Recruitment Cowboys got their name in the late 90′s when they attempted to ruin the superb profession that being a recruiter could be. Professionals go out their way to dispel some of the myths that were created during this time. Some of the processes cowboy recruiters used were to increase THEIR chances of success, not YOURS.
See if you can spot the holes:
Does the job really exist?
Professional recruiters only have time to deal with real jobs and real clients. If you think something is fishy, it probably is.
Your Bottom £ine
Actually, professional recruiters really do need to understand this. They will also work with you to get as much as you can feasibly and realistically achieve. Listen to your recruiter and if they are making sense, they’re probably talking it too.
Providing references?
Very good recruiters may well ask for some references. Satisfy yourself that the quality of the recruiter is good enough to represent you to a previous manager.
Name collecting?
Professionally networking is OK, isn’t it? Of course! If recruiters didn’t network, they wouldn’t find great jobs for great people. They don’t have a magic hat to pull names out of, they need your help. Help them.
Fishing for jobs?
If a recruiter asks what companies your CV already been sent to, this may be a way of finding out which companies are recruiting for jobs – but it can also mean they just want to understand you better. If they are talking sense, they and probably making sense too.
Failure :(
Make sure you get proper professional feedback from the recruiter after interview. If you feel the recruiter has represented you well, tell them.
Does that make sense to you? Help your recruiter to help you since they want more jobs – and more people. If you are part of that circle, you will also make a better career out of your networking.