I've been in contact with a recruiter for a position that seems like a good fit.

Anonymous

August 12,2022 at 1:42PM UTC

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I've been in contact with a recruiter for a position that seems like a good fit. I've got a role description, and while lengthy, its pretty generic (grow the business, establish a team, etc). But she won't give me the company name or product yet. However, she sent me 6 essay questions to complete (after I've already filled out all the forms on my resume). Its basically a full interview but in paper form. Should I fill it out or wait until she gives me more info on the actual company? Don't want to miss the opportunity, but wonder if I'm just being dragged on...

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AnonymousAugust 12,2022 at 2:28PM UTC
Exact same thing happened to me except I was told the organization but after writing a cover letter, sending a resume, spending a few hours filling out an online application, I also had to give them my current organization's fundraising budget, annual appeal dollars, how much we raised in different categories, how much of that I was responsible for and a complete breakdown, in addition to other questions that would be asked again in an interview. I walked away from it. I was not going to share the organization's information.
JJAugust 12,2022 at 4:00PM UTC
If you are truly in the running they can share the company. Not doing so sounds fishy.
JYJAugust 13,2022 at 2:38PM UTC
Walk away. This will be a huge waste of time for you. If she was able to get their interest with the info you already provided, the next step is a screening with the company. Tell her if they're interested, you need to know the name of the organization and look forward to her getting you that interview.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistAugust 15,2022 at 1:44AM UTC
Only you can decide how interested/what you're willing to put up with to be considered for this position.
Personally, my reaction is hell no.
And not to the not telling you the company or product yet (what about compensation?). Although that information should be shared for you to be able to decide if you're interested in the role. And also to make sure you haven't already applied there. I'm surprised the recruiter hasn't checked on that because unless it's a retained search, if she's an external recruiter, she wouldn't get paid if the company already has your information from within the last 12 months.
My hell no is for the 6 essay questions. There's no job I want bad enough to do that.
You don't say what you do or what level this new role is. Is this 6 essay question business routine for the space you work in?
What kind of a recruiter is this that reached out to you? Did she say it was a confidential search (someone is in the position and doesn't know they're getting fired)? That's the only legit reason I can think of to not tell you who the company is. Especially if they want 6 essays - I should think it would be a more effective use of your time if you knew the company/space/product you would be supporting.
The other thing that I've read of happening in these types of situations is candidates present great ideas to companies that then essentially steal their ideas for free and don't hire them.