Do recruiters send your CV without permission?

It’s a question many job seekers ask:

“Do recruiters send your CV without permission?”

The short answer is no. Reputable recruiters shouldn’t send your CV to an employer without your consent.

In fact, most professional recruitment agencies have processes in place to make sure they have your permission before sharing your details with any company.

Why do recruiters need permission?

Your CV contains personal information, including your employment history, contact details, and potentially sensitive information about your career.

In the UK, recruiters must comply with data protection regulations, including GDPR. This means they should be transparent about how your information is being used and who it is being shared with.

Before submitting your CV, a good recruiter will:

• Explain the opportunity to you
• Tell you which company they plan to introduce you to
• Discuss salary expectations and key details
• Get your agreement before sending your CV

What happens if a recruiter sends your CV without permission?

If a recruiter sends your CV without your knowledge, it can create several issues:

• You lose control over your job search
• Multiple recruiters could submit your CV to the same company, causing confusion
• It can damage your candidate experience

This is why choosing the right recruitment partner matters.

How can you tell if a recruiter is acting professionally?

A professional recruiter will focus on building relationships, not just collecting CVs.

Look for recruiters who:

• Take time to understand your career goals
• Explain opportunities before discussing submissions
• Keep you updated throughout the process
• Ask for permission before sharing your details
• Provide feedback and advice, even if a role isn’t the right fit.

The candidate-recruiter relationship should be built on trust

Recruitment works best when it’s a partnership.

Whether you’re actively looking for a new role or simply exploring the market, you should always know where your CV has been sent and why.

At Konker, we believe candidates should have complete visibility throughout their job search. We only introduce candidates to employers once we’ve discussed the opportunity and received their agreement to move forward.

FAQs

Can a recruiter send my CV to multiple companies?

Only with your permission. A recruiter should tell you where they plan to submit your CV and gain your consent before doing so.

Should I ask where my CV has been sent?

Absolutely. A good recruiter should be able to tell you exactly which companies have received your CV and provide updates on any applications.

So, do recruiters send your CV without permission? Professional recruiters shouldn’t.

The best recruiters will always be transparent, communicate clearly, and seek your approval before representing you to an employer. If you’re working with a recruiter, you should feel confident that you’re in control of your job search every step of the way.

If you’re actively looking for a new role and need support, click here to get in touch – we’re more than happy to help!