By Jeff Altman, Big Game Hunter
On April 3, 1972, I walked into the offices of an employment agency in downtown Manhattan and began my career as a recruiter. The office is messy and people work in small teams, with 3 desk groups representing the teams. I am the youngest of three new employees who graduated from college last June. The other two were former insurance agents who I never knew what he did.
Circa 1972, after being put to sleep by his boss who was trying to explain how the technology worked, our trainer Tom said something I’ll never forget – “Let me tell you three jokes about the recruiting industry.”
“Okay,” I thought to myself.
Three “truths” about job hunting
Then he told me three “truths” about job hunting
“How do you know the applicant is lying to you?”
“I don’t know,” I muttered.
“His lips were moving.”
“oh.”
Tom then said, “How do you know our client is lying to you?”
“I have no idea.”
“His lips were moving.”
Finally, he asked, “How do you know the recruiter is lying to you?”
“Are his lips moving?”
“Yeah, you’re not as stupid as I thought.”
I hated Tom’s cynicism and spent a lot of time thinking about this “training” I had received. This conversation would pop into my head at odd moments, leaving me feeling angry and frustrated. I don’t want to spend 40 years of my life thinking I’m a liar and everyone else I talk to is lying.
One day I realized it wasn’t lying, it was posturing. Everyone is posturing for their own benefit when applying for a job. You, the recruiter, the client, they’re all trying to do it our way and get the best deal possible, even if there’s a little bit of exaggeration in it (okay. Maybe a lot of exaggeration for some). This is probably the biggest reason for our disappointment – everyone is posturing and no one is completely honest.
Radical ideas for job hunting
This is a radical idea. As a job candidate, can you take the lead in providing radical honesty and encourage employers to be radically candid as well? Let’s all stop being so dishonest with each other and just do what we’re told to do…tell the truth.
Someone has to start being brave and stepping out of their comfort zone. Knowing that this is difficult for emergency recruiters to do, how can you, as a job seeker and employer, be a catalyst for change?
© The Big Game Hunter, Inc. Asheville, NC 2017, 2021
6 Strategies for Job Seekers Over 55
About Big Game Hunter Jeff Altman
People hire “Big Game Hunter” Jeff Altman to provide no-nonsense career advice around the world because he makes so many things in people’s careers easier. These things may involve job hunting, recruiting more effectively, managing and leading better, career transitions, and advice on solving workplace problems.
Seven Steps to Building an Expert Brand
I simplified my job search at JobSearch.Community. Becoming an Insider gives you access to all my video courses, books, and guides, as well as the ability to ask questions and receive responses within 24 hours. Becoming an Insider+ member gives you access to everything I mention and schedules 2 Zoom calls with me per month. Become an Insider Premium member and you’ll get everything I’ve already mentioned, plus we’ll provide group or individual coaching.
After informational interview
Schedule a discovery call on my website, www.TheBigGameHunter.us
Final interview with the company president
We allow this and other articles to be used on your site as long as they include a backlink www.TheBigGameHunter.us and states that it is provided by Jeff Altman of The Big Game Hunter as the author or creator. Does not acknowledge his work or provide backlinks www.TheBigGameHunter.us Subjects you to a $1,000 fine, which you voluntarily agree to pay.
