How to Work with Recruiters

Working with a recruiter isn't just about sending your CV and hoping for the best - it's about building a relationship that helps you land the right role, not just any role.

Think of a good recruiter as the coconut to your lime - they bring the structure, the connections, and the industry knowhow, while you bring the skills and ambition. Together? The perfect mix.

Not all recruiters are the same - Some specialise in certain industries, others focus on specific job levels. Working with a recruiter who knows your field will massively improve your chances of landing a role that actually fits.

Have a proper conversation - The best recruiter-candidate relationships start with a real chat. A recruiter who understands what makes you tick (and what you want to avoid) is much more likely to find the right match.

Do your research - A quick LinkedIn search will tell you a lot. Look for recruiters who have strong recommendations and regularly place people in your industry.

Salary expectations - Be upfront about what you're looking for. It saves time for everyone.

Job preferences - Remote, hybrid, or office-based? Permanent or contract? The more detail you give, the better the recruiter can match you with the right roles.

Your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves - What are your deal-breakers? Be clear about what you won't compromise on, but also stay open to options you may not have considered.

Trust the process - A recruiter's job is to match candidates with companies, not just fire out CVs at random. If they say a certain role isn't a good fit, it's probably for a good reason.

Take their advice - If they suggest tweaking your CV or preparing differently for an interview, listen to them. They know what their clients are looking for.

Respond quickly - Good roles don't stay open for long. If a recruiter messages you about an opportunity, get back to them ASAP.

Stay in touch - Even if you're not actively looking, checking in with a recruiter every now and then keeps you on their radar for future opportunities.

Give feedback - If you interview for a role but don't get it, let your recruiter know how it went. This helps them refine their search for you.

Be professional - If a role isn't right, say so politely. Ghosting a recruiter is never a good look - and trust us, the industry is smaller than you think!