The Recruitment Podcast EP. 8: AJ Reid exposes the DARK side of Rec-to-Rec recruitment!

“I get it, there are some bad Rec-to-Recs out there, so I'm not surprised.”

While the Rec-to-Rec sector is often misunderstood, AJ Reid, co-founder of Equanimity Search, sits down with Kate O’Neill to explore the dark and unique world of Rec-to-Rec recruitment.

Let’s hear his perspective!

1. The good: Showing efforts to build relationships  

AJ explains that when recruitment becomes challenging, as it often does in a fluctuating market, top recruiters prioritize matching candidates with the right roles.

The goal is to move beyond “filling positions” and to ensure both parties feel satisfied with the placement.

 “It’s all about asking the right questions and going that extra mile,” he says. 

He also emphasizes the importance of fully understanding both the candidate’s and the client’s needs. That’s what sets great recruiters apart in this space.

2. The bad: Overcoming the stigmas 

Despite the opportunities, AJ is open about the hiring challenges Rec-to-Rec recruiters face, particularly the stigma surrounding this niche.

“When I speak to potential clients or candidates, they often say, ‘We’ve had bad experiences with Rec-to-Recs before.’” 

Overcoming this initial trust barrier takes time, but you can change minds by consistently delivering on promises and proving your unique approach.

3. The ugly: Shoddy practices and lack of research

No industry is without its flaws, and AJ is candid about the ugly side of Rec-to-Rec recruitment. A recurring issue in this space is recruiters who fail to do their homework before reaching out to candidates.

“It takes two seconds to check someone’s profile,” AJ points out. 

The problem, he believes, is the low barrier to entry in recruitment.

Without proper training, many recruiters don’t bother with the basic research or preparation needed to make a meaningful connection with candidates.

Want to hear more of her ideas? Listen to the full conversation with AJ Reid on The Recruitment Podcast by Recruit CRM.