Job offer more than one and a very angry recruiter

nickskewl on 13/10/2019 - 17:09

I was recently back in the job market. 2 weeks back got the ball rolling for a 3-6 month contract job in public sector. Last week interviewed with them for round 2 and got offered the role. On the same day got approached for again a contract role 6-12 months in a corporate private sector much more to my liking. Pay wise both at par. Made through 2 rounds of interview and got offered the role on Friday. Said yes to the latter and had to call on Friday to the first one to say no. Result a very angry recruiter.

Had told him beforehand that this was always for me going to be a bandaid solution to pay bills while I keep a look out for a permanent or more attractive option for self.
To me this is much better than starting the role and 1-2 weeks saying can’t continue as have got a permanent role.
I might have been selfish but here I am talking about my career. It’s a temporary contract.

Did I do anything wrong?
I feel guilty for burning that relationship but had to look after self as well.

Your comments and advice welcome.

Education & Work

Comments

  • rekabkram on 15/10/2019 - 20:38
    +1

    Devils advocate - If the recruiter was genuine then after you’d agreed to take the job they’d likely had the workplace begin paperwork, and contacted all of the next in lines to advise that they’d been unsuccessful. Once you’ve told someone they didn’t get the job, I wouldn’t think it’d be the best move to go back to them and offer them the job as you’ve already told them they aren’t the best choice for the company.

    Having said that, it’s your career and you have to be happy with where you are. Have confidence you’ve made the right decision.

    • nickskewl on 15/10/2019 - 20:45

      There is not a single element of doubt that I made the right choice for myself. Between the 2 options the one I chose was a no brainer for me. If only I could have avoided burning the bridge with that recruiter who I had known for almost 10 years. This was the first though he put me forward for a role as I was made redundant in my previous. I was upfront right from start that the role was not to my liking and not a progression or even a side step to my experience all it was to help me pay my bills as I didn’t want to risk to be without a job when the market is going to die over holiday period soon.

  • [Deactivated] on 15/10/2019 - 21:00
    +1

    Recruiters look out for themselves and their wallet, you gotta look out for yourself. Fair enough if you ask me.

  • Thatsgold on 15/10/2019 - 22:17
    +1

    You did not do anything wrong my friend.
    Your a good guy tbh, the recruiter can lick a vanilla minus chocolate ice-cream

  • Bayleaf on 15/10/2019 - 22:39
    +1

    Legally, if you haven't signed any contract or agreement, there's nothing wrong. I have seen this quite often in business or even renting property.

    However, you might have burnt bridges with the first one. Hopefully world is not that small and you two never cross path.

  • gimme on 16/10/2019 - 06:55
    +2

    Didn't read the comments but ignore the recruiter. They're worse than used car salesman

    • Ziggy28 on 16/10/2019 - 13:55
      +1

      How true. Many job recruiters/agents are just time wasters and liars.

  • fycycy64 on 16/10/2019 - 10:53
    +1

    Next time just tell the recruiter you'll get in touch soon and then completely ignore him. Treat them the way they treat you!

  • mrdevil on 16/10/2019 - 11:20
    +1

    You did what was right for not only yourself but the recruiter too - have a friend who's in a similar situation… took a package from an existing role, then went with an agency to find another position. They've done exactly the same as you - been up front and explained the ultimate goal is an ongoing full-time position, so if they can't provide that, then there is every possibility of them leaving any temporary role they're given early (or turning down any viable short-term positions).

    Plus if a company is going to use a recruiter / temp agency to employ people, then that's the risk they run when they end up getting someone… if they want something a bit more stable, advertise the job themselves and make it a bit more secure. You (and everyone else) have every right to turn down a position - that's the whole point of the interview process … like most contacts and other things in life, you're not locked in until you sign the dotted line or say "Yes".

    I think the "very angry recruiter" should go shove it - they should be use to this… that's the game they play, and they're probably just pissed that one of their "assets" has been poached by someone else.

  • SlickMick on 16/10/2019 - 12:00
    +1

    What were the terms of the contract? My last contract said it could be terminated on 1 hours notice. So really, at any point from agreement through to end of contract, you're free to walk away at any time.

    If employers want to get good workers, they'll just have to offer the best deal. Shouldn't be any hard feelings, and no bridges burned, they'll just know to offer a more attractive package next time.

  • berry580 on 16/10/2019 - 12:18
    +1

    Should tell the recruiter that you're sorry and move on.

    Every man for themselves, that's just how things work. Especially when we're just talking about job recruitment, we're not talking about organ donation. Relax.

  • [Deactivated] on 16/10/2019 - 12:27
    +1

    He gave you the job even though you said… "this was always for me going to be a bandaid solution to pay bills while I keep a lookout for a permanent or more attractive option for self."

    Really?

    That is a little too honest from you if you actually told him that and also unusual that you got the job after saying this. I wouldn't give anyone a job that says this, for obvious reasons.

    Not sure what area you live in, but my only advice is don't burn too many recruiters as you might need them down the path and this might not work in your favour.

