How to Build a Meaningful Relationship with a Recruiter in your Industry

To help you find a job in your industry, and especially if it’s in a niche role, having a strong working relationship with a recruiter can be crucial. After all, recruiters have key partnerships with companies and the organizations they represent. If you reach out to them, are personable and demonstrate your capabilities, the recruiter can effectively help you through the job-hunting process.

“Working with outside recruiters is inevitable at some point in your career. The senior-most searches are often handled by executive recruiters to preserve the confidentiality of the search and to access the broadest pool of candidates,” according to Forbes. Plus, mid-level and entry-level searches are also tackled by recruiting agencies a lot of the time, and it’s helpful to form relationships with these people earlier in your career.

While it’s extremely important to develop a kinship with the hiring managers you work with during the job-hunting process, don’t forget the recruiters as well. Here are tips on developing a meaningful relationship with them:

First, it’s important to understand the difference between the recruiters you work with. “Get to know how recruiting works. There are two kinds of firms: contingent and retained. Contingent recruiters are only paid if a candidate they present is hired. Retained recruiters are paid to handle the search, regardless of where the final hire actually is sourced,” according to Forbes.

By knowing the difference, you can more effectively communicate with them about what you’re looking for as well as understanding the types of jobs these recruiters can help you find.

Second, you should always respond to a recruiter who reaches out to you. “The best way to get connected to a recruiter is when they reach out to you. So if you get unsolicited calls from recruiters, take those calls,” according to Forbes. “Yes, you want to vet the recruiters and if they are legitimate players, help them with their search – recommend people you know who are a fit. Recruiters remember candidates who are helpful.”

Finally, you should make sure to have a fully updated LinkedIn page so that recruiters have the most recent information on your career. This will help get you paired with recruiters who can help you find the best possible job, and lead to a strong jumping-off point to get better opportunities in your industry. 

Recruiters are essential to making a good next career move. By understanding their work, communicating with those who reach out to you and keeping up-to-date on social media, you can start meaningful relationships with recruiters that will pay off in the long term.