I have been using recruiters for a long time to help me find a new opportunity. For the ones I don’t have a relationship with… please stop playing games when sending us an email about a “great opportunity“.

One of the qualities to look for in a recruiter is they do not hide details about the job such as salary range and company name. How many times have you received an email from a recruiter like this?
I have a client looking for a full-stack developer with 5 years of experience. SQL Server a plus.
This message only has two things the employer is looking for! I believe recruiters do this to prevent candidates from going around them and applying directly to the company. While I understand this concern, what recruiters fail to realize is that we want them to represent us in job negotiations. Many times, when I find a job that interests me, I contact recruiters to see if they work with that company and have them submit my resume. I suggest you do the same.
Normally, I would disregard emails like this, but if I do decide to respond, I request the following details:

1. The name and location of the company.
2. The salary range or contract rate for the position.
3. Whether the job is in-person, hybrid, or remote.

Unfortunately, most recruiters do not provide me with the information I ask for, even after multiple requests. If the recruiter fails to provide this information, I immediately flag their email as spam. Many recruiters utilize what I call the “flypaper” approach, throwing numerous candidates at a job opportunity and hoping one sticks. This is a waste of time for both job seekers and interviewers, and it is best to avoid recruiters who employ this tactic.
This approach has worsened recently as some recruiters receive bonuses solely for securing interviews for candidates at companies. I strongly believe that this practice is detrimental because it prioritizes the goal of securing interviews over providing meaningful support to help candidates succeed in securing the desired positions.
Skilled recruiters provide comprehensive details about the company, hiring manager, team, product group, and more. The more they know about the position, the better they can assist you. We will delve further into this topic later in this chapter.

Summary

Recruiters, it is crucial to avoid playing games with job seekers. Initiating contact in a manner that lacks transparency undermines the trust that is vital in any relationship. Additionally, it is advisable to seek out recruiters who have been in the profession for at least two years. This selection criterion helps ensure that you are partnering with a dedicated professional who is genuinely committed to their career, rather than someone solely motivated by the potential financial gains.

Do you have stories to share about recruiters? Please share in a comment. This tip and a lot more can be found in my Rock Your Career: Surviving the Technical Interview book.

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