Legal Search Firms

Is it legal to contact an employer around a headhunter or recruiter?

I've had an interview with a company & after it they narrowed down the choices of who they want to bring back for 2nd round interviews to 2 people out of 20. My headhunter/recruiter (HH) told me that I placed 3rd out of the 20. This is really unsettling to me because this job is one that I am outrageously passionate for and would absolutely love to have. I'd even consider a pay cut for it The HH told me that the hiring manager chose 1 of the candidates above me because he had certifications I didnt have and the other because he liked the school the guy went to. The HH also told me that the manager had nothing but good things to say about me and it was just unfortunate because they only wanted to pick 2 out of the 20. I am a little down about this and I am thinking that the HH is not telling me the whole truth. Should I & is it legal to send an email directly to the employer and let them know how enthusiastic I am about this job and how I am the number 1 candidate for this position?

Public Comments

1. Well it's certainly not illegal, but you might burn a bridge with the HH. That could be bad, since the recruiter obviously gets jobs you like. They might have something better down the road. I would just weigh the consequences carefully.
2. It is worth sending an email to the employer asking for feedback for the interview and reasons why you weren't chosen, and maybe saying that you are available should any other positions open up. But i wouldn't recommend sending an email and saying how much you wanted the job and how upset you were when you didn't get it because it probably won't make the recruiter change their minds and it might not look favourable should you try for another job at the same company.
3. I don't know for sure about the legality, but I doubt if it would be illegal. Now, re-think it. First of all, The 2 people chosen may not make it through the 2nd interview, or may decline the job after they find out the pay or something else. If they do, maybe it is because you are meant for something different. Also, I don't know if you are using the headhunter or if the company is. if the company is using a headhunter or placement, they may see it as not following the rules if you go around that person. So, that would make you look bad. If you hired them, you could go directly to the company and indicate you just would like to make sure your headhunter is giving you the whole picture, and stress again that you would like to be given an opportunity if the other two do not work out.
4. I agree with the other responses, but still would like to add another option. I realize that everyone wants/needs a job RIGHT NOW, but the right job may take some time and is worth searching for. In 3-4 months, contact the hiring manager directly and again express your interest in the position. The person that they hired might not be working out to his satisfaction or they might have another open position for you. I wouldn't get too excited right now and go around the recruiter, especially if you want to continue working with him. Its not illegal, but it is a bit unethical.
5. Most likely, you were close to both of the others. You may even have interviewed number one, but the others were close enough to nose you out. Probably, he is not telling you the chosen two were direct applicants and can be hired without paying a head hunter fee. He can't afford to tell his client's this for fear of losing them. Even if you did manage to get inside, the company would still be obligated to pay the fee. Unless it is a company where money doesn't matter, all ties go against the head hunter. You didn't lose. You were beaten by the economy. Good Luck.