10 MYTHS ABOUT RECRUITERS – WHY WE DON’T SUCK!
I come across a lot of misinformation out there when it comes to recruiters. Many company owners have preconceived notions about the role recruiters play, and some of these myths lead to a lack of trust or outright dismissal of our services. Yes, I agree, there are novice, inexperienced and lazy recruiters out there.
But in our industry, if you're relying on a general recruiter instead of a specialised industry expert like the team at SiteForce Recruitment—well, let's just say, that one's on you, and the first thing you need to change. In a competitive and candidate-driven market, understanding what specialised industry recruiters really do can help you attract the best talent.
Let’s debunk 10 common myths about great quality construction industry recruiters and set the record straight.
Myth 1. "Any good worker doesn’t go to a recruiter."
This is one of the biggest misconceptions out there. The idea that top talent aren’t using recruiters is outdated. In fact, many highly skilled professionals prefer using recruiters they trust because it saves them time, introduces them to opportunities they wouldn’t have otherwise found, and ensures a smoother hiring process. Recruiters like us, that have deep and trusted networks have access to a wide pool of both active and passive candidates—many of whom are not visible on traditional job boards.
Myth 2. "Recruiters just use what I give them for job descriptions."
A recruiter worth their salt doesn’t just copy and paste the job description you provide. Instead, they take the time to understand your business, your personality, the workplace culture, and the specific needs and personality fit for the role. A little bit more than a skillset or set of qualifications, hey? A good recruiter will refine your job description to make it more attractive to candidates and ensure it reflects the reality of the position and the personal fits needed. We know how to highlight the aspects that will appeal and attract the right people to take action to respond.
Myth 3. "You’re not attracting any good candidates, you suck."
Attracting candidates in a tight market is challenging, and sometimes it can feel like the pool is shallow. But that doesn’t mean the recruiter isn’t doing their job. Recruiting isn’t about posting a job and waiting for resumes to roll in—it’s about actively seeking out talent, tapping into deep and trusted networks, and using expertise to find the right fit. We work tirelessly to present the best candidates, even if it takes a little time. The key is patience and collaboration to make the process work. It is about relationships. You need to build one with your recruiter, who has spent years building quality relationships with their networks. Quality relationships equal quality results.
Myth 4. "Recruiters just send me resumes, they don’t do any real work."
Sending resumes is just one part of the job. Behind the scenes, quality recruiters are screening candidate personality, skillset, backgrounds, emotional intelligence, conducting interviews, verifying tickets and credentials, and assessing how well candidates align with your company’s culture and needs. What may seem like a simple resume in your inbox represents hours of groundwork, research, and expertise.
Myth 5. “Why are you bothering me, just do it for me."
Recruiters are not mind-readers. If you don’t communicate clearly about the type of candidate you need, it’s nearly impossible to hit the mark. Recruitment works best as a partnership. We rely on your input, feedback, and clarity about your expectations. Once we have that, we can actively target and refine the search to bring in the best possible candidates. We’re extremely efficient, but we need quality information. Rubbish in means rubbish out. Whilst we save you an incredible amount of time in the hiring process, you want quality and so do we. So take the time to do your part when we ask as there are some things that cannot be missed when looking for a quality result. Part of that assessment is actually working out you – your personality and how well you work with and respond to others.
Myth 6. "Recruiters are only focused on filling roles, not finding the best fit."
While filling roles is a recruiter’s job, finding the best fit is equally important for a quality recruiter. A bad hire reflects poorly on both the recruiter and the company. That’s why recruiters with longevity in the industry focus on aligning candidates with your long-term goals and company culture. We want to find someone who’s not only qualified but also the right match for your team. It’s not rocket science for a professional, It’s the primary driver of our mission.
Myth 7. "Recruiters are too expensive."
This is a common complaint, but the cost of hiring the wrong person can be far greater than the fees associated with using a recruiter. We save you time, reduce the risk of a bad hire, and help you find someone who will contribute to the success of your company. Think of it as an investment in your business. You may want to read my article for further information on why it is a great investment at:-
Latest Market Update - QRR Market - Outsourcing to a Recruiter Protects Your Employer Brand
The Role of Recruiters - Navigating Choice and Spotting Excellence
Protect Your Business: 4 Due Diligence Checks You Can't Afford To Skip - What a Great Recruiter Does
Myth 8. "Recruiters don’t know my industry."
A common myth is that recruiters are generalists who don’t understand the specifics of your field. The truth is, many recruiters specialise in particular industries, giving them a deep understanding of your market, role requirements, and talent pool. This expertise allows them to better match candidates to your company. With over 20 years of experience in property, construction and recruitment, we are perfectly situated to be your recruiter of choice for the construction industry.
Myth 9. “Recruiters don’t care about my business, they just want to close deals.”
This can happen with novice and lazy recruiters, but doesn’t with a specialised industry recruiter that has lasted in the industry. We also see this often in labour hire where lazy recruiters throw a million people at a job without the proper process hoping at least some of them stick, without respect for the disruption this causes sites and to the employer.
However, a quality recruiter’s reputation depends on the success of the placements they make. We care deeply about finding the right candidate because it reflects on our professional credibility. A successful hire is a win-win for both the company and the recruiter, so our goal is always to ensure a long-term fit that benefits both parties.
10. "I can do it myself faster and better."
Many business owners think they can handle recruitment in-house, but the reality is that it’s time-consuming and can be incredibly distracting from their core responsibilities. Recruiters not only save you time but also bring specialised knowledge, networks, and resources that often result in better hires in a shorter timeframe. For a reality check, read more at:
The Candidate Market Has Changed: It’s Essential to Use Us As Your Recruiter [LINK – NEW]
In Summary
Long lasting specialised construction industry recruiters play a crucial role in connecting businesses with top talent, and these myths can get in the way of successful hiring. By understanding what we really do—and debunking these misconceptions—you can take advantage of our skills, networks, and expertise to ensure your business thrives.
Call me.
Our Superpower
Our leading 'superpower' is attracting and retaining quality team members who share our values of honesty, integrity, diligence, and service, allowing us to deploy quality team members on client sites quickly.
Our team member's superpower is being motivated, prepared and ready to enthusiastically contribute to the projects at hand, more than just a pair of hands.
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Read other informative articles for both employers and workers at: https://www.siteforcerecruitment.com.au/blogs
Chantal Penny is the Director with Superpowers of SiteForce Recruitment. A thought leader in the industry, Chantal, based on her expertise and industry perspective, offers unique guidance, inspiration, and influence in the industry. Chantal Penny is also a thought leader in the industry with her Podcast, Talent Instinct, which is available at:
https://talentinstinctpodcast.libsyn.com/site
At SiteForce Recruitment, we specialise in labour-hire and permanent recruitment in the construction industry. We are committed to valuing people, safety and wellbeing, collaboration, trust and, of course – results!
CONNECT with us via our contact page or bookings links on our website if you are looking to recruit for, get your dream job, or join our amazing labour force team.
