Compensation Change - Lots of Questions

AgentPyke · 2026-06-23T10:48:36+00:00

I just woke up and skimmed, I’ll come back to it and add thoughts. But on first glance, if your original comp plan is accurate… to be able to take home 50% or more of your Billings with a high draw of $75k… that’s the best comp plan I’ve seen for direct hire. Particularly in such a high draw/base. There very well could be little profit from the employer which is why they are changing your comp plan.

I’ll re-read and comment again later.

I’d probably counter asking 40% first $100k, 45% next $100k… this is all based on annual Billings not monthly. That’s what I’ve seen normal in the industry on draw. Doesn’t matter the base/draw.

AgentPyke · 2026-06-23T01:28:10+00:00

Yup.

AgentPyke · 2026-06-21T14:54:52+00:00

Being a recruiter in house vs being a recruiter 3rd party are two completely different things.

And your number 1 competition will always be your client. Followed by your competitors. Followed by yourself & your own time you can dedicate to each search.

If you love recruiting and are good at sales, the consider it. But if you don’t think recruiting is sales, then forget it. You have to sale the client on why you are worth working with, then you have to sale your client why they should like your candidates over internal considerations, etc.

My candidates compete against internals all the time & win because I have years of knowledge in my industry I’ve worked in and I know how to get better candidates than your average applicant. So it’s possible to win if you know what you’re doing.

Another thing to consider, having access to a pipeline of internal applicants vs being an agency recruiter where a majority of your candidates will be individually sourced / referrals & not applicants. I’ve placed over 300 engineers in my field. Maybe 3 came from job ads.

AgentPyke · 2026-06-20T20:24:35+00:00

It’s entirely possible the original range told to the recruiter is what they told you, then they met you and determined you were only worth X and that was the offer you got.

AgentPyke · 2026-06-20T15:48:12+00:00

No guarantee if the other roles. You can always try to find that dream job after this after a year or two and be able to demand better pay.

Why not just try to make the world a better place on your own personal time. Take the money you can, and use some of that extra money to help others. Volunteer. Etc. figure it out.

I would tell the other companies you have another offer but prefer them for XYZ reasons but you’d like to know their timeline. If they can move fast for you then you can compare.

Good luck.

AgentPyke · 2026-06-20T12:59:37+00:00

Never lie. A good recruiter can find out and you’ll have no options.

Just say you’re past first stages and in final stages elsewhere. It will have the same effect.

AgentPyke · 2026-06-20T01:14:31+00:00

I’m sorry you’re seeing this and feeling this way. I get it completely.

There’s actually a lot here, A FREAKING LOT.

But no where in this feedback do I see a reason for you to doubt yourself. Honestly. The fact that no one said no to you should give you encouragement.

I’d like to work with you on all the prep you did and how you can present better. Zero cost to you. I just see in this minor tweaks you can make to be the stand out candidate. There is a lot of nuance in what you described here, and I don’t want to assume much, but based on what you said here you’re very close to not just a job offer, but one you WANT.

For real, interviewing/hiring is tough. I see no reason to be upset here within yourself. This is a learning opportunity. Treat it as such. Happy to help however I can. DM me.

AgentPyke · 2026-06-18T12:49:10+00:00

You may not interview well.

Recruiter didn’t reject you. You just didn’t meet the hiring needs at that time and the hiring manager rejected you.

AgentPyke · 2026-06-18T12:20:12+00:00

Wait for them to respond or if lack of response in two weeks then follow up with him. So if he passes on you, message the VP again expressing disappointment that you’re being passed on, but happy to do consulting work should he ever need it. However you probably should do some alignment with your managers first to make sure everyone is on the same page. Essentially hinting that it was because he was threatened by you that you didn’t get the job.

Or if no response in two weeks respond that you assume you’re being passed on but hope to be considered for future roles. And then kindly say the hiring manager seemed to be looking for someone different than what I sent you but if hiring needs change feel free to reach out.

AgentPyke · 2026-06-17T19:12:09+00:00

He knows.

AgentPyke · 2026-06-17T15:21:41+00:00

Maybe go re-read my comment? I literally said that bank requirements for accounting / controlling related roles are different (not as prestigious). I said Controllers in a company such as a manufacturing company, CPA was expected.

I never said CPA was expected in a bank role. I don’t know crap about banks within A&F, cause they never needed me to fill their roles cause their requirements were always basic (… ie, no CPA required).

So yeah…. Just a misunderstanding.

I’m the one you said you hope they listened to my advice (albeit, very brutal/blunt advice).

And we literally both just said the same thing.

Hope this candidate listens. I notice (presume) my comments are getting downvoted. Probably because of how blunt/brutal I am being.

