Why isn’t the firm name usually listed on the job description posted by recruiters?
This is a question we get – a lot! Are we trying to hide something? The simple answer is no. As a recruiter, I can understand why candidates ask this question. You are probably in the midst of a job search and/or open to new opportunities which can be very stressful and exciting. You come across an awesome job description outlining a role that gets you super excited only to find out that the company name isn’t being disclosed. So, what gives?!?
The recruiter who posted the job description is not withholding the name of the firm for the purpose of keeping you “in the dark” (pinky promise). Instead, recruiters are trying to protect you, the candidate, and our client, the hiring firm.
Three HUGE explanations
- Identifying a mutual fit
When a financial planning firm hires us to help in the process of filling a position, it is because they are wanting to hire a good, long-term fit. That means they want a candidate that fits in personality wise, shares the same philosophies, has career goals that align with their career tracks, etc. Our job as the recruiter is to make sure we find a mutual fit. Yes, you can call us financial planning match makers. We listen to your career aspirations, what you like and don’t like in a role, discuss your ideal culture, etc. before we disclose the firm name because want to make sure the position is a good fit first. We often represent bada** firms that are highly respected in their communities. The name of the firm alone can often get you excited about the possibility of joining their team, however, if the position being offered isn’t what you’re looking for it is likely not going to be a long-term fit (see you again in six months). This is one of the reasons we wait on disclosing the firm name until we get a chance to hear your story.
- It would be a bad idea for you to circumvent the process
What do I mean by that? There have been candidates who, once they find out the name of the company, go around the recruiter and contact the hiring manager directly. For some reason, this makes candidates believe this will enhance their candidacy by cutting out the perceived middleman. Long story short, it doesn’t.
First, it’s not really professional and shows the hiring employer and recruiter about your sense of ethics. The recruiter informed you of the position so why go behind their back? Second, our clients hire us to perform the screening. Yes, they pay us a lot to perform interviews, so they don’t have to. Other than being annoying, you’ve shown the hiring employer that you don’t know how to follow directions which can cost you an interview even if you’re the “perfect match.” Hiring managers and recruiters talk regularly throughout the hiring process so if you think you can get away with directly contacting the firm, you aren’t likely to get away with it. And have pretty much assured yourself that you will not be considered for the position and the recruiter will take you off their candidate lists for future opportunities. It’s a lose-lose situation for you. Sorry not sorry.
- Timing is everything
The name of the firm isn’t kept a secret forever. It is often disclosed in the first phone interview, usually only after a few minutes, once we identify a potential fit based on your career goals. Not only do we provide the firm name, we also talk about the culture, team and any other important and relevant specifics. Part of our job is to give you the inside scoop on what life is really like at a firm. We also offer the option to do your own research on the firm before taking the next steps in the interview process. As recruiters, we’ve got your back. The more we get to know you and your career goals, the more we understand what an ideal opportunity looks like for you which could lead you to not only one, but several opportunities that could be a good fit.
See, it’s not so scary after all. We guarantee you will receive the firm name within 30 minutes of our interview if a mutual fit is identified because we’re cool like that. If you would like to apply for a position or schedule an interview with a recruiter to get the details on some of the top firms in the country , please contact us at candidate@newplannerrecruiting.com
