything because of the fake ads the agencies put out there, it helps the govt statistics when they want to claim there aren't enough skilled workers to fill the jobs.They really are lowlives, I can't claim because they give no answers, on holiday now until the 2nd, and i wish the government would outlaw them, but too much money in it.
I don't think i could live with myself treating people like animals. And not just this agency Ive been treated pretty s
t by all the ones ive had the displeasure of using.Thesprucegoose said:
i working for big brand agency coming, up to xmas not a word about not needed after holidays, just rumours where I work. I emailed the agent, but basically fobbed off, she emails another guy I work with that he will be needed but in new year, but only after threat of legal action, he had a contract though, mine was just ongoing. They lied to get me to take the role.
They really are lowlives, I can't claim because they give no answers, on holiday now until the 2nd, and i wish the government would outlaw them, but too much money in it.
I don't think i could live with myself treating people like animals. And not just this agency Ive been treated pretty st by all the ones ive had the displeasure of using.
Fortunately I haven’t worked in recruitment for a long time but it works both ways. Candidates fThey really are lowlives, I can't claim because they give no answers, on holiday now until the 2nd, and i wish the government would outlaw them, but too much money in it.
I don't think i could live with myself treating people like animals. And not just this agency Ive been treated pretty s
t by all the ones ive had the displeasure of using.k you over left right and centre no matter how courteously you act towards them. They simply only think of themselves and the next pay cheque, that particularly applies to contractors. That said, it’s an industry that is full of egoistical wkers and I fully understand your frustrations. Gassing Station | Jobs & Employment Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff