Re:Ask HN: How much do you tech recruiters make?
by Peroni on Monday December 12, 2011 @03:35AM
(#3342843)
However, the skills that make you a good devlpr are almost polar opposite the skills that make someone a good recruiter. Being a recruiter takes a strong sales aptitude.
The sales aptitude gets your foot in the door, a thorough understanding of your clients business and needs keeps you there. Your argument is one of a sales orientated recruiter grasping at straws.
A significant pay packet and a 1st class client list negates your argument that a technical understanding is a hindrance.
In the US recruiters charge 15-30% of base and/or total comp...depends how good you are and your relationship with your client. Good US recruiters bill 300K+, great recruiters bill 500K+, and avg recruiters will bill 100-200K. How much you keep as an individual depends on the deal you have with your firm or if you are self employed.
The second part of the question ~ does being a developer make a person a better recruiter? My initial answer would be 'no'. In fact, I would argue that being a developer could hinder being a successful recruiter.
Understanding what your client is looking for is absolutely key to being successful. However, the skills that make you a good devlpr are almost polar opposite the skills that make someone a good recruiter. Being a recruiter takes a strong sales aptitude.
The other problem that comes to mind is a condition we, in the US, call 'experting'. It happens when you're candidate has 60-90% of what the client is looking for, but because you're too focused on delivering perfection, and because you know what perfection is, you neglect to send this place-able candidate in for an interview. Sometimes it's better to not know what you don't know.
Cheers