How to Manage Relationships With Multiple Recruiters
Working with multiple recruitment agencies is common in a structured job search — different recruiters specialise in different sectors, seniorities, and companies. But without careful tracking, the risks multiply: double submission to the same employer, conflicting representations of your candidacy, and losing track of what each recruiter is working on for you.
The Double Submission Problem
The most serious risk of working with multiple recruiters is double submission. If two different agencies submit your CV to the same employer, it creates a professional embarrassment for everyone involved — and most employers will exclude both applications to avoid the dispute over their fee.
Your tracker should include a record of which employers each recruiter has submitted your CV to. Before any recruiter submits your CV somewhere, confirm that you have not already been submitted there by another agency or applied directly.
What to Track for Each Recruiter
Maintain a record for each agency you are working with:
Agency name and recruiter's name: The specific consultant you are working with — agencies are large and you may encounter multiple contacts.
Contact details: Direct email and phone number.
Specialisation: What types of roles they place, at what seniority, in which sectors.
Roles they are actively working on for you: Which specific roles or companies they are currently pursuing on your behalf.
Exclusivity agreements: Some agencies ask for exclusivity on certain roles — know what you have agreed to.
Submission record: A list of every employer they have submitted your CV to (date and role).
Communication Standards
Keep all recruiters informed when your situation changes:
- If you receive an offer, tell all active recruiters immediately — they may be expecting your availability
- If you accept an offer, notify all recruiters promptly
- If you become unavailable (for example, accept a counter-offer), let them know
Professional treatment of recruiters during your search builds relationships that serve you throughout your career.
Build your CV free at CVCircuit and track recruiter relationships alongside your direct applications.