If you've ever wondered, "How do I work with a recruiter to land a job?"—you’re not alone. There’s a lot of confusion about what recruiters do, how they operate, and whether they can really help you in your career.
As a recruiter with nearly two decades of experience, I’ve seen firsthand the misunderstandings professionals have about the process. Some job seekers expect recruiters to be their personal job search agents. In contrast, others don’t realize how to effectively build relationships with the right recruiters before they need a new role
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Let’s break down how recruiters work, the different types you’ll encounter, and—most importantly—how you can use them strategically to advance your career.
Who Do Recruiters Work For?
One of the biggest misconceptions job seekers have is that recruiters work for them. In reality, recruiters are hired by companies to find the right talent—not the other way around.
That means their priority is filling roles for their client (the employer), not necessarily finding each job seeker their next role. However, when your skills align with a company’s needs, a recruiter can be your best advocate—opening doors, making introductions, and helping you navigate the hiring process.
💡 Key Takeaway: If a recruiter doesn’t respond or doesn’t have a job for you right now, it’s not personal. It just means they don’t have a matching role at the moment. The best approach? Get on their radar before you need a job, so you're already in their pipeline when the right role does come up.
The Two Types of Recruiters (and Why It Matters to You)
Not all recruiters operate the same way. Understanding the differences can help you set the right expectations and know how to engage with them.
1. Contingency Recruiters
These recruiters work on a “no hire, no pay” basis. They only earn a fee if their candidate gets hired.
🔹 Companies often engage multiple contingency firms for the same role, meaning recruiters compete to present candidates as quickly as possible.
🔹 Timing is critical—if you’re actively looking for a role and a contingency recruiter is working on one that aligns with your background, they can quickly introduce you to opportunities.
🔹 However, they work on volume, so they may not have time to provide deep conversations about the role or the long-term strategy.
2. Retained Search Firms (Like TLR Search)
Retained recruiters work exclusively with a company to fill a role, typically for leadership, technical, or hard-to-fill positions.
🔹 Because they’re paid upfront, they are hired as consultants to find who’s who in the space. They approach individuals to share career opportunities and engage in discussion.
🔹 These firms aren’t just looking for a resume match—they also act as consultants to ensure a strong alignment between candidates and the company's future goals.
🔹 If you’re in a specialized field or leadership role, retained recruiters are more likely to engage with you on a deeper level.
💡 Key Takeaway: If you’re reaching out to recruiters, make sure you know which type they are. Contingency recruiters move quickly for active job seekers, while retained firms focus on finding the right long-term match for both candidates and companies.
How to Get a Recruiter’s Attention (the Right Way)
A recruiter’s time is limited, so if you want to make an impact, be strategic in how you approach them. Here’s what works—and what doesn’t.
✅ Be Selective – Research recruiters who specialize in your industry. A recruiter focused on finance won’t be much help if you’re in energy or chemicals.
✅ Send a Smart Introduction – Avoid vague messages like, “Hey, I’m looking for a job—can you help?” or “I’m open to new opportunities. Can we schedule time for a call?” Instead, introduce yourself by email or on LinkedIn with:
A brief summary of your expertise
The types of roles you’re targeting
A note that you’d like to stay on their radar for future opportunities
✅ Don’t Expect Career Coaching – Most recruiters aren’t resume writers or career coaches, but if they are, they charge a fee. If you need help refining your resume or figuring out your career direction, work with a career strategist before reaching out.
✅ Follow Up (But Don’t Spam) – If a recruiter doesn’t respond immediately, it’s normal. They may not have the right opportunity at the moment. A thoughtful follow-up could be:
“Hey [Recruiter’s Name], just a quick note to say I’m still open to opportunities in [your industry]. Let me know if anything comes up!”
💡 Key Takeaway: The goal isn’t to get an instant job offer—it’s to build a relationship so that when the right role opens up, you’re already on their radar.
What If a Recruiter Reaches Out to You Out of the Blue?
Let’s say you get a message or call about a potential job. Here’s how to handle it:
🔹 Listen Before You Dismiss – Take the call even if you’re not actively looking. You never know when the right opportunity might come along.
🔹 Ask the Right Questions –
Why is the role open?
What’s the company culture like?
What’s the long-term career trajectory?
🔹 Be Honest About Your Interest – If the role isn’t right, say so. But instead of just saying “no,” provide clarity:
“This isn’t quite the right fit, but I’d be interested in roles that look like [describe ideal job].”
🔹 Respect Their Time – If you’ve gone through multiple interview rounds and decide to withdraw, let the recruiter know. Ghosting after an interview? Not a great look. And you are only hurting your professional brand.
💡 Key Takeaway: Even if a job isn’t the perfect fit, leaving a positive impression with a recruiter means they’re more likely to consider you for future roles.
What If You’re Actively Job Searching?
If you need a new role now, here’s how to maximize recruiter relationships:
🔸 Engage Proactively – Send a concise email with your resume and a note about what you’re looking for.
🔸 Leverage Your Network – Let your connections know you’re open to opportunities and that sharing your resume with recruiters is okay.
🔸 Stay Professional – If a recruiter doesn’t have the right role for you, avoid frustration. Recruitment moves quickly, and a new opportunity could appear any day.
💡 Key Takeaway: Be patient, professional, and proactive. The best recruiter relationships are built before you need a job.
Recruiters Are a Networking Source—Not a Magic Wand
A recruiter is just one part of your job search strategy. Networking, industry engagement, and direct applications are just as important.
Approach recruiters with the right mindset, build relationships before you need them, and stay professional throughout the process. Do that, and you’ll be the first call they make when the perfect role comes along.