I’ve already addressed my markup and how I work my ass off for it here: http://www.magicpotofjobs.com/2006/02/24/she-works-hard-for-the-money-so-hard-for-it-honey/ But to reiterate- everyone who works for me gets the same wage they’d get if they were working for the client full time, and in the cases where the client is a cheap bastard, more. As such, my markup is none of their business. They aren’t the ones recruiting, screening, and meeting with the client in advance, so when I get paid for those services is none of their concern. They all know I mark up, and none of them care as long as they’re getting a fair rate. What most people fail to understand is that in this business model, only the tiniest percentage of what we charge is actual profit- the rest goes to things like office space and salaries and whatnot.

I call them “talent” because far too many people think of contingent workers as disposable, and it’s important that my clients understand that my people are professionals and deserving of their respect. It’s important for the talent to know that I think of them that way as well, and that I will cease doing business with a client if my people are mistreated. In fact, I’ve dropped clients for exactly the kind of stunt this one pulled today, and would have dropped this one had he not immediately set the situation to rights. The fact is, unemployment in my metro area is at 2%- I have more open positions than I have people to full them, and the plain and simple reality is that any individual client needs me more than I need him or her right now. Why work with the dishonest and uncooperative when I can work with the good ones?

And yes, since you mentioned it- my work is for the shareholders of my company, and I happen to be one myself, so… was that supposed to make me feel bad about where my labor is going? Because it doesn’t.

And no, in fact I didn’t assume anything- I was told that the hours of the position were 10-6, and it was only after everything was agreed upon was I told that it was 10-6 this week, and 2-10 all weeks thereafter. So it seems like you are indeed the one ASSuming things, no?

Anyway, my point is, it doesn’t *have* to be done the way you describe. The whole thing can be a really positive experience for the jobseeker if the recruiter is doing her job properly- it’s a relationship business, and anyone who doesn’t run it that way is doing a bad job.

Ok two points.

(1) Research
You sound surprised at the “working evenings” request from your client. Did you ever ask what your client did? How they did it? *WHEN* they did it before you went into a whole heap of work to find people to do it? Sounds like you ASSumed a point of two along the way.

(2) Come on!!!
Quote “my reputation with my talent is the single most valuable asset I have” - oh please… How long have you been in recruitment? Your reputation counts for zilch with your “talent” as you so lovingly refer to them. They are punters. Your real customers are the hiring clients (unpredictable buggers they can be) and your objective is to make money from getting the biggest margin from a hire as possible. And all that work is for the shareholders of the company you work for. And if you say you work for yourself then I’m impressed - solely because your still in business right now.

The truth hurts - as it will for your “talents” when they, invitably, discover your 40% mark up.

Kind and honest regards.

Anders.