Many candidates appear to lack awareness regarding proper recruiter engagement, and we’re here to help.

It’s important for a recruiter to communicate certain information and seek your permission in a transparent manner.

A recruiter should provide you with information about the client they are representing before submitting your CV to them, including the clients name. This practice serves several purposes, such as avoiding duplicate submissions for the same role, ensuring your CV isn’t shared with companies you’re not interested in, preventing conflicts of interest, and keeping your CV away from situations where it might be shared with individuals who have connections to your current position (such as a board your current boss sits on).

Furthermore, a recruiter should furnish details about the role they are presenting to you. If the role isn’t specific, they should explain the rationale behind it. It’s essential to know who will be receiving your CV, including the individual’s name and title.

If a recruiter is not honest and open in their communication, it might be wise to reconsider your association with them. Transparency is crucial for building a foundation of trust and honesty in this professional relationship.

You should have control over where your CV is sent. Some companies take a dim view of duplicated CV submissions, and you wouldn’t want to end up amidst disputes between multiple agencies vying to represent you. This can lead to confusion, and some recruiters may prioritize their own interests over yours.

To safeguard your interests, ensure that you receive all relevant information in written form. Obtain written confirmation that a recruiter requires your consent before forwarding your CV to a client. Additionally, inform other recruiters in writing where not to send your CV, preventing them from duplicating the submission without your knowledge.

It’s unfortunate, but there have been instances of recruiters ignoring candidates’ preferences.

Ultimately, it’s crucial to be vigilant and informed. While there are ethical and reputable recruiters, there are also unscrupulous ones. It’s worth noting that the new POPI Act provides protection for your information, and you have recourse if your information is mishandled.

Choose wisely, and spread the word. When you get good service as well as bad.