It's a small world

January 23, 2026

I don't post that often, it's not because I don't have anything to say (my husband will confirm that I have plenty of things to say), I just prefer to share things that I feel really passionate about within the industry.

 Confidentiality is one of those things, because as we all know, it's a small world!

 We’re encouraged to use LinkedIn and social media to grow our networks, build our profiles, and share our achievements. And it works — visibility is powerful. It opens doors, strengthens brands, and creates opportunity.

But that same visibility can create hesitation when it comes to exploring a new role.From my conversations with candidates every day, I know that looking elsewhere is rarely about dissatisfaction or disloyalty. It’s about growth, timing, or being open to the right opportunity.

The challenge is that today, connections overlap constantly. Candidates often don’t know who sits behind a careers@ email address or who receives a job board application. Who’s reviewing their CV? Do they know their manager, client, or colleague? Where might that information travel — unintentionally?

In a world where networks are growing rapidly, paths cross far more often than we realise and that isn’t always a good thing.This is where using a recruiter can really help. I bring a face to my clients role.

I’m not an anonymous inbox or an automated application process. I can tell their story, talk about their culture and ambition and I can do so honestly and confidentially.

Why this matters even more at senior level

Senior and director level candidates are rarely applying directly to anonymous adverts.

Many are passive, successful in their current roles and not actively job hunting. Often, the opportunity needs context, conversation and sometimes a little selling before it becomes compelling.

But just as importantly, applying directly is simply too risky.

At this level, individuals often have a strong industry profile. They are known widely by peers, competitors, clients and suppliers. Their name alone can trigger assumptions.

Submitting a CV to start a conversation can feel like unnecessary exposure particularly when they don’t know who will receive it, who may review it internally, or how quickly that information could travel.

This is where a recruiter plays a critical role.

I create a safe space for those early conversations. I can introduce an opportunity discreetly, answer questions honestly, and protect confidentiality on both sides.

For clients, this means their is represented professionally and sensitively in the market. 

For candidates, it means they can explore an opportunity without reputational risk.

For me, confidentiality isn’t an afterthought, it’s fundamental to how I work. Conversations are managed carefully and introductions made at the right time.

Because it really is a small world and sometimes, having the right person in the middle makes all the difference.

Thanks for reading, Kerry

kerry@howlresources.com