What to do about a nightmarish recruiter?

Anonymous

September 13,2022 at 2:20PM UTC

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What to do about a nightmarish recruiter? I've had wonderful recruiters before but this one has been problematic since the beginning. I was recruited for this opportunity and if it's wasn't a good salary and fit, I would just tell him I'm not interested. I've had three rounds and with each, it's like pulling teeth to get information and set up the next steps.

It's disorganized, he asks for a date and time and over a week later he wants the interview the next day. I'm feeling out of sorts and not excited about the process. That being said, he doesn't work for the company so I don't want to pin my frustrations on the organization due to a bad external recruiter.

I've been lining up other interviews this week and even double booked on a few days to keep the requested date open and still radio silence. With the other interviews it's earlier rounds but I'm thinking of filling the date the next time I'm asked since I don't have a confirmed time.

I've followed up with him since last week and the crazy part is that I didn't even want the position in the first place! Since I need a job, I feel it's the only reason I'm putting up with this frustrating experience. I'd appreciate your advice. Should I just tell him I'm not interested and move on...

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KatSeptember 13,2022 at 3:35PM UTC
Just because you need a job doesn't mean you have to put with this treatment to get one. This recruiter doesn't respect your time and doesn't communicate with you. So why are you still dealing with this for a job you don't really want? Your conflicting statements about the job at the start and end of your post show ambivalence at best about this particular position. If you can't communicate directly with the company regarding scheduling and next steps, move on. You've got other prospects, so focus on those instead. A good recruiter communicates with you regularly, supports you during the process and values you and your time. This recruiter is doing none of that. If you need a job to help pay bills while you're looking, plenty of places are hiring immediately. Cut this recruiter loose and leave a bad review for them on Glassdoor so others don't use this person.
AnonymousSeptember 13,2022 at 8:12PM UTC
Thank you, Kat. I appreciate your advice. I feel like I'm restricting other interviews and opportunities in order to keep this on-going option open. It's double my previous salary and that's why I've held in there but honestly the role doesn't excite me. Having a regular paycheck does and since I've already held out for so many rounds, I've being trying to make it work. You're right, I need to cut my losses and move forward. Thank you!
AnonymousSeptember 13,2022 at 4:40PM UTC
Have you let him know of any of your frustrations?
AnonymousSeptember 13,2022 at 8:09PM UTC
I have followed up a few times and also stressed that I have other pending commitments on those days. I'm trying to keep days / times available but it's hard when job searching and being asked for other interviews. I'm starting to feel frustrated and that I should concentrate on companies that are making strides to move forward rather than each step providing lack of details or timing.
AnonymousSeptember 14,2022 at 8:37PM UTC
I agree with you. He doesn't seem serious.