Source: Networking is a load of crap! by Tim Proctor (edited)
A recruiter calls me up and asks if I can hire a .NET Developer friend of his. I tell the guy I can’t pay the 20% percent fee. He says that since it is a friend of his that he can work something out.
It sounds like I got an applicant for free so I get the guy in for testing. He doesn’t do so well but the recruiter begs me to hire him because he's a friend and points out all of his good points. So I agree.
So the recruiter says "Great I’ll get the invoice for the placement to you momentarily."
I said "I thought you said that because he was your friend you would give me a deal"
"I am," he says, "Instead of the the regular 20% I'm giving him to you for 18.
I’m like, "I thought he was your friend. Isn't the main point to just get him a job?"
"Yeah, I found him through networking and I’m friends with everyone that I network with."
I hung up the phone.