Working With International Recruiters: What to Share and Hold Back

When navigating the international job market, you will encounter two types of recruiters: Internal (working directly for the company) and Agency (external headhunters paid a commission to find candidates).

Here is how to manage these relationships to maximize your chances of getting hired.

1. Be Upfront About Sponsorship Needs

The biggest mistake candidates make is hiding their need for visa sponsorship until the final interview.

• The Reality: If a company does not have a sponsor licence or the budget for sponsorship, you cannot work there. Hiding it wastes your time and burns bridges.
• What to say: On your very first screening call, say: "I want to be transparent that I am currently based in [Country] and require visa sponsorship to relocate. Does the company provide sponsorship for this role?"

2. Never Share Your Current Salary

As discussed in our negotiation guide, your current local salary is irrelevant to your market value abroad.

• If a recruiter pressures you for your current salary, politely deflect: "I'm looking for roles in the [X] to [Y] range based on the market rate for this city. Does that align with the budget for this position?"

3. Understand Agency Recruiter Motivations

Agency recruiters are paid a percentage of your starting salary by the hiring company.

• The Good: They want you to get a high offer because it increases their commission. They can be great allies who give you insider tips on what the hiring manager wants.
• The Bad: They only get paid if you take their client's job. They may pressure you to accept an exploding offer quickly and discourage you from interviewing elsewhere.

4. Don't Let Agencies Send Your CV Blindly

Before an external recruiter sends your CV to an employer, demand to know the name of the company.

• If they submit your CV without your permission, and you later apply directly or through another recruiter, it creates a "candidate ownership" dispute, and the company will often reject you entirely to avoid paying double commission fees.