I’ve had multiple disappointing experiences with recruiters in APAC, and it honestly feels like there’s a serious gap between what’s preached and what actually happens. On LinkedIn, many recruiters talk about being open to conversations, encouraging candidates to reach out, especially those affected by layoffs. The reality has been very different. Messages often go ignored, and when you do apply, you’re met with generic rejections with no real consideration. In one instance, I had a conversation that initially seemed positive, but the tone completely shifted during the call. The interest that was shown at the beginning didn’t last, and it felt like a judgment was made very quickly. Promises of next steps or interviews were made, but there was no follow-up. This hasn’t been a one-off experience, which makes it even more concerning. My advice to other candidates: be cautious about putting too much trust in what is said publicly by recruiters. Focus on companies and individuals who demonstrate consistency between what they say and how they actually treat candidates.