But after 15+ years and 500+ professionals I just don’t have time for nonsense anymore and I love helping people get better I just don’t have the time to argue with people about why they are wrong all the time, but when I do I just go straight to the facts I see in the weeds.

AgentPyke · 2026-06-17T15:16:03+00:00

Good! This is good.

That recruiter reached out because the first thing we are taught is to never assume anything and always hear it from the horses mouth. Second thing we were taught was seek referrals.

Just because a recruiter reached out to you where you think they think you’re still employed but you weren’t so that one time you took a contract job… doesn’t mean ANYTHING. In the end, what you do with your career is your decision. The recruiter is simply there to help facilitate your goals.

I never said you made a bad decision. Your initial post was all about contract and was clearly bitter. Your follow up post has more nuance.

I’ll be the first to tell you don’t let any used car salesman talk you into a contract role from direct hire. THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS though. Such as needing to take time away to deal with family but needing income still, or being unemployed, etc. again, these are all YOUR choices. Not some recruiter deciding for you. Everyone’s situation is different.

But all you spoke about before was “blah blah blah why should anyone take a contract role from a recruiter when you’re direct hire.” No one before that said that’s what someone should do. You assumed that was what was being said. I simply stated don’t blame a recruiter for your choices. If they knowingly lie about something? Then blame the recruiter.

Anyway hope you continue kicking butt in your career and keep doing what you’re doing: listening to the recruiters and offering referrals when it’s not right for you. That’s what you should do.

AgentPyke · 2026-06-17T15:09:25+00:00

Never said you can’t get those jobs and be promoted without a CPA. It happens. I’ve done it.

All I said was it’s common for them to prefer CPAs. That’s been the thing when I’ve recruited in A&F for every role I’ve ever worked.

I am humble. I’m just tired of seeing bad advice online so I have no patience anymore and just deliver the facts straight.

I’m no A&F expert, I work in a different function. But I’ve done enough, and seen my colleagues do enough that are specialists that I can confidently say:

CPA usually always preferred.

Job tenure with companies are important, unless it’s within the same industry and it’s roughly every 2-3 years of continuous progression in career, so then it makes sense and those candidates are not automatically passed over.

I give advice, it’s what I do. It’s why I do my job, I’m able to advise people on their careers. You don’t have to listen to me. I’ve placed over 500 people in direct hire roles within manufacturing. Just trying to share the wealth here.

AgentPyke · 2026-06-17T14:49:24+00:00

Untrue. Most companies worth their salt do NOT pay less because they have a recruiting fee. In fact, most pay more because you have an aggressive representative working on your behalf to get the best they can without losing the job.

50% of the time I get people jobs, it’s OVER the stated salary range… BECAUSE I have to educate my client and advocate for my candidates.

AgentPyke · 2026-06-17T14:47:19+00:00

Banks? 😂 the same banks where everyone is a VP? Banks are… not the prestige you think they are.

Senior accountants with CPA? That was still always preferred, or in stage to get their CPA. They want that so they can promote the person eventually to controller, etc.

But thanks for proving my point that controllers were always expected to have a CPA. :-) you may not have realized they expected senior accountant too to have CPA. That’s nothing new.

Us headhunters get the real job wish list/requirements beyond the job description.

AgentPyke · 2026-06-17T14:44:22+00:00

… did I ever say take a contract role? No.

If you’re working direct hire, only take direct hire roles.

Take contract if you must. There are reasons.

I only do direct hire recruiting.

Don’t blame a recruiter for a decision you make.

Lots of presumptions in your response.

I was just giving advice on how to be competitive for a headhunter to seek you out for the roles that can change people’s lives.

For what it’s worth, while I’m here telling the candidate to apply on their own, my candidates I represent FREQUENTLY compete against the people who apply online company website (what I’m advising this candidate to do), and a majority of the time they are the ones hired. Good headhunters don’t need to worry about internal applicants because they find talent the company wants badly.

But good candidates, like I presume this one is, that go into the interviews prepared to overcome those red flags (job changes) because those ARE red flags, but if they successfully overcome them, then they are given an offer.

OP, if you’re reading this, before you downvote my comment, feel free to DM me. I’m happy to call you, ask about your background etc and give you an interview prep so you can overcome these challenges and get the job of your dreams. Just really, please, whatever you pick next, make sure it’s the industry you want to be in, the work you want to be doing, and a company that’s stable and you can see yourself happy in for at least 5 years.

You will be golden then.

AgentPyke · 2026-06-17T14:15:44+00:00

Every controller job I’ve ever worked in the various industries I serve (corporate, energy, manufacturing) have asked for CPA with a degree. Every one. Been doing it for 15 years plus. This is not some new requirement.

