Meeting a recruiter without a specific vacancy

Katerina Galkina · EN · 07/10/2026

Why meet when there is no vacancy?

A recruiter may build relationships before a vacancy arises, checking skills, availability, expectations and likely fit with future client requests. That is not yet an interview for an existing job or a promise of employment. The official recruitment-agency guide ↗ recommends checking specialism and keeping in contact.

The conversation can be useful if the consultant handles your sector and level. If their work is mainly senior appointments while you need a first role, establish that before a lengthy meeting. Ask about their typical positions, locations and employment arrangements.

Clarify the purpose

Ask whether there is a live client requirement or whether this is general registration. For a vacancy, request the duties, salary budget, stages and timetable. If the client's name is initially confidential, ask for enough information to avoid a duplicate application to the same employer.

Find out how long your details will be retained, who will receive your CV and how submissions are agreed. Ask the recruiter to discuss a specific role before sending your profile. This is particularly important while employed if you want to avoid accidental contact with your current company.

Salary and availability

Prepare a short account of your experience, notice period, location preferences and desired gross base pay. You can ask about the role's range first and explain expectations in relation to its responsibilities. Do not invent a current salary to appear more valuable.

For bonuses, commission or contract rates, clarify what the figure includes and what is guaranteed. Explain working-pattern and right-to-work restrictions separately. A professional CV is sufficient for an introductory conversation; send identity evidence at an appropriate stage through a verified channel.

Fees and follow-up

For ordinary recruitment, GOV.UK prohibits charging the jobseeker for work-finding ↗. Entertainment and modelling have separate rules. Paid extras such as CV writing must be distinct from recruitment and cannot be a condition of finding work; see the additional-services rules ↗.

Finish with a clear next step: suitable roles, a CV update or an agreed follow-up date. Send a brief written recap. Continue other applications after an encouraging introductory call. Assess the agency through relevant vacancies, clear communication and respect for the submission arrangements you agreed.