What Is a Recruiter - Really?

When I began my first job search in the business world, after managing educational programs and community college extension centers for years, I was clueless. The first thing I discovered was that my entire network was comprised of other educational administrators. They had no connections in the business world.

The second rude awakening came when I realized most jobs weren't advertised in the newspaper. For the most part, educational administration and other public sector positions appeared, but the corporate world I wanted to enter was more illusive. I subscribed, at that point, to all of the education journals that posted jobs, but failed to even know where to look for a business position.

So, I turned to the corporate recruiter hoping that he or she would find me the position I sought in the business world. They barely returned my phone calls. I had recruiting backwards. The corporate recruiter wasn't looking for me. The recruiter was looking for more employers. I was only interesting if what I had to offer met an employer's need. The recruiter cared a whole lot less about what I wanted to find. And repackaging my skills for business was more work than they were willing to do.

So, with these three rude awakenings under my belt, I was off on my job search. I'll tell you more about it another time.

For today, take a look at the newest article, What Is a Recruiter - Really? posted on the website.