Beth Cliff, IT Recruiter
What are Recruiter Referral Fees?
By Beth Cliff, IT Engineering Recruitment Manager, Redfish Technology
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Did you ever get a message from a recruiter in your voice mail that goes something like:
“Hi [your name]. This is Beth Cliff from Redfish Technology, nationwide IT recruiters. I am working with the VP of Engineering for a Network Security company who is looking to add a key member to his team. They are a privately held, well-established leader in network security with clients in the government, military, and commercial enterprises. This is an immediate need for an experienced professional, and offers a competitive base salary, excellent benefits, and bonus. If this is not right for you at this time, perhaps you know a colleague or friend who would be a good fit. I’d appreciate the referral if so. Either way, please give me a call back to discuss the details. Thanks!”
So what is this referral? And why are you getting this message?
The recruiter’s job is to find the right candidate to meet their clients’ hiring priorities. This corporate matchmaking is typically done by starting with the recruiter’s very own network. The networking search is supplemented with online research and lots and lots of phone calls to speak with professionals who are identified as being qualified or having access to people with the qualifications that fit the employer’s requirements.
Most professionals are eager to help out a deserving colleague or other contact in their network with a new career opportunity. Nonetheless, recruiters know that top talent is usually pretty busy with their current projects. Hence as a professional courtesy, we at Redfish like to show our appreciation when someone takes the time to help out with a referral. In fact, we offer referral fees on most of our searches.
When referring someone, be sure you aren’t wasting anyone’s time including your own. Your referral choice does reflect back onto you. If you don’t feel good about the opportunity or the recruiter, just pass. If you can’t think of anyone qualified, pass. But if you think that the opportunity and the contact you have would be a good match, this is an excellent opportunity to do a favor.
Think of it as paying it forward. One day that person who ends up landing an awesome new job, will likely think of you when s/he is approached with an opportunity that would fit for you. The recruiter you help out will have an additional reason to remember you and be more likely to reach out to you quickly when the right opportunity comes along for you.
Referral fees vary in terms of amount and conditions. Typically, the fee is paid out once the candidate has been hired and passed an agreed upon guarantee or trial period. Referral fees can vary in amount, depending on the role and other variables. A good referral can be a great way to help others and yourself.
About the author:
Beth Cliff,IT Engineering Recruitment Manager
Beth Cliff has been recruiting since 1995, with Redfish since 2006. Currently Engineering Recruitment Manager, she also heads up Redfish’s East Coast operations. She is especially successful at uncovering technical talent and matching it with the company culture and team personality.