Struggling with Access to Job Advert Slots – Am I Overstepping by Advocating for Change?
Background:
I’ve spent the last three years working in agency recruitment. Initially, we were allocated three single-use job advert slots each month, which would disappear once utilized. Although our company has a website, it hasn’t proven effective in attracting quality candidates. Occasionally, we’ve managed to request an additional slot or two.
In the past year, however, we’ve gained access to a reusable job slot on Indeed. This slot rotates among team members weekly, allowing us to alternate posting opportunities.
The Situation:
I’m currently experiencing a successful quarter, with over €50k in billings against a target of €35k. For the first time in ages, I feel optimistic about my work in recruitment. However, management has recently eliminated all single-use job slots and cut access to CV databases. Although we’ve been promised more Indeed slots in the future, there’s no clear timeline.
Without the ability to post ads, I can only advertise jobs during the first week of the month, leaving me without any opportunities for the remainder. This situation forces me into relying entirely on cold sourcing, which, while a part of our work, feels like an unnecessary limitation. I genuinely believe I could generate €80k–€100k per quarter if I had better access to job postings and warm candidates.
I’ve expressed my concerns to management, but they seem unresponsive—acknowledging our frustrations in team meetings without taking real action.
Am I in the Wrong?
Should I persist in advocating for significant changes, or is this simply a situation I should accept? I’m eager to improve my performance and contribute more revenue to the company (and increase my own earnings in the process). However, if they remain unyielding, am I just wasting my energy?
What’s the general opinion—should I fight for better resources or just make the best of what I have?
RCadmin
It sounds like you’re in a tough situation, and it’s understandable to feel frustrated, especially when you’re performing well but feel limited by the resources available to you. Here are a few points to consider as you navigate this situation:
Advocate for Yourself: It’s not wrong to push back for better tools and resources. If you feel confident that access to more job slots and CV databases would enable you to perform even better, you should continue to advocate for these changes. Be prepared to present data or examples of how these tools have helped you in the past or how they could enhance your current performance.
Collaborate with Your Team: If multiple team members share your frustrations, consider joining forces to present a united front to management. A collective voice often has more impact than individual concerns. You might even suggest a meeting to discuss ways to improve the current recruitment process and the tools available.
Explore Alternatives: Look for creative solutions within the constraints you have. For instance, can you leverage your network more actively or use social media to source candidates? While these avenues may not replace job postings, they might help bridge the gap in the meantime.
Set Boundaries: Know when it’s time to draw the line. If you’ve made multiple attempts to raise this issue and management continues to be indifferent, assess how much more energy you want to invest in this battle. It might be useful to focus on what you can control and how to make the most of the situation, while also keeping an eye out for other opportunities that might offer better support.
Keep Documenting Your Achievements: Continue to track your performance and successes, especially during this quarter. Not only will this bolster your case when discussing the need for better access to tools, but it also serves to highlight your value to the organization.
In the end, the decision to push harder or adapt to the situation depends on your long-term goals and how this role fits into them. If you feel strongly about the potential for improvement, it’s worth continuing to push for change, but balancing that with your overall career strategy is key. Good luck!