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This is always a difficult subject. As a candidate you are keen to move the recruitment process forward. This may tempt you to approach a number of different recruiters and to respond to relevant advertisements in the press. The danger here is that you may lose control of the process. Some recruiters are quite unprofessional and will send your CV to a 'client' in the hope that they are looking for someone with your experience. This is bad enough in isolation but where two or more recruiters send your details to the same person without your permission it can appear that you have no control over the approach.

Avoid this situation at all costs. It is not unheard of for a client to dismiss such an application despite being interested in the candidate just because they don't want to arbitrate between two recruitment firms squabbling over a fee. Here are some guidelines:

• Try to speak to the recruiter before you send your details. Obtain an assurance that your CV will not be sent out without your permission
  
  
• Limit the number of recruiters that you use and only use those whom you trust and have built a good working relationship with
  
  
• Police the relationship closely. A good recruiter is there to add value for you don't forget it
  
  
• Be clear with recruiters about previous approaches that you might have made. Sometimes it is possible to open a door that was previously closed but this can only be done if both candidate, recruiter and potential employer have all their cards on the table.