💼 The Honest Recruiter : Who does the recruiter work for?

Who actually pays the recruiter? The answer is simple: The employer.

Companies engage recruiters to find the right talent. That means, technically, we represent the company, as they’re the ones signing the contract, setting the hiring criteria, and paying the fee.

But here’s where it gets tricky.

A good recruiter doesn’t just act as a salesperson for the company. We’re also advisors, advocates, and (sometimes) reality-checkers for candidates. Because while our fees come from employers, our reputation comes from placing the right people in the right roles.

So, Who Should a Recruiter REALLY Represent?

The Employer? Yes, because they’re paying for our service - filling a position with the best available talent.

The Candidate? Also yes, because a bad hire doesn’t help anyone. If we push candidates into roles that don’t fit, they’ll leave, and the employer will be back to square one (probably not using us again).

The best recruiters balance both sides.

We tell employers when their expectations are unrealistic. We tell candidates when they’re aiming too high (or too low). We bridge the gap because the best hires happen when both parties win.

Real experience:

Recently, a candidate asked me if I could push the client to increase their hiring budget to match his salary expectations. He had solid reasons: his experience, industry knowledge, and market value. But the truth is, the salary range I was given was already the absolute max the company could offer. Still, he insisted that maybe he could convince them.

At that point, I hadn’t even referred him to the client yet. Later, I found out he had also applied directly and managed to get an interview. Unfortuntately he came across as too aggressive and didn’t impress the hiring manager. In the end, negotiation power only works if the employer already sees you as the right fit.

Then there was another candidate, completely new to working with recruiters who asked me, “So, do I need to pay you a fee if I get hired?”That one caught me off guard. It reminded me that not everyone understands how recruitment works. I had to explain that at corporate level, recruiters are paid by the employer, not candidates. This could be different if you're blue-collar workers or getting temporary placements through certain agencies.

💡Candidates

🔹 A recruiter should NEVER charge you a fee. If they do, run.

🔹 Salaries aren’t pulled out of thin air. Companies have structured budgets. If a recruiter tells you the max offer, it’s not because we don’t want to help, it’s because we know what’s possible.

🔹 Market value matters, but so does first impression. Strong credentials won’t make up for coming across as overly aggressive or entitled in an interview.

💡 Employers:

🔹 Recruiters aren’t just resume pushers. We advise candidates on realistic expectations, which means fewer headaches for you.

🔹 Transparency is key. If your budget is firm, make that clear upfront so recruiters can manage expectations.

🔹 Salary negotiations are a two-way street. If you truly want top talent but your budget is below market rate, be prepared to offer other incentives: growth opportunities, flexibility, benefits, or a clear roadmap for salary progression.

At the end of the day, A recruiter’s success isn’t about closing deals, it’s about making the right matches. Candidates, choose recruiters who actually care about where you land. Employers, work with recruiters who give you real insights, not just resumes. Because when we do it right, everyone wins.