Recruitment agencies play a key role in connecting people with the right opportunities, yet there are still plenty of misconceptions about how agencies work behind the scenes.
At March Recruitment, we regularly speak to candidates who have understandable questions. So, let’s clear things up. Below, we tackle three of the most common recruitment agency questions and explain what really happens when you work with an agency.
Do recruitment agencies take a cut of my salary?
This is one of the biggest misconceptions we hear and the short answer is NO!
Recruitment agencies do not reduce a candidate’s salary to make more money, it’s in everyone’s interest for candidates to be paid fairly and competitively. Agencies are typically paid a fee by the employer, which is agreed separately and does not come out of the candidate’s wages.
At March Recruitment, we work transparently with both clients and candidates. Salary expectations are discussed openly from the outset, ensuring there are no surprises later in the process. Our role is to help align expectations, not diminish value. A well-matched role with the right salary leads to better retention and long-term success, which benefits candidates, employers and recruiters alike.
What do recruitment agencies do with my personal information?
It’s completely reasonable to be cautious about sharing personal information, especially in today’s digital world. The good news is that reputable recruitment agencies take data protection extremely seriously.
Candidate data should be:
- Stored securely
- Used only for recruitment purposes
- Managed in line with GDPR and UK data protection regulations
- Never shared without appropriate consent
At March Recruitment, personal information is used to match candidates with suitable roles and manage applications. Data is protected by secure systems with strict internal processes, our candidates have the right to access, update or request removal of their information at any time. Your data is there to support your job search and certainly not to be misused or passed around.
Why do recruitment agencies need my passport?
This question comes up frequently, especially from candidates who are new to working with recruitment agencies.
The reason is simple: right-to-work checks are a legal requirement. Recruitment agencies are responsible for confirming that candidates have the legal right to work in the UK before placing them into a role. This includes verifying identification documents such as a passport or approved alternative documents.
These checks:
- Protect employers from non-compliance
- Ensure candidates are legally eligible for work
- Form part of a compliant and ethical recruitment process
Your documents are checked securely, handled confidentially and stored in line with regulatory requirements.
Why understanding this matters
Recruitment agencies exist to support candidates and we are not here to complicate the process. When myths create hesitation, talented individuals may miss out on opportunities that could genuinely move their careers forward.
At March Recruitment, we believe in transparency and trust. We take the time to explain the process and answer questions honestly.