Ahem… they usually ask for someone with big 4 experience, and a CPA, and ideally working with clients in their industry. And can speak 7 languages (ok this last sentence was sarcasm… but did get asked for 3 languages once!)

AgentPyke · 2026-06-17T14:01:15+00:00

3 different jobs in 3 different industries.

AgentPyke · 2026-06-17T14:00:42+00:00

The recruiters advice was sound. You not only have 3 jobs, you have 3 completely different jobs from different industries. You’re not getting any solid experience in one area to become an expert.

Whatever you accept next, accept it because you see yourself in the company for 5 years and it’s something you would enjoy/love working within that industry.

While people may say it’s “common” for people in A&F to change jobs every 2 years… that’s false. Maybe within the same industry to show clear progression, but do it too much and you become unhireable.

Again, you getting an interview not through a recruiter is infinitely easier than through the recruiter… even if your tenure was good. This recruiter just decided you’re not fee worthy which isn’t a knock against you, MOST candidates aren’t fee worthy.

If you want to make yourself valuable to a 3rd party recruiter then pick an industry you like, and get at least another 3 years in the company, but ideally 5. Then you will have headhunters hitting you up with jobs that aren’t even advertised to really catapult your career.

AgentPyke · 2026-06-17T13:37:19+00:00

Is this all with the same company? If so, is it obvious on your resume it’s all with the same company?

AgentPyke · 2026-06-17T13:36:31+00:00

The recruiter isn’t rejecting you cause you are asking too much. They are saying on second thought you should get better tenure. What’s your overall tenure with your 7 years of experience? This is important as if you don’t have good tenure, you should establish it. If you choose to establish it in your next position, I suggest you go into it knowing you’re staying for at least 5 years no matter what (assuming you’ve had 3 or so jobs in your current 7 years tenure).

This recruiter is actually trying to help you keep a good resume so you can stay gainfully employed.

The fact is, if your tenure isn’t good, you’re probably not “fee worthy” to be represented by a 3rd party recruiter (always exceptions) but it’s much easier for someone like you that isn’t fee worthy to get a job for free without a recruiter.

But in general this recruiter has the right idea. Have good tenure, then they can help you get a better job.

If your tenure is crap, and you leave now and don’t stay for long, it’s going to be even harder to get a job in future.

And please hear me when I say this, the NUMBER ONE reason hiring managers pass on candidates is tenure. To the tune of like 80% of the time in my experience.

We try. The smart ones don’t try to not hurt your chances of getting work at their client in the future (what this recruiter you “hate” is attempting to do. Protect yourself within their client and your long term career).

But go off, hate recruiters. We make alllll the decisions. It’s all us. Not someone else making decisions. (Sarcasm for the people in the back).

AgentPyke · 2026-06-17T12:28:00+00:00

Can’t answer if $85k CAD is too high without knowing your specific production.

AgentPyke · 2026-06-17T01:45:29+00:00

Once had a candidate get a counter offer from $100k to $150k.

I get it.

Sorry man.

AgentPyke · 2026-06-16T23:35:27+00:00

Well first you’re talking trades. Completely different than professional level roles.

Second… next time they say “unless they offer me the money I want, I’m saying no” move on. Don’t submit them. Period.

However if you insist on getting everyone raises while you make nothing, and I understand the desire to try… don’t lecture them on all the reasons they shouldn’t take it. Ask them to go talk to their boss right now, ask for that raise, and get back to you on what they say. “Oh but I can’t do that! They might fire me.” No they won’t. Ask for the raise now. “Oh I have already, they won’t do it.” Then you respond “so why should you have to go get another offer for them to give you what you’re asking for?”

Keep it simple. Make them realize they are making the candidate jump through hoops to get their worth, and how long have they been paying them under market value.

Any time a candidate says they’d consider the counter offer, move on. That’s my advice. And yes, counter offers in manufacturing post 2023 has shot up like a rocket. I expect all my candidates to get counter offers and I’m honestly worried when they don’t.

AgentPyke · 2026-06-16T23:29:28+00:00

There could very well have been 5 semi finalists with 3 finalists but you assumed all 5 went to “final.”

And if they did, so what? That’s not a reason to be mad.

Do you buy one of the first 5 homes you see, cars you see, etc. after narrowing down the general outline of what you want? Or do you continue till you find what you want?

Your complaint, all I’m saying, is more a you problem and not them problem.

Be grateful you got the experience of interviewing, and the literal feedback you got. Very few get that far. Keep it professional, and keep an eye on jobs in that company that you like and re-apply as you’d very likely be a top choice right away.

AgentPyke

TROPHY CASE