Past few weeks have been pretty stressful. Not only because of work and school, but also because of all other things that happened around them.
I had applied to a few places, either directly or through recruiting agencies. In some cases, hiring managers sent me notes and emails. Among a couple of offers and many rejections, I accepted an offer from a company, then cancelled all my other scheduled on-site interviews.
I'm not sure if the new company would have cared, but I wanted to at least show that I'm not some sort of job hunter trying to get a salary increase. As I received a verbal offer, I showed my diligence and cancelled all my other on-site interviews. The recruiting agent nor the hiring manager would have known this, but I did tell the internal HR representative that I am cancelling all my phone interviews and on-site interviews.
After getting the offer, I gave my resignation notice. Obviously, my current employer tried to retain me. Although my original plan was to leave my current employer at all costs, ultimately, I accepted the counter-offer from my current employer after rejecting for 3 times, as the 4th offer was something irresistible. Now the recruiting agency and the new company is very disappointed, and the recruiting agent, although said not requesting me to justify my reasons, is asking me to reconsider and justify my reasons. Really? I'd expect you to at least look into my current employer's profile before saying shit about it. It may not have a great reviews on Glassdoor, but it know what it's doing.
Recruiters are great
Many recruiters appeal to you personally, regardless how professional they are. Also, they help with all the logistics so you can focus on what is important - research of the company, the role, preparing for the interview
Most recruiters are annoying
They just send you an email, often with an unprofessional format of the email (copy & paste), and most importantly, with an opportunity that is completely unrelated to my career. Come on, I have my resume and profile set to public everywhere. I don't expect you to know the difference between a Java job and a JavaScript job, but I really don't know how a helpdesk job relates to my career profile.
Recruiters are like babysitters
Often times, however, I felt they were "babysitting" me, telling me how to be there on time, how to dress, what to do before the phone interview, after the phone interview, etc. I am a working professional, and I know what interests me and what does not. I also know how to behave and build relationships. I understand you want your cut, but babysitting someone who's been working for 10 years is a joke.
Some recruiters don't even bother you
They always ask what you are looking for. There was a recruiter I submitted multiple applications through with. Unfortunately, I didn't end up getting any of the job, but I asked him why he's not referring me to jobs that I know are open. He told me that those jobs don't meet my salary expectations, commute requirements or both. Some recruiters don't seem to get the "point."
At the end, I am content with the career progress. And I'm deeply sorry for the recruiter and the employer. But obviously, coming to a decision is never easy, and I had a few sleepless nights before making my decision. And I am a grown up and will take any responsibilities or circumstances seriously.
And no, the tech in Boston is not small.
