# Am I Naive or Just Holding to My Values? A Recent Experience in Talent Acquisition
After being laid off and jobless for the past four months, I've been eager to find the right opportunity to step back into the workforce. Recently, I interviewed for a recruiter position that seemed like a great fit, aligning with my skills and experience. However, during the interview, I encountered some aspects of the company's practices that made me pause and question my values.
### The Interview Experience
The position was in a field I hadn't recruited for before, which meant I would be starting from the ground up. I was excited about the challenge and had a strong desire to grow. However, the pay offered was below my expectations, although there was a potential opportunity to earn commissions. When I inquired about the commission structure, I was met with a vague response: "It varies."
This lack of clarity was a red flag for me. As I pressed further, I learned that commissions would increase if I placed healthcare workers at lower pay rates or if the patients had better insurance. In contrast, placements for Medi-Cal patients would yield lower commissions. This structure seemed to incentivize prioritizing financial factors over what is best for employees or patients, raising ethical concerns.
### The Importance of Transparency and Ethics
Having spent years in talent acquisition and management, I know that retaining employees goes beyond just hiring the right people. It encompasses training, experience, work-life balance, fair compensation, and a strong organizational culture. Yet, during the interview, I wasn't provided with any transparency about turnover rates, even though my commissions would be tied to employee retention. This lack of information made me question whether I could genuinely use my voice to drive positive change if I joined this company.
### The Dilemma: Naivety or Integrity?
This experience left me pondering a significant question: Am I being naive for holding onto the belief that fairness, transparency, and ethics should guide our work as recruiters and leaders? Or is this a challenge I should embrace, hoping to drive positive change from within?
The responses I received from others regarding this situation varied. Some pointed out that I might be overly idealistic. They reminded me that agencies operate on profit margins and that I shouldn't expect to influence systemic changes within a business focused on making money. A few even suggested that if I wanted to prioritize fairness and ethics in recruitment, I might be better suited for a role in public health.
On the other hand, there were voices that echoed my sentiments about the lack of transparency and the ethical dilemmas inherent in the commission structure. They acknowledged the importance of aligning personal values with professional practices, especially in a field that directly impacts people's lives.
### Seeking Guidance and Community Support
Navigating such dilemmas in our careers can be challenging. As I continue to explore my options, I'm reminded of the value of community support. For anyone looking for exposure to recruiters or seeking advice, platforms like [AreWeHiring.com](https://arewehiring.com) can be beneficial. This community site allows individuals to post their resumes for free and connects them with helpful resources for interview preparation and job searching.
### Conclusion: Finding Your Voice
In the end, the decision to pursue a particular job should align with your values and ethics. It's important to weigh the potential for positive change against the realities of the business world. While some may view my hesitation as naivety, I believe that holding onto my values is essential for my long-term career satisfaction and integrity.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on navigating these dilemmas in your career. How do you balance your values with the demands of the job market? Let's start a conversation in the comments below!