We work for the clients in that they are the ones who pay our bills.  They give us the job descriptions then we, as recruiters, go out to find those of you who are qualified and hopefully not too socially challenged.  Don’t get me wrong.  I want to make sure, for the candidates, it is a good fit and that at the end of it all you and the Creative Director go skipping hand-in-hand through a flowery meadow.  However, I am not your personal consultant.  If I haven’t been in touch for a few days it isn’t because I’m not interested in what you have going on but that we don’t have a position you are a good for right now.  In fact, I most likely sent you an email to that affect that some of you are purposefully ignoring.  If this is what you want to hear, here you go…You’re great, I’m sure, and pretty and nice and funny…whatever.  I’m not your girlfriend so stop being a baby.  I will call you when I’ve got something.  Why wouldn’t I?  Think about it.

Also, part of my job is giving advice because we know EXACTLY what the clients are looking for.  I can help tailor your book to specific agencies, add spice to your resume, and even find your kids schools and activities in the city you are relocating to.  And, again, don’t get me wrong I do want to get to know you, well most of you.  But, I cannot talk to you for an hour everyday about your personal insecurities, how your ex-wife is a bitch, or your concerns about what casual dress code really means.  Get a therapist. 

If you are in the interview process with an agency I have submitted you to then, by all means, we will have a number of lengthy conversations where I expect you to be honest with me about your career situation.   In return, I will make sure you know what to wear, what to say, and how to say it.  BUT, if I have talked to you once in passing about a position and now you call me on a daily basis making demands we have a problem, unless you start paying me hourly.  I can’t tell you how many calls I get a week that start like this, “Yeah, I’m going to go ahead and need you to…” With the sentence ending something like, “…call up DDB and see if you can get me in there for an interview”.    Hey guy, stop watching Office Space and find your own job.  I don’t work for you.  I am happy to help you in whatever way I can if you ask me nicely or simply inquire but if you are assuming that I am the dial up recruiting version of Ask.com you are mistaken. 

Overall, I am a nice person who wants to make sure all parties involved are taken care of and that the candidates are excited about possible opportunities because they are ACTUAL good opportunities.  But, for all of you out there who DO understand boundaries, if I am not answering your acceptable weekly phone call it is probably because I am on the other line with Joe McConfused about his life and I apologize, I will be right with you.

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