7 Signs You’re Working With The Wrong Recruiter As A Construction Professional

You Are Assigned a Junior Recruiter

While everyone has to start somewhere, an agency that assigns a junior recruiter to your job search may not be fully invested in your success. Large agencies are known for high turnover, which sometimes results in junior or inexperienced recruiters managing candidates with complex needs. A recruiter with limited experience may lack the network or industry insight to secure the best roles, and they may use your search as a training exercise rather than a dedicated effort. Boutique agencies often provide more personalized service and prioritize the candidate’s needs, so consider switching if you’re assigned an inexperienced agent.

There’s A Lack of Trust and Transparency

A recruiter saying, “Our client is confidential,” is often a red flag. This response usually signals a lack of transparency, suggesting that the recruiter doesn’t trust you with the information or, worse, isn’t prioritizing your right to know where your resume is being sent. Good recruiters build mutual trust by keeping you informed and allowing you to understand where your information is going. An agency that withholds client details should make you question their commitment to open communication.

They Mandate Exclusivity

A selfish request. Your goal is to find a role, not serve your agency. Exclusivity should be earned carefully and not mandated from the start so be wary if your recruitment agent insists that you only work with them and do not make direct applications or engage with other agencies.

They Micro Manage The Recruitment Process

If your agent is trying to insert themselves between you and your employer to the detriment of the recruitment process this should be a red flag. A recruiter who is getting in the way instead of allowing open communication is afraid of something. They either don’t trust you, don’t trust the client, or they are a control freak. A good recruiter respects open communication and recognizes that you and the employer need to establish a direct connection to make the right decision.

They Are Trying To Push Your Career in a Different Direction

Your career goals should be the focus of any recruitment discussion. If a recruiter is pushing you into roles that don’t align with your objectives, they’re prioritizing their agenda over yours. Be cautious of any recruiter who insists on opportunities that don’t match your experience or aspirations, as this indicates they’re more interested in their placement numbers than in finding the right fit for you.

There’s Poor Communication

Recruiters are widely known for being highly energetic initially and then fading out when they don’t see anything in it for them. A good recruiter will be direct whether they have good news or bad news and will ideally offer alternatives ideas when an opportunity falls through. If your recruiter suddenly becomes unresponsive or stops updating you, it’s a sign they may not be fully invested in your job search.

They Make Vague Promises — Or They Break Promises

Unfortunately, the recruitment industry has its fair share of empty promises. Large agencies will tell you anything you need to hear to help them make their sales numbers. For example, being led to believe that a pay raise is coming soon without gaining explicit confirmation from your employer is a huge red flag. Often an agency will do this to coax a candidate over the line. There is no pay rise agreement unless it’s on your contract or discussed directly with the employer verbally. A verbal agreement with a recruiter is not sufficient. The idea is to get you into the role and then bet that you won’t leave it when you learn of this lie.

We’ve experienced competitor agencies blocking off competitive employers with candidates i.e If candidate wants to work with Company X, they will claim to work for Company X and tell you they have sent your resume there so that you will eventually settle for roles with their clients thinking Company X are not interested in you. One false statement or lie should be a red flag that this individual is not ethical and should not represent your job search.

Choosing the right recruitment agency is crucial to finding a role that aligns with your career goals. Pay attention to these warning signs to avoid agencies that might put their own interests ahead of yours. A good recruiter will act as a partner, supporting you with honesty, transparency, and a commitment to your success. If you notice any of these red flags, it may be time to find an agency that truly values your career journey.

If you’re interested in working with a recruiter that has your best interests at heart, register at Outpost. Our team would love to hear from you.