Ok, we've all done it. We go to a website, see a great job that we have all the skills for. The pay is even in the range we're looking for. We scramble to send our resume with a great cover letter, explaining why we would be the best person for the job. We ask the recruiter to call us, because we're dying to hear more about the job.
Then...silence.
We wait, thinking the recruiter is being overwhelmed by resumes. We're sure we'll get a call back the next day. Then the next day. Then the next day. We look up the recruiter's phone number and call, just to find out the status. We get voicemail, and leave a long, detailed message about that perfect position, and why we're the perfect fit. Still nothing. Sometimes we never hear back. Sometimes, we hear back a month later -- a quick note stating that the position has been filled, but that our resume's on file, and they'll let us know if any other positions come up.
What's going on? Why didn't the recruiter get back to us? Was this a real job? Or was he just phishing?
We've all heard the word phishing: it's usually associated with identity theft. This is a different type, though -- resume phishing. The job may have not been real. The recruiter is trying to build their database with great candidates, waiting for the day when they'll actually have clients.
If there was a job, they may have lifted that job description from someone else's ad, usually from a company they're trying to do business with. They are hoping that if they can present the company with enough good resumes, they'll want to use that staffing firm for all of their orders.
Are either of these practices fair to you, the job seeker? In today's economy, no one can afford to waste their time on false leads. Here are a few tips:
1. Try to work with recruiters you trust and know. If you don't know any, speak to trusted colleagues only, and ask for a referral.
2. If you see an ad you're interested in, ask for more information if possible before sending your resume.
3. Provide the least amount of information -- especially personal and contact information -- possible, as there have been legitimate cases of identity theft associated with this practice.
4. If you have sent out your resume and haven't heard back within a week, it's time to move on. Any recruiter worth his/her salt will contact you ASAP upon receipt of your information, and will keep you in the loop on any progress made. They'll also let you know immediately if you're not a fit.
I wish you nothing but the best of luck in your job search. Just know that there are truly good recruiters out there, who would like nothing more than to place you in a contract that utilizes your skills, and provides you with adequate compensation and room to grow. At the same time, be cognizant that finding such recruiters is a search project all of its own.