An Elite List (or not)

I read today that Microsoft has made it onto the Forbes 400 List. This is an annual list Forbes puts together of the 400 best large companies. The link gives details about the methodologies used. So, while 400 companies are included, which doesn't seem to restrictive, Microsoft has been on the list every year since they started compiling this list ten years ago.

This got me thinking about companies, having just gone through another (and my final) recruiting season at school. I got an email from a friend who had offers from a couple of different companies. He had narrowed the options down to two companies, and his gut said to go with Company A. Yet as he tried to work with them he found HORRIBLE customer service. He wanted to go work there, yet they were slow in responding to questions, if they responded at all, wouldn't negotiate, and just overall had an arrogant attitude that they were a great company and he should be thankful to work for them. It was completely different with Company B. And that is where he is headed.

Why do companies seem to put their worst possible people on the front lines in recruiting to interact with potential employees? It makes no sense to me. I saw this many times from others through this last recruiting season. I am glad I had an overall good recruiting experience with Microsoft, but even then, there are certainly areas it could be improved.

Organizations need to realize that, though it should be obvious, that recruiters are the face of the company and quite possibly the ONLY association a potential employee has with the company. The very best and brightest should be in those positions representing the company well.