Challenging times in the recruitment industry are increasing the prevalence of unethical practices, with implications for employers.

One of the more common unethical - and illegal - activities occurring is for third-party recruiters to submit candidates' resumes or "float" candidates without their knowledge, to employers that have recently advertised a job opening. This is clearly a breach of the candidate's privacy if it happens without their consent, and can create problems for candidates who don't want their details or job seeking intentions broadcast (in some cases, they are put forward for roles with their current employer). At face value the practice can seem harmless to HR or even potentially time-saving, if the candidates are high quality and suitable for the business.

"Recruiters represent you in the market place. If they are acting unethically, you can bet that your name will attach to that behavior, as you engaged them."

HR and internal recruitment managers should:

• clearly advise the recruiters they deal with that they don't want resumes sent without the candidate's permission;
• blacklist recruiters who send resumes without consent;
• report the activity to the Recruitment and Consulting Services Association (RCSA), whose ethics committee deals with disputes and, where a member's conduct is found in breach of the Association's Code for Professional Conduct, can impose sanctions; and
• notify the recruiter's manager about their actions. "This is the most effective slap in the face to the recruiter. It also sends a message to the director that their team needs better management."

When such a conflict arises it is rarely easily settled. The candidate wants a job and will generally not care which agency represents them. Even though the client just wants "the best person for the role", they can become stuck in the middle of a dispute.