Recruiting Industry Myths: Debunked

Let’s talk about recruiting industry myths. We hear them all the time, and you probably have a few misconceptions of your own. You might be asking; do I have to pay to work with a recruiter? Are recruiters a scam? Will recruiters take a portion of my paycheck? And one of the most common misconceptions: recruiters only care about fills, they don’t care about your job search or you as an individual.These are just some of the questions and misconceptions we’ve heard over the years while working at one of the nation’s leading recruiting firms. The recruiting industry isn’t as mysterious as public opinion might have you believe. Let us dismiss these common misconceptions, answer some of your burning recruiting industry questions, and shed some light on the benefits of partnering with a recruiting firm.

Myth #1: Messages from Recruiters on LinkedIn are a Scam

If you’re active on LinkedIn, you’ve probably received messages from recruiters asking you if you would be open to a new opportunity. You might have thought this was a scam, ignored the message, and moved on with your day. Well, we’re here to tell you that in the vast majority of cases – it’s not a scam. It’s a real person on the other end of that message, and something on your LinkedIn profile made them interested in reaching out.

Debunked:

While we can’t speak for all recruiting agencies, at Career Group Companies, we will always have your best interest at heart. Our recruiters use platforms such as LinkedIn and ZipRecruiter to connect with job seekers who look like a great fit for an open position. If you’re in the process of searching for a new job, answering that LinkedIn message could be your way in. If you’re not looking, you can respond to let them know, but make a connection anyway. Chances are, if you were contacted by a recruiter, you have the experience and knowledge a hiring company is looking for, so take it as a compliment!

We should note, on any social media platform, fraudsters can pose as legit recruiters to try and phish for information, but this is the minority. Here’s how to spot the difference.

Myth #2: Recruiters will take a portion of your salary

This is a huge misconception and one that often prevents candidates from experiencing the huge benefits of partnering with a recruiter. Recruiting firms are hired by a company when they need to fill an open role. That client brings us on because they want a dedicated team with the expertise, resources, and reach to find the perfect person for the job. It takes hours of sourcing, screening, vetting, interviewing, and coordinating to find the perfect match. Hiring is a massive undertaking, and many companies either don’t have the resources internally to tackle it on their own, or they want to defer to the pros.  That’s where we come in. We act as an extension of our client's internal HR teams and are paid by the client only when we find the perfect candidate. That comes from the client directly, and never out of your paycheck.

Debunked

We always tell our candidates that working with a recruiter is a free resource for you to use in your job search – and we mean it. We negotiate with the client on your behalf in order to get you the highest offer possible.

What about temp workers?

When you are placed on a temporary assignment through Career Group Companies, you will be on a W2 (which is a huge benefit come tax season!) and your paychecks will come directly from us. No matter the type of position, your paycheck is safe, and you keep 100% of your negotiated hourly rate.

Myth #3: Recruiters don’t care about you.

Recruiting should never be a heartless job. For us, it’s quite the opposite. The most rewarding part of our day is getting to tell a candidate they got their dream job. Successful recruiters care deeply about the candidates they partner with. They spend their time getting to know you, your story, and your professional wants and needs. To do a great job, recruiters will pay attention to every detail to make the most successful long-term career match – one where the client is thrilled to hire you, and you’re equally thrilled to accept the role.

Debunked

It’s true. Some recruiters won’t care about you. They’ll look at their job like a numbers game, and their results will reflect that impersonal approach. That’s what separates great recruiting firms from the rest. At Career Group Companies, we know our clients are hiring people, not resumes.  We are the opposite of transactional, and our recruiters build authentic relationships and lifelong professional bonds with the candidates they place. We are your biggest advocates and we only want to see you succeed!

Why Work with a Recruiter?

So, are recruiters good or bad? We’ve debunked some common recruiting misconceptions, but what are the benefits of working with a recruiter? Here are a few:

• Resume advice from an expert
• Individualized interview prep
• Specialized job matches based on your experience, education, interests, and values
• Industry advice — suggesting roles or industries you hadn’t considered
• An advocate who will negotiate compensation on your behalf
• Access to exclusive job opportunities with top companies, often not advertised on traditional job sites
• A recruiter who will act as your cover letter, presenting your skills and qualifications to Hiring Managers
• A lasting relationship with a long-term career coach

Recruiting agencies tend to get a bad rap, but so much of it is based off misconceptions about the industry, or maybe a negative experience you had at another firm. At Career Group Companies, we’re committed to serving our talent, and improving our client’s company cultures, one exceptional match at a time. We’ll help you get your foot in the door, and we will do everything we can to make your life easier by doing the heavy lifting on your hunt for a new job. So, what are you waiting for? Browse our open positions to get in touch with a recruiter who is ready to help you find that perfect fit.