Recruiting became fantastically popular during the internet boom of 1998-2000. Everybody, it seemed could, would, and did become a recruiter. The perception, and rightfully so, was based on the notion that any schmuck, regardless of talent, could simply pick up the phone, make a few calls, and presto; a big fat check awaited you.
While this notion was somewhat untrue, it was rooted in truth. And not surprisingly, that truth gave rise to some nasty, and very true perceptions.
We are lazy. We skim off the work of the hard working, people who slave away their lives, 12 hours a day. And then we come in and a few calls later, we've made our keep for the next quarter. And not a paltry one at that. It might take us a few hours, but goddammit, we come off looking good, paid, and soot free. No dirty work for us. I mean, how hard could it really be? Identify a hiring party(which in those days was like finding a leaf on the ground of a fall day). Ask them what they're looking for, then go find it.
Any douche bag with half a brain can do that... and then you're going to pay me 25% of the starting salary!!! Fuckin' ehhh right you are. I deserve it, after all... I made what? 50 calls to find you the right guy. Pay me my fucking money; and be quick about it!!
While this might be a bit exaggerated, the notion that headhunters are interchangeable moles became the perception of the work force at large. My clients, lawyers, have quite a bit of fun behind my back, I'm sure. " Hey, did you get that e-mail from that goof??? " " Yeh... I got it, he probably e-mailed the whole fucking firm. " HAHAHAHA.
Well guess what asshole, I did. And not only that, I will do it every quarter, on the quarter.
So... are we worthy of our stigma?
Perhaps not. Then again... perception is reality.
