Job Recruiters

[Maleficent13]

I have a dilemma. I am currently looking for a new job. I have been looking and applying for things myself, but there isn't alot out there in my field. Several friends and my mom have suggested using a headhunter, as they say most companies don't post upper management jobs in the paper/job websites (and I think they're right, as I've seen very few).

This is my problem. I used a headhunter shortly before I got this job (I got this one on my own). The headhunter called me with several positions at absolutely amazing salaries. I went through first, second, and sometimes third interviews with these companies. One even flew someone out from California to interview me.

The problem was, once an offer was extended, suddenly the salary amount I was originally quoted plummeted. When I asked, the recruiter told me it was because I had never made that much before, so the new employer couldn't justify paying me it now. But I was the best person for the job. They didn't want to hire someone else; they wanted to hire me. So why wasn't I worth it?

Anyway, I received the offer from my current company, at a reasonable salary, and accepted. The recruiter kept calling, and eventually got incredibly rude with me, stating it was my fault for telling the interviewer how much I made (it was a direct question posed to me: "How much do you make now?"). She also stated that I had burned my bridge with that recruiter's company and I was on their "list" now and could never use them again.

Do I want to spend the money on another recruiter? I have a bad taste in my mouth from the last one.

 

[KM2004]

I say, if you were able to get the job you're in now without a recruiter, than try your luck again. I know the market is stinky (i'm looking for a new job too, in Palm Springs CA if anyone is hiring down there ) but since you obviously know how to sell yourself, i'm sure you'll do fine.

If you get really desperate, go to another headhunter. I don't know if headhunters share their blacklist (which, btw, was ridiculous you're on one) with each other, but i'm sure they won't mind taking your business.

anyway, my 2 cents

 

[snoopy]

That recruiter sounds a little unethical.

I work in executive staffing, and I can tell you we do take into consideration a salary history before making an offer to a candidate. We also keep in mind how desperate we are to fill the position, and how many other qualified candidates we have for the job. If salary is the dealbreaker for you, I think you need to let the recruiter know that upfront.

The benefits to hiring a headhunter is the exposure they have to all sorts of contacts that you won't find in a newspaper employment page. They also know the market conditions, and can help you define your strengths and career track. I think if you find a good one, it can be very well worth the money you'd spend. If I ever leave this job, I know I'll go through a headhunter to help me find another.

 

[Maleficent13]

I was very clear with the recruiter about my salary requirements. As an example (numbers are made up for ease of example), I told her I wanted $50,000. She comes back with a job with starting salary $75,000. I apply, interview, am liked: offer is extended at $35,000. The reasoning given to me for the salary dropping exponentally was as I stated above. When I turned it down, job offer is raised to $45,000 - still well below what I was quoted at first and also below what my requirement was.

I was very confused by the whole thing. And I guess I don't understand the whole "salary history" thing. If you have a position with a budget of $50,000, and you want me to fill your position, then aren't I worth $50,000? Why would you offer me $40,000 just because that's what I made at my last job?

 

[snoopy]

We look at salary history for several reasons. The most important reason is to evaluate your salary progression through a series of jobs and employers as well as evaluate whether you have been underpaid or overpaid according to market standards. But most of all we gain power in the salary negotiation phase -- if you are currently making $35,000 and are asking for $75,000, we're confident that you will accept $50,000; even if the job is slated to be paid at $75,000. Employers are about making a profit, and if we can come in at less than where the job is slated, thats all the better for the company.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

How much does it cost to hire a recruiter like this?

I have been looking on my own for a higher paying job for , I'd say a good year and a half. Thus far, the only one I found had horrible benefits.

Maybe I should go this route.

 

[crazelion]

I would like know much cost to.

 

[jrydberg]

Originally posted by snoopy
We look at salary history for several reasons. The most important reason is to evaluate your salary progression through a series of jobs and employers as well as evaluate whether you have been underpaid or overpaid according to market standards. But most of all we gain power in the salary negotiation phase -- if you are currently making $35,000 and are asking for $75,000, we're confident that you will accept $50,000; even if the job is slated to be paid at $75,000. Employers are about making a profit, and if we can come in at less than where the job is slated, thats all the better for the company.

Which is why it's a good idea to not answer such questions IMO. My current employer asked me what my desired salary is. My response: $3-4 million/year My desired salary is as much as the employer is willing to pay me, provided it meets my minimum acceptable. By answering such questions, you give the employer leverage in salary negotiations.

 

[Cebhfhionn]

I've worked with several recruiters in the past and NEVER have I had to pay one. With the ones that I have used, the employer pays a fee, NOT me!

 

[SC Minnie]

DH has used a recruiter in the past also and they were paid by the employer.

When I was interviewed for my current job I was asked what salary range I was looking for (the salary range was not posted in the ad). I told them a number that was about 5K higher than my position at the time and they made me an offer that was slightly above that. They never asked me for my salary history and did not know what I was making at the job I left.

JMO but if a job is posted with a salary range then that is what should be offered. To offer less to me is unethical and almost false advertising. I would not want to work for a company like that.

 

[snoopy]

Originally posted by jrydberg
Which is why it's a good idea to not answer such questions IMO. My current employer asked me what my desired salary is. My response: $3-4 million/year My desired salary is as much as the employer is willing to pay me, provided it meets my minimum acceptable. By answering such questions, you give the employer leverage in salary negotiations.

Yup. If at all possible, its best to not divulge salary history, particularly if you are expecting a lot more than you currently make. Many employers, including my own, want it in writing though.

 

[jrydberg]

Unfortunately, they didn't give me anything near $3-4 million/year Was I unclear?

 

[my3kids]

"Headhunters" call my husband all the time. He has also hired executive search firms to find candidates for positions with his employer. The fees are always paid by the hiring company as a percentage of the initial salary.

Try letting people you know in your business in positions similar to what you are hoping to get that you might be looking. Headhunters call asking for names a lot, and if someone knows you are interested and passes on your name for the ole' Rolodex, you're likely to get an inquiry yourself.