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It’s hard to spot stuff when you're new. Cult-like culture and gas-lighting disguise it. So here’s a cheat sheet.
1. Nonsense KPIs.
Needless micromanagement like dials per hour, calls per day, call log reviews.
Instead of actually important stuff like, you know, results.
2. “Mandatory” happy hours every week.
Stated or just strong peer pressure to hang at the bar after work. I'm no teetotaler, but as a basis for company culture, hard pass.
3. Coworker love triangles & other constant drama.
High correlation with the booze culture. You’re an adult and can make your own decisions.
But if your office plays out like a reality TV show, cancel that subscription.
4. The paycheck pyramid scheme.
Does it feel like no matter how many placements you make, you never get out from under that draw? Or the accelerators never seem to kick in?
It might be the business model. It's a feature, not a bug.
5. Celebrating big wins with a fancy (or not fancy) lunch. Instead of comp.
I got the Doordash app, I’m good.
6. Fear culture, unhealthy competition and blaming:
Yelling and open forum shaming?
Miss your numbers and you’re out?
Candidate declined? And you get an earful since it’s all your fault?
Leadership rubs it in your face when someone else does well?
Common, but not normal.
7. Never turn down a bad client or search.
The bane of contingent recruiting. Leadership takes on “clients” (who may never pay a dime) because you’re the one putting in the work, not them.
You waste a hundred hours, not them. You get the blame, not them.
8. Lack of transparency.
Secret deals happen that you weren’t allowed to work on. The ‘in’ crowd gets access to the real business.
Ask about it? More gaslighting.
9. Rewarding bad behavior.
Big billers get away with boorish and inappropriate behavior? Maybe even get a promotion?
Tells you everything you need to know about leadership.
10. Constant lying.
To clients, candidates, whoever. Just to close deals. If it feels wrong, it is.
11. People not returning after lunch on their first day.
Some people spot this stuff right away. Learn from them. 🤣
👉If this is you…make it a short stop on the career path.
Full episode of The 10 Minute Talent Rant, ep 43 “Signs You’re Working At A Sh*tty Recruiting Firm” available at Hirewell’s Talent Insights, here.
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11 Signs You’re Working At A Sh*tty Recruiting Firm