Recruiter
A recruiter finds and assesses candidates for vacancies, either inside an employer or through an external recruitment business.
Recruiters may discuss your experience, explain a vacancy, arrange interviews and pass information between you and the hiring team. Ask which employer and role they represent, and whether they can answer questions about the team's work. A recruiter can help you understand the process, but you should still read the employer's written offer and employment terms yourself.
An external agency's role can vary. UK government guidance distinguishes agencies that introduce candidates for employment by a client from employment businesses that engage and pay temporary workers supplied to clients. That distinction affects who you deal with over pay and employment terms. In any country, confirm who would employ and pay you. Agree which vacancies the recruiter may put you forward for so you can track applications and avoid duplicate submissions.
Example
A recruiter discusses a six-month assignment at a retailer. The candidate asks whether the retailer or the recruitment business will issue the contract and pay wages.
What to check
- Verify the recruiter and the vacancy.
- Identify the employer and payer.
- Agree where your application will be sent.