I don’t know what drives some of my co-workers, but one thing I have come to learn it’s not, is loyalty…

…and common decency, trust and integrity.

I’m in recruitment as you may already be aware, which can indeed provide recruiters that are “above average”, a very robust six-figure salary every year. I also work in a commission-only industry (certainly the norm for “contingency recruitment” in the united states) which can lead some to “alternative” means to closing a deal.

all of my colleagues here are in the very same boat as me - commission only - and we’re always looking at ways to make a placement - it’s a rather frantic world we live in. when it’s good, it’s great - when everyone’s billing well, we’re all happy. alas, when it’s not as rosy as we’d like, the cloak and dagger ethic surfaces, and it’s the same select few that adorn that ominous attire better than others.

today I had a candidate attend a 2nd interview at a very small, boutique biotech/pharmaceutical firm in new york city. after meeting with the CEO, concerns were raised. my colleague (who will remain nameless) discussed my applicant’s concerns with her over the phone. after listening to her “less than enthusiastic” attempts at addressing her concerns, I took over the phone call.

[side note: it's imperative to address concerns right away, otherwise they become like forgotten bread in the fridge - hard, solid... unable to undo what's already been left alone to fester on its own]

my conversation was a little more uplifting, to say the least. what I gathered from the call was that she was scared to join another “small” firm, as she’d done so with 4 other similar sized companies and they’d all laid her off - lack of funding etcetera. my colleague caught wind of her concern (which is COMPLETELY valid, may I add) and went on some tirade of how she wouldn’t feel comfortable in closing the client on my applicant, as she “may leave right after starting”… or she’d be “taking the job for the wrong reasons”. to add salt to my wound, a different colleague’s candidate is also being interviewed for this position, and that applicant is going “ga ga” over the job - so a much easier close. however, the client is leaning toward mine, so she should be pushed for the offer, and then allow me to handle the “close” - NOT to make her mind up for her client.

[clincher]

what really got me going this afternoon, was watching my two colleagues (one representing the client, and the other representing the 2nd candidate) whispering to one another (after my candidate chat on the phone shortly before) and stopping when I looked over. I mean, come on you pair of rancid slags, how old do you think I am?

if I get a sniff of any underhand workings going on pertaining to this deal, there will be hell to pay - and I will be on the front page of the new york times by the end of the week for double homicide.

if you’re new to this site, then you should read this article to familiarize yourself with my co-workers’ standard of ethics.

shady bastards.