The truth about your rights when working with a Recruitment Agency

Finding a job is more than just sending out CVs. It’s about aligning yourself with the right opportunities and the right partners. Recruitment agencies can be incredibly helpful in this process, acting as a bridge between you and potential employers. But that bridge should be built on transparency, fairness and mutual respect. 

For many jobseekers, especially in today’s job market, the recruitment process can be unfamiliar territory. That’s why it’s important to go in equipped, not just with your qualifications, but with knowledge of your rights. This article will guide you through what you should and shouldn’t expect from a recruitment agency in South Africa, helping you make informed, empowered decisions every step of the way.

Why knowing your rights and expectations matters

Whether you’re entering the workforce for the first time, returning after a career break, switching industries or simply exploring new opportunities, understanding your rights and expectations when working with recruitment agencies are essential.

Here’s why it matters more than ever:

Avoid scams and misinformation

Unfortunately, not all recruitment agencies are created equal. Some operate with hidden fees, misleading job descriptions or questionable practices. By knowing your rights, you can spot red flags early and avoid falling into traps that could waste your time or worse, cost you money. Being informed helps you steer clear of unethical practices and ensures you’re only engaging with reputable, professional agencies.

Set healthy boundaries

A transparent working relationship begins with mutual respect. When you know what to expect, be it communication timelines or consent for submissions, you can hold the agency accountable. Clear expectations prevent misunderstandings, reduce frustration and foster a partnership where your time and career goals are valued.

Maximize your job search

Informed jobseekers make better candidates. When you understand how recruitment agencies function and what they can (and cannot) do for you, you’re better equipped to leverage their services effectively. You’ll know how to ask the right questions, what to share, and how to present yourself to maximize your chances of success.

Think of it this way: recruitment agencies are like your career agents. Would you let someone represent you in the job market without knowing exactly how they’re doing it? Of course not. That’s why understanding your rights and setting clear expectations is the first step toward a successful, empowered job search.

Understanding the Recruitment process: Your rights, clearly defined

Now that we’ve established why understanding your rights is crucial, let’s break down the key areas where those rights and expectations come into play. Each one is designed to help you stay protected, stay informed and stay in control of your job search journey.

1. You’re under no obligation to pay, ever. 

As a jobseeker, one of your most essential rights is the assurance that seeking employment through a recruitment agency should never cost you a cent. In South Africa, this is more than just a guideline. It is illegal for recruitment agencies to charge candidates fees for job placements or related services. Reputable agencies, like those under the MASA Group, including Greys Recruitment Agency are paid by employers for successfully filling roles, not by the individuals seeking employment.

Unfortunately, an increasing number of scams have surfaced across South Africa in recent years, with fraudsters posing as recruiters and preying on desperate jobseekers by asking for “processing fees,” “admin charges,” or payments to “secure an interview.” These schemes are not only unethical, they are criminal.

Here’s what legitimate recruitment should look like:

• Registration is free.
• Interviews and placements involve no cost to you.
• You’re not asked to pay for CV formatting, skills testing or coaching.
• You’re never pressured to pay in exchange for guaranteed job placement.

If any agency or individual asks you to pay for a job opportunity, especially by mobile money, EFT, or under urgent timelines you’re likely dealing with a scam.

We take this issue very seriously. If you are ever asked to send money in exchange for job placement, or receive suspicious communication from anyone claiming to be with MASA or Greys Recruitment Agency, please contact us immediately at [email protected]

2. You Have the Right to Representation—But Not a Guaranteed Job

It’s important to understand one of the most common misconceptions about recruitment agencies: they do not and cannot guarantee employment.

When you register with a recruitment agency, their primary role is to connect qualified candidates with available job opportunities, as determined by the client company (the actual employer). The agency can present your profile, advocate for your strengths and guide you through the process, but the final hiring decision always lies with the employer, not the recruiter.

Here’s what this means for you:

• You can expect honest communication about how your profile fits a role.
• You can likely also receive support in preparing for interviews and navigating client expectations.
• But no agency should promise you a job before you’ve been selected by the client.

If you ever hear phrases like “We can guarantee placement if …,” or “You’re sure to get this job,” be cautious. Not only is this misleading, but it may also be a sign of unethical or even fraudulent practices.

A reputable recruitment agency will:

• Be transparent about your chances of securing a role.
• Clarify that client hiring decisions are based on multiple factors, including internal policies, competing candidates and business needs.
• Help manage your expectations honestly, while remaining optimistic and supportive throughout your job search.

Understanding this boundary is key to building a healthy, productive relationship with your recruiter and protecting yourself from disappointment or exploitation. It reinforces your role as an empowered jobseeker, not a passive bystander.

Empowerment starts with awareness

In the journey to meaningful employment, partnering with a recruitment agency can be one of your most valuable moves, if you’re equipped with the right knowledge. Understanding your rights and setting clear expectations isn’t just about avoiding scams or saving time. It’s about standing confidently in your job search, knowing that you’re protected, respected and positioned for success.

From recognising red flags to setting professional boundaries, and knowing what agencies can (and can’t) promise, being informed allows you to take ownership of your career path. When you choose to work with ethical, transparent partners like MASA and Greys Recruitment agency you gain more than just job access. You gain a team that values your growth, your future and your peace of mind.

Looking for your next job opportunity? Browse the latest available positions and start your journey with a recruitment team that puts your rights and your career first.