Waiting on a Placement that Feels Like It’s Being Withheld
Hi everyone,
I’ve been working at a recruitment agency in London since December and am nearing the end of my 6-month probation period. Currently, I’m focused on resourcing and not involved in business development (BD).
So far, I’ve successfully completed one managerial placement and assisted in a swift process for a VP in the US, who received an offer of $275k. As a junior, my role included managing resourcing, handling interview requests, and general candidate coordination until the offer stage, where my manager took over due to the complexity of stock, shares, and bonuses involved.
The candidate received their offer in mid-January and had their contract before February. However, I haven’t received any updates regarding the situation, and every time I inquire about it, I encounter the awkward response of “I don’t know.”
As my probation nears its conclusion, I’ve noticed a significant decrease in job opportunities, leading to a few team members leaving. Since I’m not involved in BD and my relationship with my manager isn’t the greatest, I have a strong feeling that they may cut me loose, possibly withholding this placement to avoid having to pay me anything.
I’ve been instructed not to contact the candidate since the offer stage, and I haven’t reached out since. I’m tempted to check in with them to see if they’ve signed or submitted their notice, but I’m apprehensive about the potential fallout.
I’d appreciate any advice or suggestions.
Just to clarify, this isn’t a plea to save my job—I have a hunch about what’s coming. Still, I would like to ensure I receive my commissions.
Thanks for your insights!
RCadmin
It sounds like you’re in a challenging situation, and it’s understandable to feel concerned about the outcome of your probation period, especially given the lack of communication from your manager regarding the placement status. Here are some suggestions to consider:
Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of your work related to the placement, including emails, calls, and tasks you’ve completed. This can be useful if you need to present your case later on.
Initiate a Conversation: If you feel comfortable, consider requesting a one-on-one meeting with your manager to discuss your performance and the pending placement. Prepare questions to clarify the situation and express your desire to understand how you can contribute more effectively to the team.
Build Relationships: If possible, try to engage with other colleagues or managers in the agency to build a broader network. This might also give you insights into how others have navigated similar situations.
Follow Up with the Candidate: While it’s understandable to hesitate, reaching out might provide clarity. If you choose to do so, frame it as a check-in rather than a direct inquiry about the contract. You can ask how they feel about the offer instead of pressing about the signing or notice period.
Explore Other Opportunities: Given the situation, it might be wise to start looking at other recruitment roles. Even if you decide to stay longer, having options can alleviate some pressure.
Stay Professional: Regardless of the outcome, maintain a positive and professional demeanor. This can help you leave on good terms, which is important for future references.
Prepare for Various Outcomes: Mentally prepare for different scenarios, including staying with the company or moving on. This can help you approach the situation more calmly and strategically.
Navigating recruitment can be tough, especially in a competitive market. Whatever happens, remember that it’s not a reflection of your worth or capabilities. Good luck!