Unethical Tricks Some Recruiters Use (And How to Spot The Red Flags)

The Job Seeker’s Dilemma

Job searching can feel like walking through a maze in the dark, including when dealing with recruiters. As someone who has spent years in this industry, I know the trust you place in recruiters, hoping they have your best interests at heart. While many are dedicated to assisting in your career, some unfortunately resort to deceptive tactics.
As a transparent recruitment agency MD, I want to open up about what can happen behind the scenes. I’m going to expose two unethical red flags I see far too often, and one is a counter-intuitive truth that can make you reassess your job searching. Knowing what to look for is the first step in protecting yourself and partnering with recruiters who will genuinely champion your career.

The “Bait-and-Switch” Job Advertisement

This is one of the oldest and most cynical tricks in the book. An agency posts a job advertisement with a highly attractive, and often above-market, pay rate. The real goal isn’t to fill that role; it’s to harvest as many resumes as possible for their database.
Here’s how it works: you apply for the high-paying position, only to be told that the role has just been “miraculously filled.” The recruiter then pivots, offering a different set of available jobs, almost always at “vastly lower rates.”

This practice is so damaging that regulatory bodies are taking notice; as the industry professional who shared this insight noted, “Fair Work is right to start stamping out this behaviour.” It preys on the hopes of job seekers and undermines the credibility of the entire industry. Ethical agencies, by contrast, are transparent.

The True Cost of Recruitment

The Hidden Squeeze on Your Salary

This next tactic is more subtle, but it can cost you thousands. An agency’s profit comes from the margin between what they charge the client and what they pay you. A fair margin is standard business practice, but some recruiters will suppress your pay rate to maximise their own cut.

A recent story from an agency owner perfectly illustrates the financial risk for candidates. He presented a cabinet maker to a client, but a competitor had already submitted the same candidate at a lower pay rate. When the ethical recruiter offered the candidate a higher base salary, the competitor was able to instantly match it without increasing their price to the client.

Here’s what that really means: the money for the candidate’s higher salary was always available; the first recruiter was simply pocketing the difference as an excessive profit margin. They only offered the candidate their fair share when faced with competition. This stands in stark contrast to the ethical approach of agencies like TRS Resourcing.
If a recruiter is vague about pay or dismisses market data you present, it’s a major red flag. They may be protecting their profit margin at the direct expense of your paycheck.

The Surprising Truth About “Experience”

After seeing these deceptive tactics, you might think the industry is stacked against you. But here’s a counterintuitive truth that the best recruiters know: your “unconventional” experience might be your greatest asset. I see candidates with non-linear career paths outperform their peers for one simple reason: core competencies matter more than a perfectly matched CV.

Don’t disqualify yourself because you don’t tick every box. A good recruiter will see your potential and recognise how your unique skills can add value.

Empowering Your Job Search

The job search is challenging enough without having to worry about deceptive practices. By understanding the bait and switch ad and the hidden salary squeeze, you can identify unethical behaviour and steer clear of recruiters who don’t have your interests in mind.
Your “other” experience can be your greatest strength. So, trust recruiters who are transparent and who see the unique value in your story. this allows you to ask the right questions, avoid the pitfalls, and ultimately partner with people who will help you succeed.

Now that you know the red flags, what’s the one thing you’ll look for in your next conversation with a recruiter?

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