Ask HN: Clueless recruiting tactics?

There are some good recruiters but their are also a lot of dolts.

The main good thing I can say about recruiters is that if a company has bothered to hire a recruiter they are serious about hiring someone. The largest employer in my town (and state it turns out) is notorious for listing positions that go unfilled for years, refusing to interview qualified candidates (who would inevitably be overqualified) and interviewing and rejecting C- and D-players as if tire kicking was a national sport.

What to do?

Push back-- tell them, if you are serious about moving forward in any dialog-- answer these basic questions.

1) Can you forward a detailed position summary?

2) Can you share the client/hiring manager info? * I'll keep it confidential, even sign a mutual NDA if necessary.

3) What is the budgeted compensation range? If it's not at least $175K then I am NOT interested.

4) What's the interview process like?

5) Tell me about you and your firm-- how long have you been in the business?

Their answers should inform you whether or not you're dealing with professionals. Incidentally, good recruiters are an indicator of a good potential employer.