We Want Recruiters to be Known as Head-Huggers, Not Headhunters

For a Happier Career Transition, Hire a Hugger!

Last week, I had a conversation with a candidate who was very honest with me about his frustrations regarding his career search.  He said very bluntly, “You recruiters – there are a lot of you, and most are not very good or respectful.”  I was initially surprised by his assertion, but then I found myself in a much more compassionate place with his frustration because I actually agree with him!

The fact is, most recruiters are so task-driven, they fail to remember that they are dealing with people who are trying to make one of the most important decisions in their lives!  Changing jobs is very stressful, and this stress can be compounded when a job seeker has to work with disrespectful recruiters who don’t follow-up with them or give false expectations of how they will help.

When I first started my career in the recruiting business, I had an energized, full-fledged, sincere desire to help everyone.  And I mean Every One!  I wanted to get everyone I talked with a new job that would increase their family’s livelihood.  While my personal motives have not changed, I am now more realistic by understanding that I can’t find everyone a new job all of the time —  especially because the job needs to be the best-fit for them and for the employer.  Our core responsibility is to find the right candidates for the jobs we have to fill; otherwise, we would not be a valuable service to either our clients or the job seekers who depend upon us to help them find a better career.

For this reason, we know that our communications with each job seeker must be honest, respectful, and transparent so accurate expectations can be clear.  For example, if we can find you a new job, then great — let’s do it!  But more importantly, if we can’t find you a new job, it is best for everyone to be very truthful and recognize that a best-fit career match will not happen right now.  It’s very possible that we could help you in the near future with another opportunity that will be better suited for you; and if that’s the case, we would certainly want to reconnect.  This direct and truthful communication is imperative to ensure we are avoiding any misconceptions that would mislead a job seeker.  The job seeker understands that we are not leaving them hanging and waiting unnecessarily for immediate results.  It boils down to respecting each person’s specific and unique career goals.

Early on in my career as a recruiter, I was haunted by the way my profession had been labeled as a “head- hunter.”  After all, it’s not an appealing image, and it still strikes me as a negative term that does not sum up the spirit of what we do.  I have never hunted a head in my life, and I know for a certainty that I never will!  Hunting implies tactical maneuvers such as stealth tracking, hidden trappings, sly approaches, and deadly decoys.  Frankly, I think this term was probably created by job seekers who found themselves working with recruiters who made them feel tracked and trapped.  Recruiters who lack respect for a job seeker’s career health and well-being will definitely give the impression of being hunters.   My solution to this unfortunate labeling is to put forth a bigger effort to reflect the integrity of how we do business, as well as demonstrate our great respect for every individual we serve.  Regardless of whether or not we can help everyone find a new career, I consider myself, and all of the recruiters at AGI, to be Head-Huggers!  That’s the real nature of what we do as qualified professionals within the hospitality industry!  We embrace each job seeker with genuine hopes to help!  Our tactics include honesty, respect, and mentorship.

If you are a recruiter reading my conviction, please be encouraged!  You already know that success as a recruiter is about managing your time and tasks.  But what you need to remember is this; the best way to perform every part of your job is to have a deeper respect for each job seeker who comes to you for help.  Be truthful and forward so your candidates will have the correct and realistic expectations.  If we all work harder to accomplish this each and every time, we can change the perception of our industry! Working together as a whole, we can abandon the negative connotations of head-hunter forever.

If you are a job seeker, we ask that you hold us to this value.  Anything less than hospitable is unacceptable to me.  If, at any point, you believe that a recruiter here at AGI isn’t warmly welcoming you or respecting you, please contact me directly at john@agimangement.com .  Your concerns will remain confidential.

We wholeheartedly view our work as a ministry, and we feel called to help others through their career transition.  We hope we can consistently portray this belief and be a positive role within the marketplace.