💼 The Honest Recruiter: The Unspoken Dilemma

A company recently reached out to me to fill a role. It was a great opportunity with clear job scope, fast timeline, a generous commission and engagement fee. But I couldn't bring myself to agree to help them immediately.

I had seen this same job posted many times before. It kept reappearing on job boards. I had also heard from people in my network such as friends who used to work there, that the environment was tough. There was high turnover, inconsistent leadership, and a lack of real support for employees.

So I paused.

As recruiters, we are expected to connect talent with opportunity and fill positions quickly. But when you care about people, the job becomes more than a transaction. You start asking yourself: would I feel comfortable putting someone here?

I have always believed in building trust, not just closing deals. I want my candidates to succeed and stay. It is not about making a placement, collecting the fee, and moving on without thinking about how the person will actually thrive in the role.

There is nothing wrong with walking away from a deal that does not feel right. The industry does not reward that kind of decision with applause or bonuses, but it protects your integrity. It keeps your reputation clean. And in the long run, that matters more than hitting your numbers.

I have not said yes or no to this client yet. But I know that if I move forward, it will be with full honesty, not just with the candidate, but also with myself. I need to be sure the concerns I have about the company are based on facts, not assumptions. If I proceed, it will be with a clear understanding of both the positives and the challenges, so I can give candidates the transparency they deserve.

The best recruiters are not just closers. They are also filters. They protect people from bad fits, even when the offer looks tempting.