15. Do you realize you’re not a strong candidate?
Poorly trained recruiters will often use intimidation and fear tactics. They may try to lower your expectations so you take the first job you’re offered. They talk about how difficult it will be to place you because of your background, and that you’ll be lucky if they can get you an interview.
If other candidates are in a much better position than you because of skills and experience, they shouldn’t tell you that. When a recruiter starts telling you about what a weak candidate you are, this is a mean, manipulative approach. If they’re destroying your confidence, you don’t have to stand for it. Don’t believe them when they tell you there are tons of other people who could do the job if you don’t want it.
Tell recruiters who use these tactics that if somebody meets you and doesn’t want to hire you, that’s fine. If they don’t think you can be placed, you’re wasting your time and theirs. This may call their bluff and prevent you from accepting the wrong job or taking a salary lower than what you deserve. In their minds, they may think they’re helping you be realistic.
It’s worth your while to continue to look for a recruiter who believes there is a job out there for you and that your background or lack of formal experience does not preclude you from finding a good one. A good recruiter will help you to appear to clients in the best possible light. If you lack formal work experience, they should help you to make your informal skills and experience count for you.