Comment by Alon Kim Dacquel on January 29, 2009 at 2:07pm

More opportunity on the corporate side? Could you elaborate?

Comment by Kristin on January 29, 2009 at 3:05pm

In general when changing jobs there is no set date or time frame to do so. I know people that have moved from agency to corporate and back again. From my experience, corporate and agency recruiting do have differences such as: the way the work gets done, how you market yourself and the company, and the tasks you have on a daily responsibility. Additionally, I have found that corporate is very focused on time to fill, and becoming more efficient in the hiring process.

Hope that helps
Kristin Bolinske
Bolinske Consulting & Recruiting.

Comment by Phil Chernesky on January 30, 2009 at 9:33am

This is an interesting topic because I've been told there is return on both sides. For instance, as an Agency Recruiter, the financial compensation has a tremendous reward based on fees/commissions and billable hours that are paid out by clients. In my opinion, I feel the downfall is the nasty economic recession, which has staffing and executive firms fighting for new business... According to a few agency recruiters, they have been forced to eliminate their salaries and be put on draws. In all fairness, how can this be a motivator for agency recruiters? One can argue that an agency recruiter can pick and chose different industries to work on but what if their firm only specializes in one or two niche industries?? Personally, I would invite the challenge because I'm a competitive individual..

On the corporate side, I've been told there is a huge return on the career developement side. For instance, a friend of mine started his career as a recruiter/HR Department and then was transitioned to a training manager. According to my friend, the req load is much more extensive and detailed vs. Agency regulations.

Either way, I find both positions challenging and exciting..

Comment by Meg Gerritson on February 2, 2009 at 3:48pm

I believe you are comparing apples to oranges with this one and what it really comes down to is right fit right role. Are you driven by compensation or professional development? If compensation is something that you are motivated by, agency recruiting is a great option. On the corporate side, depending on the company structure and the structure of the HR department, yes, there could be more opportunity to "climb the corporate ladder", earn a solid and consistent salary and a decent title before your name. I can't remember the last time I saw an agency recruiter with a VP title but I have met some recruiters who are unbelievable at their jobs and their annual take home is comparable to that of a VP.

Phil, I agree with you in that there is an absolute return on both sides as well as cons depending on what your professional personality looks like. I would urge you to do your research on corporate recruiting and figure out if the responsibilities that come with the job are for you. You have been running your own show for the last 5 years and in control of your own success/failure. How will that change when you shift to corporate and will that be for you?

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