Can a recruiter withdraw my application without my permission?

[TwoTailFly]

I was headhunted to apply for a role via a recruiter which was great as I have been made redundant. I was obviously applying for other jobs as the recruiter job wasn't shortlisting for 4 weeks.

Last week I had a second interview for a role and they rang with my verbal offer one hour after. Late Friday (late enough I was already at a show) I get a voicemail from the recruiter saying I've been shortlisted for an interview on Wednesday. I know this was going to be a 2 stage interview as they mentioned it in the pre-screening call. I went back to the recruiter this morning saying I'd be delighted to interview on Wednesday but I wanted to be transparent that I have another offer but have yet to receive a contract. I was very enthusiastic about the interview and confirmed that as I have not signed a contract I wanted to go ahead.

Teams invite from the director (not the recruiter) comes into my inbox and I immediately accept.

An hour later the recruiter emails and says he's withdrawing my application so I'm not wasting the hiring managers time and I should focus on my current offer. AIBU that this is not on? Yes I have a verbal offer but I've not signed anything and certainly haven't indicated I'm not super interested in this other role.

Well that was a bit daft of you wasn't it?
The Recruiter has probably replaced you with another of their candidates to give them a better chance of comission, it could also damage their relationship with the Hiring manager if you are offered and don't accept.
People really need to realise that however good and professional they are Recruiters are Sales People and so will be looking at their numbers and comission
You did nothing wrong trying to be honest OP but it was a bit naive really
As for them withdrawing you I don't know if they can, well clearly they can but should they? Its a bit unethical
You will have no idea what they told the hiring manager. I suppose you could find out by contacting the company direct but I doubt it will get you anywhere.

That wasn't the time for transparency.

I guess they can if you went via them. He's going to protect his £ and only put people he's sure would accept in there.

Of course he can withdraw it. He’s recommended you for the role and he equally can withdraw his recommendation if he thinks you’re no longer suitable. And given that you have another job offer, you’re potentially not available so why would he waste his client’s time? He gets paid by the client, his priority is to look after their interests.

As a client who uses recruitment agencies, I’d expect them to only continue with candidates who are 100% proceedable. Anything else is a waste of my time, and theirs.

I’ve had this before- a candidate with an offer on the table is likely to draw the process out for as long as possible negotiating between both companies.

Looks like I well and truly messed up so lesson learnt! I'm in the third sector and never gone through a recruiter before. I always feel like job hunting is different in charities as we're not cut throat and tend to be more transparent.

I'm definitely disappointed as the role I have the offer from is slightly less money than I'm currently on, same seniority and only 1 year FTC. The headhunted role was a promotion and permanent. I definitely would have taken it.

Oh well, I'll know better when I have to job hunt in 9-10 months.

I'd contact the hiring company directly and say you are definitely still interested in the role, but the recruiter has withdrawn you without your agreement.

This is terrible advice!!

The hiring company has already contacted her directly to set up the interview so why shouldn't she respond to them?
She already has an existing job offer and if she doesn't do anything then this one is off the table.

I can't see what the OP has to lose in doing so.

Tbh I'd do the same you have zero to lose.

Employers get very cross with recruiters who waste their time with candidates who aren’t serious (very common) and the recruiters are at risk of the employers refusing to use them in future.

All to often, candidates interview, get offered the job, but then turn it down because they were using it as a way of getting their current employer to raise their salary. That’s a waste of everyone’s time except the candidate’s.

As applicants, we think of recruiters as a neutral tool, but they have skin in the game too. Hence they need to screen candidates to try and weed out the players.