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WEEK IN REVIEW
Wednesday
Student hit in crosswalk to return
81 veterans' names, 81 meaningful lives honored...
USO singer's voice still charms them in Edmonds
Tuesday


Fire destroys Emory's restaurant
Peggy Pritchard Olson always put Edmonds first
Camano Island burglaries spike: Is Colton back?
Monday


Tree clearing, mud slide angers Everett neighbor
Later start for school day unlikely in Marysville
Hopes for Snohomish excursion train may hinge o...
Sunday


Glacier Peak freshman overcomes jitters to win ...
Gay marriage issue can wait, say Referendum 71 ...
Cities across south Snohomish County see tax re...
Saturday


Thousands honor slain Seattle police officer Ti...
Suspect identified in Seattle police killing
Mountlake Terrace thrilled by high school's fir...
Friday


Officer Timothy Brenton. Gone, but not forgotten
Person sought in officer's killing is shot in head
Thousands to pay respects to slain Seattle poli...
Thursday


Tale of 1916 Everett Massacre retold in style o...
Reservist survived Iraq but not his return to c...
Swine flu suspected in infant’s death
 

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CONTACT THE HERALD
Mike Benbow, Business Editor
benbow@heraldnet.com
 
Published: Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Research recruiters before signing up for their services

Question: If you can recommend a good headhunter in the Snohomish County area, I would really appreciate the lead! I have been in sales for the last 25 years, and I can sell an ice cream cone to an Eskimo.

B.M., Bothell

Answer: It sounds as though you have a solid track record in sales. That's terrific. Talented and experienced salespeople have an advantage when it comes to making a stand-out impression in job interviews and negotiating the best possible compensation.

Luckily, your expertise in this field will also help you in finding an honest and goal- oriented headhunter (recruiter). I appreciate your letter and I'd love to assist you, but I simply don't give referrals. In fact, with very few exceptions, I avoid mentioning for-profit job search resources in my column, and that goes for multimillion-dollar corporations as well as independent contractors offering various types of career services.

There are lots of nonprofit and for-profit organizations out there, including plenty of headhunters, job boards, career coaches, authors and resume writers that have the qualifications and motivation to guide you along your career path. I know some of them personally. But I won't give you their names.

Here's why.

People are always looking for new jobs. Every day of the year, employed and unemployed managers, laborers, students, retirees and top-level executives run around asking questions, seeking information, pursuing opportunities in hundreds and thousands of industries all over the globe.

This means that job hunters make up a huge market -- a gigantic target audience -- that companies can use for their own gains.

Many for-profit companies (and sole proprietors) genuinely care about people who pound the pavement looking for work. They understand that it's difficult to decide on a career direction, conduct research, create a strong resume and reach out to potential bosses. These quality-focused businesses provide knowledgeable services at a fair price. I applaud them.

Unfortunately, others take advantage. They manipulate, exploit and over charge.

I don't give referrals because I am decidedly against any industry, company or person who mistreats job seekers in any way. Since I don't have time to personally interview and evaluate every business out there, I choose not to "name names" in my column, except in rare circumstances.

So, once again, the burden falls on you -- the job hunter -- to roll up your sleeves and get serious about being your own best advocate in the job market.

Ask around. Your colleagues and friends can probably recommend recruiters based on their first-hand experience. If this doesn't pan out, find headhunters through newspapers, trade journals or industry-specific Web sites, and research them on your own.

When contacting a new company, keep your eyes and ears open. Don't be afraid to request information and voice your concerns. Read contracts carefully. Rely on your assessment skills and instincts to determine if the company (or person) is right for you.

By the way, headhunters get paid by the company that hires you, so don't fork over any cash to a recruiting firm. If a recruiter asks you for money, run the other way! A great consultant will listen to you, respect you, and put you at ease through all phases of the job-search process. Don't settle for anything less.

Send your job search questions to Eve.GetAJob@gmail.com.

1. Emory’s owner fears fire was arson
2. Monroe honking case makes it to state Supreme Court
3. Vatican ponders the souls in space
4. 81 veterans' names, 81 meaningful lives honored in Snohomish
5. Hope dims that Olympics will boost region
6. Student hit in crosswalk to return
7. Smokey Point to celebrate end of roadwork
8. Death on Edmonds waterfront ruled a suicide
9. Help for young moms may continue
10. Semifinal slate sealed on ‘Dancing With Stars’
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