Reply to: Burning bridges or much needed spring cleaning in this industry

[TheCyclingProgrammer]

I found deleting my LinkedIn profile greatly reduced the amount of agency spam I get, though I do still get the occasional email from recruiters. But then, I don't work via agents anyway...

[northernladyuk]

I think he is challenging behaviour in the industry as a customer of it.

He is a prossie, not a pimp.

[vetran]

This is true. I was told I was "blacklisted" and a few months later got a call from the same agent, wondering if I was available. If money is to be made...

You upset someone

[MrMarkyMark]

Recruiters shouldn't (in my opinion) present themselves as technical experts. They should be experts in supplying resource. Understanding the industry and specialist skills do build credibility with our customers.

Good recruiters are very valuable to the supply chain but always should be clear and proud about what they do.

Our Life Sciences brand has done a really nice piece on being part of the industry.

Inspired by you | Real Staffing

Unfortunately in the minority, but I have worked with a handful that do actually understand what it is all about and have worked with them for around 8 years.
I'm more than happy for one of these guys to represent me and very successful they seem to be at it too.

[Andy Hallett]

Recruiters shouldn't (in my opinion) present themselves as technical experts. They should be experts in supplying resource. Understanding the industry and specialist skills do build credibility with our customers.

Good recruiters are very valuable to the supply chain but always should be clear and proud about what they do.

Our Life Sciences brand has done a really nice piece on being part of the industry.

http://www.realstaffing.com/about-us/inspired-by-you

[yetanotherbob]

I think he is challenging behaviour in the industry as a customer of it.

I like how you take it in your stride.
Another common behaviour that I regularly come across that I think needs challenged is recruiters presenting themselves as technology professionals ("SAP consultant" or "XYZ consultant") on LinkedIn or their email signatures.
How does it help and is this something encouraged?
Does it not affect their credibility when seen by clients?

[NotAllThere]

As frustrating as this is, I can't see it changing as the strategy these recruiters adopt is very low cost to them (automated keyword matching + mass emails) and if it reaches one person who's right for the role and they fill it, why would they care if 10,000 other people get pissed off?

Because the 9999 will, next time, contain the one that you're looking for, and have added your address to their spam list.

In answer to your question, there is no secret industry (or indeed company) list of contractors we wouldn't place just for expressing an opinion on business media. Not sure how some end clients would view it though.

This is true. I was told I was "blacklisted" and a few months later got a call from the same agent, wondering if I was available. If money is to be made...

[Andy Hallett]

Burning bridges or much needed spring cleaning in this industry

I think he is challenging behaviour in the industry as a customer of it.

I've messaged the chap as some of the dates in our CRM data doesn't link up with the very short window of data on Huxley's CRM system. There may be duplicate records etc. Worth noting we do also have a preference system and an unsubscribe option.

In answer to your question, there is no secret industry (or indeed company) list of contractors we wouldn't place just for expressing an opinion on business media. Not sure how some end clients would view it though.

[vetran]

Has OP (the writer of that LinkedIn article) burnt many bridges though? Do agencies have the power to keep someone "out" in some way (via their own network or influence at various levels of management at client companies for instance)

I suspect just sending a copy of the page would be sufficient to bar him from most senior jobs. He has thrown the toys out of his pram hardly professional.

[yetanotherbob]

Has OP (the writer of that LinkedIn article) burnt many bridges though? Do agencies have the power to keep someone "out" in some way (via their own network or influence at various levels of management at client companies for instance)

[yetanotherbob]

As frustrating as this is, I can't see it changing as the strategy these recruiters adopt is very low cost to them (automated keyword matching + mass emails) and if it reaches one person who's right for the role and they fill it, why would they care if 10,000 other people get pissed off?

When I'm not actively seeking a role I completely ignore LinkedIn (clicking that link is the first time I've been on the site in nearly a year - had dozens of invites and inbox messages from, you guessed it, recruiters) and any direct mails just go into junk. Far as I'm concerned they aren't going to be offended if I ignore them then as soon as I want a role I'll just start contacting agents that I know and trust and usually get something that way.

To be fair, most LinkedIn messages I got have been quite relevant and personalised - and if so, I make it a point to send a proper reply note if I am unavailable. I never accept invites though, from anyone I don't know in a professional capacity, especially recruiters..
But the flip side of LinkedIn spam, if it is widespread, is that it might stop actual professionals from reaching out to each other.

[Willapp]

As frustrating as this is, I can't see it changing as the strategy these recruiters adopt is very low cost to them (automated keyword matching + mass emails) and if it reaches one person who's right for the role and they fill it, why would they care if 10,000 other people get pissed off?

When I'm not actively seeking a role I completely ignore LinkedIn (clicking that link is the first time I've been on the site in nearly a year - had dozens of invites and inbox messages from, you guessed it, recruiters) and any direct mails just go into junk. Far as I'm concerned they aren't going to be offended if I ignore them then as soon as I want a role I'll just start contacting agents that I know and trust and usually get something that way.

[SueEllen]

As email is free you are allowed to have more than one email address.

[SlipTheJab]

TBH theres not much point is there, you just need to play the game, personally I've not had to use an agent to source a role for 5 years now, I use my network to bypass them, clients still use them for payroll sometimes which is a pain but can't be helped I guess. My point is that this way you avoid all of the fake roles, CV harvesting and lies.You have to accept that fact that as email is free to send you'll get a load of keyword based spam, delete it and keep invoicing

[squarepeg]

Some agencies are grossly under-represented on that list...