While many do genuinely care about finding you the right role, others are just
chasing commission — and don’t mind wasting your time to get it. If you've ever
walked away from a recruitment call feeling pressured, confused or flat-out
misled, you might have encountered a bad recruiter.
So how do you know when to walk away? Here are 5 clear signs.
1. They Won’t Tell You the Company Name Up Front
❗ “I can't say which company it is yet, but you'd be a great fit.”
If a recruiter refuses to tell you which company the job is for — even after
confirming your basic interest and suitability — consider it a major red flag.
Transparency matters. Reputable recruiters will share the company name once
they've qualified you (and confirmed you're not already in contact with them).
Why it matters: Some recruiters try to lock in your interest to block other
agencies from submitting you. That’s not about you — it’s about them.
2. They Pressure You to Accept an Interview or Offer
❗ “This opportunity won’t wait — you need to decide today.”
Good recruiters want you to take roles you're excited about. Bad ones push you
to accept interviews, offers or salary expectations that don’t align with your
goals.
Trust your gut. If someone is pushing you to move faster than feels right,
they’re prioritising their commission over your career.
3. They Clearly Haven’t Read Your CV
❗ “So, I see you’re a software engineer…?”
(You’re a data analyst.)
If it’s clear the recruiter hasn’t taken 2 minutes to scan your CV or LinkedIn,
that’s a bad sign. Expecting you to explain your entire work history from
scratch shows laziness — and it usually means they’re contacting hundreds of
people without tailoring anything.
Good recruiters do their homework. Bad ones wing it.
4. They Ghost You After You Apply or Interview
❗ Radio silence after promising updates “by the end of the day.”
A lack of follow-up is not only unprofessional — it’s also common. A good
recruiter keeps you in the loop, even if there’s no news. A bad one disappears
the moment you’re no longer useful to them.
You deserve better. Chase once — then move on.
5. They Don’t Know the Role (or Company) Well
❗ “It’s a flexible, hybrid kind of company, I think.”
If they can’t answer simple questions about team structure, company culture, or
what tech/tools the company uses, it’s a red flag. Recruiters should be briefed
— and if they’re not, it’s a sign of poor client relationships or weak
diligence.
You need insight — not guesswork.
🚨 Final Tip: Always Trust Your Instincts
If you’ve spotted one of these signs, there may be others lurking. A bad
recruiter can cost you time, energy and confidence.
The good news? The UK is full of brilliant, ethical recruiters who do take the
time to advocate for you properly.
That’s what The Shortlist is here for: real reviews, from real jobseekers.
đź’¬ Share your experience:
Had a bad (or brilliant) recruiter recently? Leave them a rating on The
Shortlist so others know what to look out for — and who to avoid.
