Not all recruiters lie. Some are genuinely rooting for you.
But here's the uncomfortable truth: plenty are incentivised to bend the truth
— and sometimes, straight-up mislead you. Why? Because that's how they get
paid.
If you've ever felt like something was off during a recruitment process – like
you weren’t getting the full story – you probably weren’t. Here's how to spot
the red flags and protect yourself from being used as a sales target.
1. They’re sketchy about salary
If a recruiter tells you the salary is “competitive” but can’t give you a clear
range – chances are, they can, they just won’t. Some agencies pocket the
difference between what you’re offered and what the company was actually willing
to pay. That’s money off the table for you, and more in their commission.
What to ask:
“What’s the actual approved salary band for this role?”
“Is the figure you quoted the top of the range or just the starting point?”
If they dodge, there’s your answer.
2. They rush you to accept – or scare you off negotiating
You get the job offer. You’re buzzing. Then your recruiter says:
“They won’t go any higher.”
“If you push back, they might walk away.”
“I’d advise accepting now — you don’t want to lose it.”
That could be true. Or… they just want to lock in the deal before you cost
them time or money. They get paid when you say yes. Not when you negotiate.
What to do: Take a breath. You’re allowed to ask questions. You’re allowed
to counter. A good recruiter will support you through it. A dodgy one will push
you to settle fast and shut up.
3. They keep pushing roles that don’t match what you asked for
You said you want remote. They offer hybrid – but it’s actually four days in the
office.
You said you’re not interested in fintech. They pitch you another fintech role.
It’s not a misunderstanding. It’s a numbers game. Some recruiters are just
flinging CVs at jobs and hoping something sticks.
What to do: Call it out. Ask:
“Why do you think this role fits what I’m looking for?”
“Did the client specifically ask for someone with my profile?”
If they can’t answer, don’t waste your time.
4. They ghost you the second the deal dies
You were best mates last week. Now your messages are being aired.
This one’s common – and yes, it’s rude. But it’s also revealing. If they vanish
after a rejection, they weren’t trying to build a relationship – they were
just trying to place you and move on.
What to do: Make a note of how they handled it. Good recruiters check in,
even when there’s no commission on the line.
So Why Does This Happen?
Simple: most recruiters work for the client, not you. That’s who pays them.
Their job is to fill roles, not land you your dream gig.
Of course, there are brilliant recruiters out there who go the extra mile –
we’ve met them. But the system itself? It often rewards speed, sales tactics,
and closing deals fast. Not honesty. Not care. Not candidate advocacy.
What You Can Do About It
- Ask direct questions — and don’t accept waffle.
- Get a second opinion — from friends, from forums, or from The Shortlist.
- Remember: you don’t owe anyone a fast yes.
Bottom line?
If your recruiter’s pressuring you, evading details, or treating you like a
transaction – they probably are.
You deserve better. And you can find better.
Want to help others avoid the same experience?
Leave a review on The Shortlist. It takes two minutes and could save someone
else months of stress.
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