Beyond the Myths
When you hear the term "recruiter," what comes to mind? The Oxford dictionary defines a recruiter as “a person whose job is to enlist or enroll people as employees, in the armed forces, or as members of an organization.”
Many people, however, associate recruiters with the term "head hunter," which often carries a negative connotation. One common misconception is that recruiters deduct a portion of your salary or hourly rate as their fee. Let me clarify this with my industry experience: this is simply not true.
In today's job market, third-party recruiting agencies play a crucial role, especially in filling difficult positions or supporting companies that lack sufficient internal HR recruiting staff. These agencies earn a commission based on a percentage of the placed employee's base salary, but this fee is paid by the hiring company from a dedicated budget, not from the employee’s salary. Recruiters are typically compensated through commission, which depends on the revenue generated for their company by successfully placing candidates. Naturally, higher-level roles often result in higher commissions. However, financial gain isn't the only measure of success for many recruiters.
Let me share an example from my career that illustrates the true impact of recruitment beyond financial incentives. The most meaningful placement I ever made involved a candidate who had faced significant personal and professional challenges. Despite having impressive offers post-graduation, they took a break from work and education, leading to a prolonged period of unemployment and repeated rejections.
We worked together tirelessly for months, navigating the job market to find a role that matched their skills and passion. When we finally succeeded; securing that job reignited their sense of purpose and confidence! For me, this placement stands out as the highlight of my career. It wasn't about the commission; it was about making a difference in someone's life. This experience underscored the true value of recruiting- to be a partner in your job search, to help you navigate the complexities of modern hiring practices, by leveraging our industry experience.
While recruiters are often misunderstood, their role is vital in connecting talent with opportunity. When you find the right recruiter, they can significantly influence your career path, offering support and guidance that goes far beyond merely finding a job.
Connect with Technical Recruiter Hunter Haws on LinkedIn.
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