I HATE being played, especially by recruitment firms, which are usually staffed by kids who may have pleasant enough interpersonals, but lack the nuance, insight and self-confidence of people with a lot of business experience.
Having been in HR for years, I understand how the “game” works: recruiters will present a top-tier, middle-tier and lower-tier candidate to a client. It’s part of doing business, and I suppose there’s nothing illegal or immoral about it.
What I find objectionable is being played like an idiot by one of these horse traders – I don’t care what tier I fall into, just be honest with me when I ask about it.
In addition, and as a matter of common courtesy, if I’m the first candidate quizzed in a phone screen (or for that matter, a face-to-face), I make it point to give the recruiter as much detail as I can about the questions asked.
Does this give other candidates an advantage? Absolutely. But my philosophy is that if the recruiter is decent – a huge if – my willingness to cooperate will be appreciated and remembered. And the next time a placement comes up for which I’d be a good “fit”, I expect the courtesy to be returned.
This is pretty much the way business works, especially in a service industry. You make referrals fairly frequently, and expect reciprocal treatment from your colleagues.
It’s the way everyone works – doctors, attorneys, technical folk, contractors. Everywhere but with headhunters.
I know, I know, they have a sleazy reputation, so what do I expect? Maybe nothing right away, but after all, if one doesn’t strive to make the workplace better, then who’s at fault if progress is never made?
Not me, that’s for d* sure.