The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of the Recruitment Industry: What Candidates Should Know and How to Protect Themselves
The recruitment industry plays a vital role in connecting professionals with new career opportunities. There are many exceptional recruiters who genuinely care about matching candidates to the right organisations and who devote themselves to guiding people through life-changing career moves.
But like every industry, there are ethical challenges, inconsistent standards and practices candidates need to be aware of. The barriers to entry in recruitment are low and the pressure to perform is high. This can result in behaviour that is unprofessional, misleading or simply not in the candidate’s best interests.
Understanding the good, the bad and the ugly of the industry will help you navigate your job search with clarity and protect yourself from practices that do not serve you.
The Good: What Exceptional Recruiters Do Well
Great recruiters bring professionalism, insight and genuine care into their interactions with candidates. Many come from specialised backgrounds with degrees in their field and a deep understanding of the industries they serve.
Exceptional recruiters:
• Take the time to understand your experience and aspirations
• Offer guidance on CV structure, interviewing and market trends
• Represent you ethically and transparently
• Share honest feedback, even when the message is difficult
• Maintain confidentiality
• Build long term relationships with candidates
A good recruiter becomes a career partner, not a once off contact. They use their networks, market knowledge and relationships to advocate for you. When you meet a recruiter like this, hold onto them. They can influence your career in ways you may not see at first.
The Bad: Unethical Practices Candidates Should Avoid
While many recruiters are passionate and committed, there are practices that candidates should be cautious of. Being aware of your rights and the laws that govern the recruitment industry is essential.
You should never be charged a fee
A recruiter cannot charge an applicant any fee of any kind. Not an administrative fee, not a placement fee, not a registration fee. If this is requested, walk away immediately.
You should never be asked for exclusivity
A recruiter cannot insist that you deal only with them or leave your CV exclusively in their control. This is not normal practice and it is not aligned with your best interests.
You should not sign liability documents
No recruitment company has the right to ask you to sign anything stating that you will be financially liable for the recruitment fee if you decline an offer. This is unlawful and should be refused.
You should not disclose where else you are interviewing
Some agencies ask candidates which companies they are interviewing with. Often this is not to guide your job search but to identify which companies currently have vacancies. You are under no obligation to share this information.
Your CV should never be sent without your permission
No recruiter may forward your CV to any client without your explicit consent for that specific vacancy. This is both unethical and a breach of your personal information.
The Ugly: Practices That Harm Both Candidates and the Industry
There are unfortunately behaviours that undermine trust in the recruitment profession. Knowing these signs will help you identify agencies to avoid.
Dummy job adverts
Some agencies advertise roles that do not exist purely to attract applicants. These adverts often lack detail about the company or the position. If an advert seems vague or generic, it may not be a real vacancy.
Telephonic interviews in place of proper interviews
A phone call cannot be considered a full interview. It is not enough to understand your background, strengths, motivations or cultural fit. An agency that claims a quick call is a full interview is not offering a professional service.
High staff turnover behind the scenes
Recruitment is a demanding and competitive space. Many consultants leave quickly, which can affect the consistency of communication and follow up. This is not always visible to candidates, but it is a reminder to trust your intuition and build relationships with individuals who demonstrate professionalism and commitment.
How Candidates Can Protect Themselves
Despite the challenges, candidates can take simple steps to ensure a positive and safe experience with recruitment agencies.
Work with specialist agencies
Even if there is no suitable vacancy, you can register with a senior consultant at a specialist agency. This gives you access to deeper networks and more meaningful opportunities.
Stay in touch
Send a short email every few weeks with an update on your experience and salary expectations. Recruiters manage many candidates and a quick update keeps you top of mind.
Give permission carefully
Always confirm where your CV is being sent and for which role. Quality agencies will never send your information without your approval.
Use your intuition
If something feels off, it probably is. Pay attention to how professionally you are treated, how clearly things are explained and whether your recruiter seems genuinely invested in your success.
The Good Deserves Recognition
Finally, remember that within every recruitment company there are exceptional consultants. When a recruiter represents you well, advocates for you, or helps you secure a strong opportunity, acknowledge their effort. Recruitment is a demanding job, especially in a challenging economy.
A thank you message, a small gesture or even choosing them as your preferred recruiter in future can make a meaningful difference. Great recruiters help build your career and they do it through care, effort and connections built over many years.
Final Thought
The recruitment industry is a mix of the good, the bad and the ugly, but with the right knowledge you can protect yourself and benefit from the many professionals who genuinely want to help you succeed. Choose your partners wisely, stay informed and build relationships with the recruiters who demonstrate integrity, insight and commitment.
If you want a recruitment partner who brings precision, integrity and decades of specialist finance expertise to every appointment, connect with The People Connection. Let us help you secure the right next step in your finance career with confidence.