GET ME A JOB!

GET ME A JOB!

There are many job seekers who have professional supports and assistance in their job search. Some have Recruiters (Headhunters), some are enrolled at their local workforce development or Veteran Services agency, and others have disability-specialized supports. There are others, such as College Placement Offices, or Worker's Compensation, and the same concepts to follow apply as well. This article is not about the quality of the services, it is about the job seeker understanding the basics of the environment in which they swim.

Regardless of the source of support, it is important to understand the rules and umbrellas under which your 'Headhunter” is operating. Starting with the Recruiter, there are two types-Contingency and Retained. Contingency Recruiters typically are only paid when they make a placement, and that fee can be up to 25% of the annual salary and bonus (excluding benefits). They get paid when buttocks begin to warm a once-vacant desk chair. In all fairness, it is not quite that mercenary, because they want to establish relationships with the employer (so that they can get another paycheck next time), but at the end of the day, they get paid when you get hired.

You are a product which is for sale. Retained Recruiters offer their services to the company, for a flat fee, present them with a “slate” of 4-7 screened candidates. You are still a product for sale.

Being a product for sale is OK, as long as you realize that the real customer is the employer, and not you.

Moving along to Workforce Development (WIOA), Veteran's Services, and disability services, as in anything, your mileage may vary. In my opinion, the key thing to recognize here is that you are a number. Politicians and bureaucrats will take any opportunity to take credit. I recently had the opportunity to attend a state-wide meeting where the public agency took great pride and credit in their increased outcomes. They went on at great lengths about their initiatives, new policies, procedures and so forth. At no point did they mention that during the reporting period, the unemployment rate dropped by 50%. However, there were high-fives, hugs and sincere back pats because things improved by 25%. In this environment, you, and many others like you, are products for sale. Here, the real customers are the politicians, bureaucrats, and taxpayers.

All that said, here is the real point of the article. You are a product, and that is OK. Just understand that reality, and don't turn over responsibility for your job, your career, and your life to a Recruiter, a Bureaucrat or a Politician.

Certainly, access those services. They can be one tool of many in your toolbox. Don't relinquish responsibility for our job search to another party. Be in charge, accept responsibility, and use the supports and services available. Just remember, they answer to customers too, and that is likely not you.

Good luck,

Chris