This job is not what I signed up for!

"The recruiter prevaricated about the real working environment at this place. Had I known I would never taken the job."

Don't always blame the recruiter but learn to ask the right questions. Not every job is a great match and, unfortunately, many hiring managers will say whatever they need to in order to bring on the best and the brightest. As a recruiter I have been down that road an, believe me, it's not a happy for any party involved.

There is a story of a company that years ago was an incredible place to work. Great people, fantastic leadership and a wonderfully collegiate environment. However, the recession hit, finances were brutalized and the tension exploded. A rapid series of lay-offs brought the company down to a skeleton crew, staff was overworked, the quality of work dropped significantly and there was an overall sense of paranoia coming from the leadership. As we all know any sense of negativity coming from the top is intensely magnified by the time it reaches those on the "work-floor". In short this company was a nightmare to work in.

When I was first introduced to this organization, it was a great place to work. At least that's what it appeared to be. On my part, this experience has been a lesson learned and I now know the right questions to ask and what signs to look out for. As with any once happy and proud family, this company was no different. They always presented a happy and smiling front and there was absolutely no-one in the organization who would say anything negative.

I placed five people in rapid succession but I noticed things were a little out of wack after the second placement.

The lesson learned? Even as Recruiter I have to ask the tough questions. How is business? What does your turnover look like? What do you offer a potential employee?  What impact do you expect the employee to have in this role? How is adding this employee going to make life easier for you and your team? No work place is perfect and if it seems that way then do some investigating. If an agency ever says that they have a great work/life balance.....believe that to be a lie because for an agency, that just does not make good business sense. Look into the companies financials and check out the social commentary. You'll be surprised what you can learn.

If your dream turns out be a nightmare do not hesitate to look into other options. Call your recruiter.