Guild Standards

Standards are subject to change by vote of Guild membership. If a Guild member chooses not to maintain these standards, membership will be revoked.

Integrity - Doing the Right Thing

  • Guild members will hold each other to high standards and ethics striving to lead all recruiters by example.
  • Members will never purposely deceive employers, candidates or anyone involved in the recruiting process or industry.
  • Guild members will honor the confidentiality of clients, employers and candidates.
  • Guild members will make other members aware of unethical behavior by hiring managers, companies or other recruiters whenever possible via direct mail or The Guild discussion board.
  • All Guild members should ask themselves if their business actions bring credibility to our industry.
  • Guild members will make every attempt to not source from companies where Guild members are present. It is understood that this may be unavoidable at times.
  • All Guild members should not discriminate based on sex, race, age, religion, national origin, disability, veteran's status or membership in any other protected class.
Providing Value - To Each Other, Candidates and Clients

  • Guild members should consistently strive to be excellent business partners to clients and hiring managers.
  • Guild members will serve each other, all recruiting professionals, hiring managers and clients loyally and protect their interests as much as possible.
  • Guild members will set the example by trying to assist others in the recruiting profession whenever possible.
  • Guild members will do all they can to help candidates in the job search process.
  • Guild members will strive to be up to date on all legal and policy issues affecting our industry.
  • Guild members will refrain from charging candidates for career advice, resume development, and general career coaching.
  • Members will conduct quality references and offer candid feedback to clients and hiring managers.
  • Guild members will work towards establishing universal metrics and standards for our industry.
  • Guild members will not submit unsolicited resumes to companies.
  • No candidate should be submitted to a company without prior approval by the candidate.
  • Internal company recruiters will not offer contingent work unless a real opportunity exists.
  • Websites that discourage relationships in lieu of encouraging a high volume of recruiters to compete with each other should be avoided unless it is an economic necessity.
  • Guild members will post all recruiting opportunities they encounter in the free job posting board of the Recruiter's Guild website.
  • Guild members will enter at least two candidates a year into the Guild database.
  • If one or more Guild members feel entitled to a fee for the same candidate, they should work together to find a solution and take care of the candidate and company. If they are unable to reach agreement, they should seek guidance and mediation from one of the Guild Governors.

Communication

  • Guild members will aim for the highest possible levels of engagement with candidates, clients and hiring managers and seek continuous improvement in communication and problem solving.
  • Guild members will move to communicate in a timely manner in all business relationships.
  • Guild members will treat one another with respect and agree to disagree without grudges or fear of retaliation.
  • Guild members will make all possible efforts to return other Guild members' calls, emails or texts promptly. This does not mean a guarantee of business.
  • If a Guild member requests advice from another member, the requesting member should be open to all positive and constructive feedback and genuine feedback should be delivered in a constructive and respectful manner.
  • Caring candor should be a trademark of Guild members.

Courage - Standing Up for What We Believe

  • Guild members will embrace learning and constantly strive to better themselves on both the technical and art sides of the recruiting profession.
  • Guild members will be encouraged to invite only the best recruiters to join the Guild.
  • Only Guild members will have voting privileges.
  • In business matters if all things are equal, preference should be given to Guild members.