Headhunters are the scum of the earth...and here's why
I got two calls from headhunters at work today. I'm not even looking for a job. That's what's prompting this rant.
"Headhunters" is the affectionate name given to recruiters...people whose job it is to fill positions at companies that hire them or their recruiting agencies.
I think a lot of people see headhunters as helpful people who may someday help them find a job. That's not true. They are the scum of the earth. They are worse than used car salesmen. At least you actively know that the used car salesman is likely trying to screw you over to make a buck. They may try to be your buddy, but they can't hide it. You know it and they know it. This is how the world works.
Headhunters fool you into thinking that they've been thinking about your career and are always on the eye out for opportunities for you. That's the complete opposite of what they do...and we all know it, but the headhunters try to get us to forget that. Headhunters collect people's personal information like leeches through any source possible. They'll go online and collect information about you through your public resume on job web sites, through Facebook and LinkedIn and other social networking sites, and even through people you may trust. They'll take all that information on you and keep it in a handy file. When a company comes knocking saying they're looking for some employees, the headhunters will search through their files for anyone that remotely matches the profile and throw as many people as possible at the job opening hoping that one sticks. They may want you to think that they're your agent and they're fighting for you, but they're scum and they're hoping that any of the suckers they've thrown at the job will get it so they'll get their juicy commission.
What really bugs me is when I get calls from headhunters who mention that they were referred by someone...especially if they mention the name of someone I know (which just confirms that it's true.) I imagine the conversation went something like this:
Headhunter: I'm sorry this job opportunity isn't for you. Do you know anyone who may be interested?
That Guy: Oh, sure! I'll be doing them a great favor! Here, let me e-mail you the phone numbers, e-mail addresses, and other personal information for everyone I know.
If you're that guy, please do us all a favor and shut the #%@* up! Don't give them our information! EVER! It's like giving our information to a telemarketer!
Telemarketer: I'm sorry this long distance plan isn't for you. Do you know anyone who may be interested?
That Guy: Oh, sure! I'll be doing them a great favor! Here, let me e-mail you the phone numbers, e-mail addresses, and other personal information for everyone I know.
It's the exact same thing! Please, for the love of God, everyone stop giving out names and phone numbers to headhunters! If, by some remote possibility, you really do know someone who you know is looking and you know would be interested, do this:
Headhunter: I'm sorry this job opportunity isn't for you. Do you know anyone who may be interested?
Good Person: Oh, sure! I'll be doing them a great favor! Why don't you give me your e-mail address and phone number and I'll have them contact you.
...and remember kids, buckle up.
"Headhunters" is the affectionate name given to recruiters...people whose job it is to fill positions at companies that hire them or their recruiting agencies.
I think a lot of people see headhunters as helpful people who may someday help them find a job. That's not true. They are the scum of the earth. They are worse than used car salesmen. At least you actively know that the used car salesman is likely trying to screw you over to make a buck. They may try to be your buddy, but they can't hide it. You know it and they know it. This is how the world works.
Headhunters fool you into thinking that they've been thinking about your career and are always on the eye out for opportunities for you. That's the complete opposite of what they do...and we all know it, but the headhunters try to get us to forget that. Headhunters collect people's personal information like leeches through any source possible. They'll go online and collect information about you through your public resume on job web sites, through Facebook and LinkedIn and other social networking sites, and even through people you may trust. They'll take all that information on you and keep it in a handy file. When a company comes knocking saying they're looking for some employees, the headhunters will search through their files for anyone that remotely matches the profile and throw as many people as possible at the job opening hoping that one sticks. They may want you to think that they're your agent and they're fighting for you, but they're scum and they're hoping that any of the suckers they've thrown at the job will get it so they'll get their juicy commission.
What really bugs me is when I get calls from headhunters who mention that they were referred by someone...especially if they mention the name of someone I know (which just confirms that it's true.) I imagine the conversation went something like this:
Headhunter: I'm sorry this job opportunity isn't for you. Do you know anyone who may be interested?
That Guy: Oh, sure! I'll be doing them a great favor! Here, let me e-mail you the phone numbers, e-mail addresses, and other personal information for everyone I know.
If you're that guy, please do us all a favor and shut the #%@* up! Don't give them our information! EVER! It's like giving our information to a telemarketer!
Telemarketer: I'm sorry this long distance plan isn't for you. Do you know anyone who may be interested?
That Guy: Oh, sure! I'll be doing them a great favor! Here, let me e-mail you the phone numbers, e-mail addresses, and other personal information for everyone I know.
It's the exact same thing! Please, for the love of God, everyone stop giving out names and phone numbers to headhunters! If, by some remote possibility, you really do know someone who you know is looking and you know would be interested, do this:
Headhunter: I'm sorry this job opportunity isn't for you. Do you know anyone who may be interested?
Good Person: Oh, sure! I'll be doing them a great favor! Why don't you give me your e-mail address and phone number and I'll have them contact you.
...and remember kids, buckle up.