You’ve just had your 5th recruiter message this week about an “exciting opportunity” that has absolutely nothing to do with your skills or experience.
Frustrating, isn’t it?
Working with recruiters can feel like a maze – some lead to dream jobs, others to dead ends. Let’s cut through the confusion with some straight talk about making these relationships actually work for you!
DO: Be crystal clear about what you want
Vague candidates get vague opportunities. Be specific about exact role types, salary expectations (yes, give an actual number), your non-negotiable deal-breakers, and your timeline for making a move.
DON’T: Spray and pray your CV everywhere
Working with every recruiter who contacts you isn’t a strategy.
Multiple recruiters submitting you to the same company makes you look desperate and disorganised. Always ask which companies they’re planning to approach and keep track.
Quality over quantity wins every time in the recruitment game.
DO: Treat recruiters as partners, not servants
The best recruiters become career allies for years, not just for one job search. Respond promptly, provide honest interview feedback, keep them updated on your situation, and refer good candidates when you can.
The candidates who build actual relationships with recruiters get access to opportunities that never hit the job boards.
DON’T: Ghost after getting what you need
Disappearing after a recruiter helps you secure interviews is the fastest way to burn bridges in your industry.
Even if you decide to go in another direction, a simple message explaining why shows professional courtesy. The tech world is smaller than you think.
DO: Share the inside info
Tell recruiters about the real reasons you’re leaving your current role, interview feedback you’ve received in the past, skills you’re concerned about, and companies you’ve already applied to.
This insider knowledge helps them position you effectively and avoid wasting everyone’s time.
DON’T: Treat salary discussions as taboo
The awkward dance around compensation wastes everyone’s time.
Be upfront about your expectations from day one. A good recruiter uses this information to find suitable matches.
Remember, recruiters want to place you at the highest salary possible – their commission depends on it.
DO: Ask the hard questions
Quality recruiters welcome tough questions about how long they’ve worked with clients, what the real company culture is like, why the last person left the role, and their success rate with placements.
Their answers reveal whether they have genuine insights or are just throwing CVs at job specs.
The bottom line
The right recruiter can transform your job search, but the wrong one can waste your time.
Choose carefully, communicate clearly, and remember – the best recruiting relationships are built on mutual respect and brutal honesty.
Want more career advice that cuts through the noise? Connect with us on LinkedIn.
