"Famous Last Words"

Level Headed Headhunting (April 2006)

Dear Jim:

We just got word that our publisher was cutting back and canceling our game. Our studio is looking for a replacement project but there is a good chance I will be laid off.

Of course as soon as the news hit, the phones started ringing from headhunters who were promising new and better jobs for everyone.

I am a junior member of the team and have only been out of school for two years. If I get let go, I can't afford to last long without a new job.

Are these headhunters on the level?

Dear Worried:

I am very sorry to hear the news about your project.

Headhunters are on the level to the extent their business is placing candidates into open positions.

But just like doctors, lawyers, or any professional, there are good ones and not so good ones. Be cautious in how you handle recruiters' solicitations.

Here are a couple of tips.

1. Don't presume that every recruiter who contacts you is your friend or has your interests foremost in mind. Select the recruiter or recruiters with whom you will be working as carefully as you would select any other professional. Exercise caution. Be a skeptic. The recruiter works for you.

2. Never sign on with a recruiter that asks you to pay anything. Fees for placement of candidates are paid by the employer. Under no circumstances should you agree to make any payment of any kind – not even to cover expenses.

3. Carefully interview each recruiter who calls and wants to submit your resume. Find out about his or her company. Ask with which companies he or she has placed candidates in the last six months. Verify this information if you can. You don't have to make a decision about a recruiter on the first phone call.

4. Some recruiters will tell you that they are working to fill a specific position and that you are a great candidate. Ask whether they are working on a retained search (where the recruiter is paid a fee and works until the position is filled), or is strictly on commission (the position may be filled by a candidate from any source; not necessarily by the recruiter). Most videogame industry recruiters are working on commission. That is not necessarily bad; but may be a factor in causing them to submit your resume when it is not really a good fit.

5. Ask for references and contact them. Find out about the recruiter. Would the references work with him or her again? Was their experience satisfactory? Did the reference feel he or she always knew what the recruiter was doing and where their resume was going? Did the recruiter follow instructions? Did they always get the straight story? Speak with your friends and contacts who may have worked with the recruiter or know someone who has. Ask how they were treated. Remember, we all work in a small community and word gets around.

6. Don't sign anything that grants the recruiter the exclusive right to represent you. Otherwise you may find yourself owing a commission even if you find your own job!

7. Don't give the recruiter freedom to widely circulate your resume. You do not want the recruiter to blanket the industry with your name and resume. Require that you approve each individual submission. Know the company and position for which you are being submitted. There may be good reason why you do NOT want your resume circulated to certain companies or to certain people! If a recruiter provides a resume to a company, there may be a presumption that if you are hired, the recruiter has earned a fee. Some companies may choose NOT to hire you precisely because they do not want to assume that obligation.

8. While recruiters may be able to get your resume to people and places where there are opportunities, don't overlook your own resources. Most jobs are found through networking. Let your friends know you are looking. Check listings in the back of Gamer Developer magazine, on Gamasutra and on other industry sites. Many large developers and nearly every publisher that has in-house development has a help wanted section on its web site. In the end, if you find an opening yourself, you may be able to negotiate a better salary because your new employer does not have to pay a recruiter's fee!

It is not my intention here to be overly critical of all recruiters. There are many that are extremely hardworking, honest, and ethical. They do not mind if you take the steps suggested here. Relationships that are above board, business-like, and based on highest professional standards work best for both sides.

But not all recruiters are in this league. By taking control of your own situation, and managing your relationships with recruiters (if you decide to go that route), you can improve the chances of having a positive experience and finding your next career opportunity.