Recruitment is about more than just matching a CV to a job description. It’s about relationships, trust, honesty and finding the right fit for both the candidate and the company.

After spending countless hours reviewing CVs, interviewing candidates and working closely with clients, there are a few things recruiters wish every job seeker knew.

Don’t:

Don’t lie — about anything.
We can work with honest candidates. If you don’t have a qualification, if your reason for leaving was difficult, or if you made a mistake in a previous role, honesty is always better than being “found out” later. Transparency builds trust and trust matters in recruitment.

We don’t like surprises.
Tell us if you are not comfortable with a client’s culture, the role, the salary, or if you prefer another opportunity you have available. Open communication helps us guide you better and prevents awkward situations later in the process.

Don’t call our clients or apply directly to them.
It breaks trust with both us and the client we are presenting you to. Recruiters work hard behind the scenes to advocate for candidates, arrange interviews, negotiate offers and maintain relationships with companies. Respecting the process matters.

Check your social media presence.
Your online presence says a lot about your professionalism and work ethic. Posting negative comments about your boss, your company, or your current role can raise red flags for potential employers. Employers do look.

Don’t resign if you don’t have a new job secured.
The job market can be unpredictable. Unless absolutely necessary, it’s usually better to secure your next opportunity before handing in your resignation.

Don’t bad-mouth your current company.
Even if your experience has not been positive, professionalism goes a long way. Future employers want to see maturity, emotional intelligence and problem-solving — not negativity.

Do:

Ensure your LinkedIn profile and your CV “talk” to each other.
If dates, job titles, or employment history differ, it immediately creates questions. Consistency is important and helps build credibility.

Prepare for interviews.
Questions like:

• “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
• “Why do you want to work for us?”
• “Why are you leaving your current company?”

may feel old-school, but they are still commonly asked. Being prepared is always better than trying to think on your feet under pressure.

Tell us if you are nervous.
Recruiters are there to help you succeed. If you need to do a “dummy interview” or need guidance before meeting a client, ask. Preparation builds confidence.

Refer candidates for roles you may not qualify for.
Helping others can often help you too. Recruiters remember candidates who are supportive, connected and professional within their networks.

At the end of the day, recruiters and candidates share the same goal: finding the right opportunity and the right fit. Honest communication, professionalism and preparation can make all the difference in your job search journey.