I mean recruitment agents, of course. Otherwise known as ‘scums of the earth’.

I’ve always dreaded job hunting. Not (just) because of the lack of places or interviews, but primarily because I know I have to deal with “them”.

Here are some common experiences shared by other jobseekers:
1. Bait
They put job postings that do not exist. This is so they can get your details.
Perhaps to bolster their dB, maybe they’ve got a target # of calls/takers…

They insist on getting reference details when they haven’t even secured an interview.
A colleague said he was given as a reference by a friend. He wasn’t contacted by the agent until 6 months after! And the agent was actually inquiring if my colleague was hiring. Ayayayay.

They get your details and next thing you know, they’re calling your boss.
“Hi, I heard you’re looking to fill role-so-and-so“…

They call you but they’re not interested in YOU. They want you to help them source people.
“Hi I’m not looking for a tester at the moment, but I was wondering if you could recommend a JAVA developer…”

Someone you don’t know claims they’re company’s updating their system and is asking for your details. Who are you?!

2. Word of honour, or lack of
Especially true for junior or new entrants. They talk to you. The last thing you’ll hear from them is “I will call you back“.
This still happens when on higher levels, your CV probably didn’t get shortlisted for an interview and suddenly the agent who’s been calling you all-day-everyday disappears.

3. Downright aggressive
After an interview and you pulled out your application, “Ah so you don’t want that job? You’re only in it for the money aren’t you?!” Of course, mate. Aren’t you?
They’re on commission basis so of course, most of these people are not looking after your well-being. They’re selling you like meat. If they can sell you at a discounted rate, they probably will!

Of course, there are exceptions. As in exceptions in how I feel about them. I dealt with two that are relatively decent compared to others. However it’s hard to quantify their qualities as it’s all subjective.

I can say though it’s rare to feel warmth towards recruitment agents.

Ganito din kaya sa Pinas or ibang bansa?