Working with multiple recruiters? Forum

[Anonymous User]

I was wondering if anybody could let me know what the rules or etiquette is for working with recruiters? I got introduced to a recruiter through a previous work colleague, and have been working with him for a couple of months. He has been extremely nice and personable, but based on my understanding, his company is smaller, and based on the job positions he's been getting me, I wasn't sure whether he had as much reach as I liked. So about a month in, I reached out to a different recruiter at a much larger company that I had briefly connected with a couple of years back. He remember me and helped me send my resume out to a couple of firms (although I made sure to exclude firms that I already applied to with my first recruiter). A couple of days ago, I got an email from the first recruiter saying that he has been made aware that my resume was sent to a firm through another recruiter. I am now curious to know what the protocol or rules are for working with multiple recruiters (and also if anybody could help me pick between the two...). Anon because I think my recruiter skims this board. Thank you.

[Whatislaw]

Recruiters never want you to work with other recruiters and the stated reason is precisely the situation you're in. Multiple submissions to the same firm/job. The boy scout move is always to work with one recruiter only, but not saying that is how it is executed. The bigger question is whether your second recruiter spammed your resume out like a t-shirt cannon. I don't see how the first recruiter would get wind if you correctly isolated which firms you authorized submissions. Ultimately, recruiters are sales and you do whatever is best for your career. If one can't deliver, find one that can. But don't buy into someone just because they over promise. Just about every single recruiter (and there have been dozens) that has reached out to me promises the moon and stars. Rarely can any deliver. Most are just regurgitating open job postings you can find on the firm websites.

[Anonymous User]

OP here. Looking at records, I got caught because I applied with the firm with my first recruiter several months ago, but then applied for a new different position at the same firm with the new recruiter (I assumed because of the gap between my submissions, and because they were for different positions, it wouldn't matter). Are there any potential ramifications in terms of my search/hiring (other than a slight souring of the relationship with my first recruiter)? I also guess that means my second recruiter was notified as well?

[Whatislaw]

The 2nd recruiter likely knows. As for ramifications, it's customary first come first serve. In other words if you had applied to same firm and position then your 1st recruiter is your recruiter for that position typically. If it's a different position then there's a potential question of which recruiter gets the kill if you interview and accept an offer for this 2nd position.

You might look a little bad in front of the firm, but just an eggs on face moment and nothing more. Plenty of reasons people switch recruiters.

[Yea All Right]

I believe there's a general understanding that a recruiter is entitled to your placement fee if you join a firm that they submitted you to within the last 6 months. Someone else can correct me if I'm wrong.