This is becoming a cross post from my post in /r/recruitinghell.
Applied to a job this morning and received this test message. About an hour later the senior recruiter or whatever emails me personally to explain. Posted below is the conversation we’ve had so far.
Recruiter –
“I wanted to follow up with why we have to keep client confidential. We get paid to find the right fit and if we advertised the company, we would just be advertising for them and not be able to protect our interest. It is a very common process as a recruiter (I've been recruiting for over 20 years and it is always how I have had to advertise my roles. The point is for us to have a discussion to see if it is a right fit before we disclose, which can only happen if you and I talk.
I understand if you are not willing to have that discussion to determine that fit, but we have to honor our agreement with client to pre-screen everyone. If you change your mind and would like to talk to me, please reach out. Otherwise we will honor your wish to be withdrawn from consideration.”
Me –
“It's very one sided when finding the “right fit” only applies to the company you are hiring for. How do I know the company is the right fit for me if I only have the role description to go on? You're baiting me and other prospective candidates by dangling the position in front of us and promising to tell us more only after we've engaged with you. It's a process that only benefits your agency and the company you hire for. I would never recommend any of my colleagues go through you as your process is inherently dishonest and vague.”
Recruiter –
“Not to worry… we will pull you out of the running. My experience is the job description tells you enough to know if it is something you are interested in and talking to me tells me what you are looking for… that is the way I and all recruiters I know, do this….
I wish you the best in your search but no one is hiding anything other than spending our advertising dollars to benefit another company, when this is what we get paid to do.
I'm sorry that you don't feel it is worth a conversation, but that is why I reached out to you directly. If you read our reviews, you can tell we are a solid company with solid processes that have worked for many companies and candidates. Good luck to you sir.”
What absolutely petty shit is she trying to pull?! I’m laughing but I’m also furious that these are the people I have to interact with while looking for work.