If you ask a favour of a recruiter, we will help if we can......... unless

Someone recently linked with me, and then a few days later, they dropped me a message to see if they could get some part-time work in the run up to Christmas. They had been made redundant from their last job (as a production engineer) two months ago, and whilst they still had some money in the bank from their severance, they wanted to boost it for the Festive Season.

I said, ok, could they pop into my offices, and we can have a look at their CV, talk about their work experience, talk about what they could do on a temporary basis, and perhaps a more permanent role going forward.

I asked if they could bring along various paperwork to help with the process, such as copies of qualifications, proof of i.d. and address etc.

'No problem' was their reply.

In the meantime I e-mailed them an application form, and we arranged and confirmed an appointment time. I moved an existing internal meeting as they couldn't get to the office till eleven.

'...Fine...', I said, '...and looking forward to meeting you...'

I had already a general understanding of what they were looking for, and had made some descreet enquiries about opportunities with any of my clients. There were a couple of openings that would be up their street, and so I was feeling pretty pleased with myself.

So eleven o'clock comes along, and there is no knock on my door.

No problem I think, they're probably held up in traffic.

Eleven thirty ticks by, and still no show. OK, I phoned his mobile, but it went straight to voice-mail.

'... Chris, Richard here, just wondering where you are?...'

In the meantime, I pull up his details, and ring his landline.

'... hello?...'

'...Morning Chris, it's Richard. I thought we had a meeting at 11 o'clock this morning?...'

'...Oh yeah, sorry I woke up late and couldn't be bothered to drive in all the traffic. I should have texted you. Can I come in later?...'

'...No Chris, and please never ring or contact me again...'

I wonder how many recruiters can relate to this........? Please comment if you have similar stories !

Oh, and Chris, if you are reading this, I'm happy to share your details with any other recruiter if perhaps you would also like them to help you too?