Respecting Boundaries: Client Confidentiality in TE

One of the most valuable parts of being in TE Network is the trust that we extend to one another.

We share jobs, collaborate on placements, and rely on each other to act with professionalism and integrity.

That’s why it’s essential to talk about an area where boundaries must be respected: how we handle certain information, especially when a recruiter chooses not to disclose the client name.

Why Your Must Respect Client Confidentiality in TE Network

When a recruiter chooses not to share a client’s name, it’s not about being secretive — it’s about honoring a relationship. They may be protecting sensitive internal dynamics, respecting a company’s request for discretion, or simply following their own best judgment after years of partnerships.

Regardless of the reason, it is their call to make, and it should be respected.

TE Network has seen countless successful split placements where the exporter never knew the client’s identity. If you’re not comfortable working a job without that information, it’s perfectly okay to decline, but it is not okay to try to uncover it on your own.

Attempting to deduce who the client is by comparing information on job boards, researching on the internet, or asking candidates questions that might lead you to the information may seem harmless, but it crosses a line. The moment you use information that wasn’t explicitly shared with you, you’ve shifted from collaboration to assumption—and likely damaged the trust your TE partner placed in you.

Even if your intent wasn’t to undermine the job recruiter, it may be perceived that way, and once trust is broken, it’s incredibly difficult to rebuild. Respecting confidentiality isn’t just about following protocol; it’s about protecting the integrity of TE Network and the professional relationships upon which we all rely.

How to Work Respectfully with Confidential Job Orders

Here are four clear expectations to keep in mind:

1. If you’re told “No” to the client name, take it as final.

Don’t try to guess, research, or verify who the client is. Don’t press the recruiter for clues.

Respecting the “No” means trusting your partner’s reasons and boundaries.

2. If you know the client name, never share it with candidates, and if you don’t know it, don’t share guesses or assumptions.

Even if a candidate asks or thinks they know, your response should be: “That information is confidential.”  You’re protecting the process and your relationship with your TE Network partner.

3. Once you submit a candidate, let the job owner take over.

Unless they tell you otherwise, the recruiter managing the job leads the communication from that point forward. That keeps things  clean, clear,  and professional for everyone, especially the candidate.

4. If you can’t work a job without the company name, it’s okay to pass.

You’re never required to work a job that you’re not comfortable with. But working it anyway—and then trying to uncover the company—isn’t fair to your partner.

Let’s Protect What Makes the Network Work

TE Network works because we operate with honesty, courtesy, and a commitment to each other’s success. Confidentiality is not a challenge to solve, but a standard to uphold.

When a fellow recruiter declines to share client information, honor their decision and know it isn’t personal, it’s professional. And honoring their decision can build better and stronger partnerships that last.

Let’s continue to treat each other—and each other’s clients—with the respect upon which this Network was built.

If you have any questions about this topic or about your TE Network membership in general, be sure to contact me by calling 330.595.1742 or by sending an email to drea@topechelon.com.