“But I Gave Them the Info!” — Why You’re Not Trusted, Even When You’re Right

“But I Gave Them the Info!” — Why You’re Not Trusted, Even When You’re Right

I guarantee you've had this experience.

A client ignores your advice, then you have to act shocked when it plays out exactly like you said.

“We’re going to offer $20k under market — surely someone will bite.”
“We want a unicorn with no remote days, in 2025.”

You push back. You show data. You warn them.

And then, boom — it all turns to sh!t. Just like you predicted.

But instead of coming back with any sense of appreciation, they ghost you, blame the market, or worse… ask another recruiter for advice.

So what’s up?

You’re Not Trusted — You’re Tolerated

The problem isn’t your info. It’s your influence.

Most recruiters fire off facts like they’re building a Wikipedia page. Logical, accurate, boring as hell.

Clients don’t make decisions based on accuracy. They make them based on urgency, clarity and belief.

If you’re not framing the advice like it matters to their outcome — they’ll nod politely and do whatever they were always going to do anyway. Parents will know this feeling intimately.

Be the Advisor, Not the Inbox

If you want to be the trusted advisor, then stop acting like a forwarded attachment.

Don’t just send data — interpret it.
Don’t just give facts — give impact.
Don’t just be right — be convincing.

Example:

• Instead of “the market average for this role is $95k”…
  Try: “Every time someone offers $85k, they lose the candidate to their competitor. We don't want this to happen to you.”
• Instead of “this candidate is open to a move”…
  Try: “She’s a rising star with one foot out the door. You’ve got one shot — and it’s this week.”

TBC Takeaway

Being right doesn’t build trust.
Being useful, clear, and bold does.

Don’t just give info. Shape decisions.
That’s where the top billers live.