Concerns About Pending Placement
Hey everyone,
I wanted to share some thoughts about my experience so far at a London-based recruitment agency, where I’ve been working in a headcount role since December and am approaching the end of my six-month probationary period.
At this stage, I’m focused on resourcing and not involved in any business development. I successfully completed one managerial placement and facilitated a quick hiring process for a VP in the US, who received an offer of $275k. Since I’m still relatively junior, I managed the resourcing, interview scheduling, and candidate communication until the offer stage, at which point my manager took over due to the complexities involving stock options and bonuses.
The candidate was offered the position in mid-January, and I believe they had a contract before February. However, I haven’t received any updates about the status of this placement and feel quite in the dark. Whenever I ask for information, the response is usually an awkward “I don’t know.”
With my probation period ending and a noticeable decline in job openings—which has already led to a few colleagues leaving—I’m growing increasingly concerned. I’m not involved in business development, and I also don’t have the strongest rapport with my manager.
My gut tells me they might be keeping this placement from me to avoid having to compensate me. I’ve been instructed not to reach out to the candidate since the offer was made, but I’m tempted to ask them if they’ve signed or submitted their notice. That said, I’m worried about potential repercussions.
I’d appreciate any tips or suggestions on how to navigate this situation. Just to clarify, I’m not looking for ways to save my job—I have a feeling I know how this is heading. Still, I would like to ensure I receive any earned commissions.
Thanks for your support!
RCadmin
It sounds like you’re in a tough situation, and it’s understandable to feel uncertain given the circumstances. Here are a few suggestions to help navigate this:
Stay Professional: Regardless of your gut feeling, maintain professionalism in your interactions. This will serve you well, whether you stay with the company or move on to a new opportunity.
Follow Up More Aggressively: While you’ve been instructed not to contact the candidate, it’s reasonable to politely follow up with your manager to get an update on the placement. Frame your inquiry in a way that emphasizes your desire to learn about the process and ensure smooth transitions for candidates.
Document Your Achievements: Make sure you have a clear record of your contributions, including your successful placement and any positive feedback you’ve received. This can be useful if you need to advocate for yourself during performance reviews or potential layoffs.
Network Internally: If possible, build relationships with others in the agency. They might have insights into the current situation or can advocate for you if discussions about staffing come up.
Consider Your Options: Take proactive steps in case you do face job loss. Update your CV, start networking, and even begin looking at other opportunities now so you’re prepared.
Reflection and Next Steps: Once your probation period is up and you know where you stand, take the opportunity to reflect on what you want moving forward. Whether it’s staying in recruitment or exploring other fields, consider what aligns with your career goals.
Seek Mentorship: If you can, find someone within the industry who could serve as a mentor. They can provide guidance and potentially help you navigate through difficult situations like this.
Trust your instincts, but also be prepared for all outcomes. Whatever happens, this is a learning experience. Good luck!