Why I Didn't Hire You - See the Job Description

A long time ago, I interviewed candidates for a position that required a very specific skill set.  For arguments sake let us call the position a Widget Specialist.  We let recruiters know about the opening and gave them a job description with very specific requirements.  I spoke with a recruiter soon after who told me, as recruiters often do, that they had found the ideal candidate.  I reviewed the candidate’s rather vague resume and confessed that I just did not see the fit.

“Have you reviewed the job description?”  I asked, even though I knew the question should have been unnecessary.

“Oh yes, in position X the candidate handled this sort of thing all the time.  In position Y they were a widget specialist; don’t let their title throw you.”

Receiving numerous assurances that the candidate was a truly fantastic wizard of widgets, I agreed to interview her.  It was the shortest interview I ever had.

Me: So, tell me about your expertise with widgets.

Candidate:  Well, I do not really know anything about widgets.

Me:  You understand that this is a Widget Specialist position, right?  Did your recruiters give you the job description?

Candidate: Yes, and I told them that I did not have the experience.  They told me not to mention it.  They said if I got hired I could learn on the job.” 

Me:  I am sorry that they wasted your time, I am afraid this position requires experience.  Good day.

I was mad.  I was not mad at the candidate; I was made at the recruiter.  That recruiter screwed the candidate.  It was a total waste of everyone’s time. 

Job seekers often have to rely on the advice of recruiters, and most of the time it makes perfect sense to do so.  Most recruiters are good at what they do.  They would not risk their reputation by trying to sneak you into a job in which you could not succeed.  That is why most recruiters offer a money back guarantee if you crash and burn within a few months of starting a job. 

Bottom line:  Know what is required of a job before you apply for it.  Ask for job description.  Surely you want to know what it is you are signing up for, don’t you?  You do not want to sneak you way into a job that you aren’t qualified to do.  If you do manage to sneak in, do not be surprised when you are fired.  Don’t waste your time.  Be honest with your recruiter.  If they encourage you to be less than honest, run for the door.