    If you are in Sydney or Melbourne, there are so many recruiters that it won't probably matter, in smaller areas it might be a different story.

    In saying this, you have to look after yourself first and foremost.

    • nickskewl on 16/10/2019 - 14:02

      Completely agree….I need to stop being too honest and upfront…..thats the BIGGEST thing I take from this. Sydney based!!

  • Leeroy Jenkins on 16/10/2019 - 13:14
    +2

    I've seen a few smart recruiters in the past, however more than half of them I've dealt with are clueless and only care about fulfiling their job and get their cut.

    Don't worry they won't even remember you say in 6 months or a year's time.

  • mini2 on 16/10/2019 - 13:25
    +1

    Don't think OP would've broken any rules either, it's not like he's getting 2 pimps to rep him for the same role. Then it would be awkward/bridge-burning. I mean up until the offer stage, all that's between the OP and the pimp is just an authority to represent (sole representation, haven't been repped by someone else in the 6 months prior blah blah blah).

  • ratoloko on 16/10/2019 - 14:18
    +3

    Nahh, a company won't think twice to fire you anyways.
    You at least notified the recruiter. From 10 interviews, 9 do not call you back saying that your application was not acceptable. I hate this here in Australia.
    I work with technology, and my 2 IT jobs here, one was my AD on Gumtree with my skills and CEO and CTO contacting me. The current one was my friend leaving and recommending me, so.

    Recruiters only think about their bank account anyways.
    Be happy with your current job :)

  • nith265 on 16/10/2019 - 14:46
    +1

    The recruiter is someone who believes their own hype that their job is all about “building relationships” and they treat any action that isn’t true to your “relationship” as a betrayal.

    As much as they talk about the immorality of your actions (since you are in a relationship…) I’m sure they’d have problems maintaining their half of your relationship if it involved them losing money or future opportunities.

    “hey I’m all about relationships but I need to look after myself first – I’m running a business here!”

  • drfuzzy on 16/10/2019 - 18:19
    +1

    Recruiters are very good at playing mind games.

    I would not bother with this one again.

  • ratman on 16/10/2019 - 19:39
    +1

    Recruiters are no better than real estate agents or used car salesmen. I wouldn't care they lost their commission. Do what's best for you.

  • jackthefrost on 16/10/2019 - 21:11

    mate, any tips on how to ace interviews like that?

    • nickskewl on 17/10/2019 - 11:13
      +1

      Not that I am an expert. Unfortunately, all those things either you have heard, read or seen on YouTube like be confident, be prepared, back yourself, have good body language, be interpersonal are ALL TRUE.
      Above all, if I can only add, be yourself and back yourself. Rest its a game of probability; Got to be at the right place at right time.

  • Ajay13 on 17/10/2019 - 08:20

    okay, I know this aint the place for what I'm gonna do, but, will any one be able to help me in getting a job in Melbourne ? Its been nearly 10 months with my job hunts!
    Temp , part time , full time - anything goes.
    Anything that will help me get a foothold will be very much appreciated!

    • nickskewl on 17/10/2019 - 10:48

      Though this is on a different tangent and your ? more about the job search. I can only guess that you looking to start your career after studies. Personally, I am not in a position to help you with something tangible and I would guess that it would be unlikely in this forum from a browse audience.

      If so all I can say from my experience that be open and flexible to the opportunities that come by.
      When I first started I would get calls for AP/AR or Payroll basically at a very junior level. I would keep turning then down while my other friends won't get those offers and they would always tell me to use it as the foot into the door which was just not in sync with my thoughts. Eventually, I did end up taking a contract role in operations but in a resume maker company. I gave my best shot and within 4 months transitioned to another role and eventually made my graduate program end up in a commercial team after 13 months starting in the company. So the underlying things to take are open, back yourself and give the best shot to make a strong brand for yourself. Since then LinkedIn has evolved. Make sure that it's as sharp as it can be. Highlight your achievements. Your introduction to be snappy and reflecting your skill sets and personality. Good luck and just keep persisting till that door opens for you. Remember: You got to be at right place at right time. So keep persisting.

  • gviddy on 17/10/2019 - 08:49
    +2

    You did nothing wrong. Recruiters are all assholes. Sales people who are trying to buy and sell people's careers.

    I had a very similar situation to you. Had 2 interviews in a week. Job offers from both and I took the first one. I emailed the recruiter of the other saying thank you and he then hounded me every single day for the week by calling my phone. Even after hours (around 7pm). Of course no way I was going to answer the phone because why would I. I had let him know and there was nothing to discuss. After the harassment I sent him another email and said to quit calling as I am not going to answer his calls.

    In the end all he did was ruin his own chances. The job I took could possibly not worked out so in the end he could have gotten me. After all the harassing phone calls though I want nothing to do with him whatsoever.

    Job recruiters are absolute filth if you ask me. The job I ended up taking was not through a recruiter.

  • Drogo on 17/10/2019 - 14:28
    +1

    You did nothing wrong. Recruiter is just pissed that his kickback for doing very little is gone.

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