Why Would A Recruiter Ask To Remove Contact Details From My CV/Resume?

Question

So I'm looking for potential jobs, I got in contact with an agency and they came back with 5 ideal positions and another 5 a few days later (my job role is in-demand right now) so I sent them my CV and they said it looks great however the one thing they want me to change is the fact that I have my contact details written on it... Which is, in my opinion totally normal for a CV, in fact I believe it's one of the most important things, I mean, what kind of idiot applies for a job but doesn't leave a clue how to get back to them? I don't want the employers thinking I'm a moron but at the same time I think I should just do what the recruiters ask because they're very successful in this industry.

Also I feel like my name is better than any phone number or email address because it is so unique, If an employer were to search my name in Google they would instantly find me and no one else. Is there a chance that the recruiters will remove/change my name from the application? Because without that I'm just a ghost so I feel that would hinder my application in comparison to an application where there is a name, so the employer can read it and (slightly) connect with the applicant on a personal level.

Answer 1

A variety of reasons are possible.

First, you are not the point of contact if you are applying through a recruiter. They remove your contact information to avoid any confusion on this part. It's unlikely this will reflect on you in any way.

Because without that I'm just a ghost so I feel that would hinder my application in comparison to an application where there is a name, so the employer can read it and (slightly) connect with the applicant on a personal level.

Some companies want to minimize any bias based on name purely. There have been a lot of research studies into this over the years. It's possible either the companies/agency involved do this as a precaution.

I don't want the employers thinking I'm a moron but at the same time I think I should just do what the recruiters ask because they're very successful in this industry.

That's how a lot of recruiters work. You aren't applying to the company individually, but through an agency. That's how they work (for better or worse).

Answer 2

Why Would A Recruiter Ask To Remove Contact Details From My CV/Resume?

The thing is that you are doing this through a Contract Agency.

Including your personal contact details could end up in them calling you directly if they find you a good candidate, when in this situation this should be done through the agency (as they are your point of contact and probably with the ones you have some agreement or contract).

Is there a chance that the recruiters will remove/change my name from the application?

You name I doubt it, but that would be guessing. Any contact info could be removed though, for the reasons above explained.

You came to them so they could expose you (basically provide you a service) to potential companies, so they did the finding and networking job for you in your job hunt. If you then try to make an agreement with those possible companies on your own would be harmful for the Contracting Agency, as that is what they do for a living.

Answer 3

Recruiters get paid by companies for finding them applicants that eventually get hired. This recruiter likely wants your contact information removed so that it is harder for the companies to go around the recruiter and contact you directly.

This request is a bit odd. I've never encountered it. However, I have often been asked for a Word copy of my Resume rather than PDF, and maybe this is so the recruiter can remove my contact details (pure speculation).

This request doesn't seem that unreasonable to me. I would suggest supplying this recruiter with two copies of your resume; one with contact detail, and one without. They can choose which one to use. Remember their goals are pretty well aligned with yours, so if otherwise this recruiter seems legit, this isn't a red flag.