How to Work with Recruiters (and Find the Right Ones)

Understanding the Recruiter Relationship

Recruiters can be an incredible part of your job search if you understand how the relationship works. A good recruiter can open doors, provide insight into hiring trends, and help you position yourself for opportunities that align with your background. But it’s important to know what they’re responsible for, and where their role ends.

Unless you are working with a recruiter or career coach you are paying directly, the recruiter does not work for you. They are hired by companies to fill specific positions. That means their focus is on matching candidates to roles they have been asked to fill, not on conducting a wide-ranging job search on your behalf.

Recruiters can be very helpful. But managing your expectations and using them as one piece of your overall job search strategy can make the process more productive and far less frustrating.

---

What Recruiters Actually Do

There are several types of recruiters, and each plays a different role in the hiring process:

• Internal or Corporate Recruiters work within a company’s HR or talent acquisition team. They are responsible for filling roles at that organization only.

• Agency or Third-Party Recruiters work for recruiting or staffing firms. These recruiters are hired by companies to find candidates, often for multiple clients at once.

• Executive Search Firms specialize in higher-level roles. They are typically more selective and may not publicly post the jobs they are filling.

Regardless of type, most recruiters are focused on filling specific roles quickly and efficiently. If your background fits what they are looking for, they may reach out. If not, you may not hear anything, and that is a normal part of the process.

---

How to Work with Recruiters (and Find the Right Ones)

Recruiters can be a great addition to your job search toolkit, especially when you take a focused and informed approach.

1. Use LinkedIn Strategically

LinkedIn is one of the best ways to find recruiters who specialize in your field or industry. Try searching for job titles such as:

• “Technical Recruiter”

• “Finance Recruiter”

• “Creative Recruiter”

• “Healthcare Talent Acquisition”

Use filters to refine your search by location, company, or industry. Before reaching out, review their profile and recent activity. Are they actively posting roles or engaging with others in your field? If so, they are likely open to new connections.

When you send a message or connection request, keep it short and specific:

“Hi [Name], I saw that you recruit for [industry/type of roles]. I’m currently exploring new opportunities in [your field] and would love to stay on your radar for any relevant openings.”

2. Build a Target Company List

Many internal recruiters are listed on their company’s LinkedIn page or careers site. Creating a list of companies you are interested in allows you to connect directly with their recruiting team, even if there is no current opening posted.

This approach also helps you stay informed about future opportunities and company news, which can lead to stronger, more targeted applications.

3. Research Niche Recruiting Firms

Look for firms that specialize in your field or level of experience. You can find these by searching online or asking within your professional network. Try Google searches like:

• “Best IT recruiting firms in Boston”

• “Executive search firms for healthcare leadership”

• “Entry-level marketing recruiters Chicago”

Once you identify a few, review their job postings, check out their LinkedIn pages, and see how well their specialty aligns with your goals.

---

Be Cautious: Not Everyone Who Calls Themselves a Recruiter Is Legitimate

Unfortunately, there are individuals who label themselves as “recruiters” or “career consultants” but are really trying to sell resume services through fear-based tactics. You may receive messages saying things like:

• “Your resume needs work.”

• “You’re getting passed over because your resume is bad.”

• “Let me fix your resume and get you interviews.”

These messages are often generic and designed to create doubt. If you have worked with me, please know this: your resume has been professionally developed and aligned to your goals. You do not need to second-guess your materials based on a sales pitch from someone you’ve never met.

Real recruiters are not selling services. Their job is to fill roles, not sell you something.

---

What Makes a Good Recruiter?

Here are a few signs that you are working with someone professional and well-matched to your goals:

• They specialize in your industry or type of role.

• They communicate clearly about the process.

• They respect your time and boundaries.

• The roles they share are relevant to your background.

• They offer insight or feedback when appropriate.

You may only connect with one or two recruiters who are a true fit, and that’s okay. This is not a numbers game. It’s about finding people who genuinely understand what you’re looking for.

---

Recruiters Are a Tool, Not a Complete Strategy

Recruiters are a helpful part of the job search, but they are not a replacement for networking, direct outreach, or targeted applications. Think of them as one way to access opportunities—not the only way.

The most effective job searches combine multiple strategies, including:

• Connecting with hiring managers

• Engaging on LinkedIn

• Applying directly to roles on company websites

• Attending industry events

• Reaching out to alumni or professional contacts

Use recruiters to expand your visibility, but keep taking action on your own as well.

---

Recruiters can be incredibly valuable when you understand how they work. With the right expectations and a smart, respectful approach, they can open doors and help you get noticed for the roles that are the best fit for you.

Just be mindful of the noise. Not everyone with “recruiter” in their headline has your best interest at heart. Stay focused, trust the work we’ve done together, and keep building momentum through multiple channels.

You’ve got this.