Hacker News Reader

>> Or don't use recruiters

Recruiters really are a terrible way to get a job. I've never gotten a job I liked or what I thought was a fair salary when I've used a recruiter.

Recruiters, used car salesmen, and telemarketers: if they were better people, they'd have better jobs.

View on HN

I don't like being in a position to defend the above professions, but that's a really horrible way to look at people. I'm sure you were somewhat joking, but still. Everyone has a story and you can't always guess what it is.

I would see your point if they didn't all use the same high-pressure sales tactics. Good people have ethics in what they do, regardless of what their job is. I don't overpromise and then nickle-and-dime my clients on support issues with my freelance work, even though freelancers have that reputation. I've yet to see a recruiter grow a spine and not use manipulation to place people in jobs they may not want just to keep their close rate up.

Well, you pretty much just summed it up. You differ from the stereotype of Freelancers, but you can't imagine that some recruiters differ from the stereotypes you have of that profession.

"I'm sorry, I don't think I'd like that job. Thanks for your time."

I got my best job so far through external recruiters. Mileages vary :)

Reply on news.ycombinator.com