Recruiter Red Flags -

Guest writer Bill Courtney with Comsys:

Red flags are the single most important things that recruiters should concern themselves with when it comes to qualifying a candidate for a position. However, those flags seem to be the very things that are often times the most overlooked or ignored.

The reason for this blindness, whether intentional or not, is because our profession is driven by numbers, by success, by competition, and by ambition. In the eagerness to make the submittal and get the placement, we often get lazy when it comes to our homework. Sometimes the very rational fear of uncovering something you don’t want to know can keep you from asking a question you know you should. However the fear that should really drive us is the absolute reality that whether it is by us or, God forbid, the client, all red flags will eventually be discovered. Then we’re left to deal with the cost, because red flags always come at a cost. If they’re discovered early the cost is relatively low, meaning it only cost a small portion of time. If they’re discovered before the candidate starts, then it’s usually just a cost of time and the money involved to do a background check. However, if the client discovers them, that cost can be time, money, and worst of all, your reputation.

Don’t assume because you have a candidate with a sterling resume, who presents themselves as the consummate professional, that there is no need to ask as many questions as needed for you to gain a complete picture of the product you’re putting in front of your client. Remember, knowledge is power. So take the time to learn all you can about your candidates.

Comments

[Deep K]

Very well said.