More and more often recruiters are getting a bad rap. Every day on social media I read sad accounts from people who are looking for work who have been ghosted by a recruiter, they walk away feeling like they didn't matter and that should never happen.
I’m not here to make excuses for how other recruiters conduct their business — that’s not my job. What I am here to do is share some honest thoughts about how recruiters are often treated by the very candidates we aim to support.
I've built my career on a simple principle: treat every candidate the way I’d want to be treated if I were the one looking for a job. To me, this means each person deserves respect, transparency, and consistent communication. Every person I speak to matters — not because of commissions or quotas, but because they’re a human being navigating one of life’s more stressful challenges: finding meaningful work.
Of course, I’m not perfect. There have been times when I’ve unintentionally missed an update or had to deliver bad news I couldn’t control. I own mistakes I've made, apologize and strive to do better.
What can be disheartening is how often recruiters are dismissed or treated as mere gatekeepers — the “middlemen” who are easy to overlook or blame. But here’s the truth: in most organizations, recruiters play a pivotal role. We’re trusted partners, working closely with leadership to find and recommend top talent, as well as play a part in the decision-making process. A strong relationship with a recruiter can open doors — and burning that bridge can be a costly mistake.
Over the years I've been fortunate to speak with thousands of lovely people from various walks of life for a multitude of different positions, and many of those have turned into lasting professional relationships or friendships. And yet, I’ve also experienced the sting of being completely ignored after the person lands the job - no reply to a check-in email, no quick “Thanks, I’m loving it!” — just silence. I've also listened to people scream obscenities at me over the phone when I've had to tell them they aren't qualified for the position or the manager has decided to offer the role to someone else, and I've received some scathing emails as well.
Now, I’m not looking for a parade of endless praise - just a simple "thank you" and basic kindness goes a long way. While I may not be the one signing the paycheck, I genuinely care about your success — and I never stop rooting for the people I've worked with.
In the end, it all comes down to mutual respect. Just as you want a recruiter who sees you as more than a resume and a potential commission check, we hope to be seen as more than just a stepping stone.
The opinions expressed in this blog do not represent that of my employer. Copyright - content cannot be used without the expressed permission of the author
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