Recruiters can expand your job search beyond your own professional network.
You gain access to a wider berth of opportunities, and you might even land a better job thanks to refined search, candidate-matching, and negotiation skills. After all, recruiters sharpen these skills every day, whereas even the best jobseeker in any field gets practice only once every few years during a job hunt.
However, working with a recruiter doesn’t mean you’ll magically land the job of your dreams. You need to approach your partnership with a recruiter strategically.
In this blog, two of our recruiters, Derian Boch and Erica Saubert share actionable tips on how to work with recruiters to acquire a job that meets all your expectations.
(Yes, we’ll also tell you when to ask about your salary and benefits!)
What is the best way to email or connect with a recruiter?
Erica: Connect via LinkedIn because it allows the recruiter to browse through your work experience. I’ve seen this approach work for job-seekers 99% of the time.
Derian: Candidates reach out to me regularly on LinkedIn. It’s the most accessible form of contact.
A well-crafted LinkedIn profile can make all the difference. If you’re not sure where to start or want to make sure your profile is polished and attention-grabbing, check out this article on how to optimize your LinkedIn profile to attract recruiters.
What are some of the most crucial mistakes candidates make on their resumes?
Erica: Resume-LinkedIn disconnect. Most hiring managers review both resumes and LinkedIn accounts, so ensure that the former job profiles and dates mentioned on your resume and LinkedIn match.
Derian: Saying too much, and not what’s crucial. Many candidates will list too many bullet points under each job and include ATS (Application Tracking System)-friendly keywords specific to the job they are applying for to tailor it.
Whether you’re working with a recruiter or going independent, there’s a high chance that hiring managers will sift through applications using an ATS.
How should a candidate format their resume? How long is too long?
Erica: It’s completely acceptable to have more than a one-page resume, but it shouldn’t exceed three pages. A standard, traditional-style summary of your work experience is the best way to submit your resume. You can also include links to any creatives you would like to share, such as portfolios, GitHub, or writing samples.
If you’re looking for a head start on building an impressive resume, check out this article on top resume templates that can help you showcase your skills and achievements in the best light possible.
Derian: Recruiters want a summary at the top of a candidate’s resume and LinkedIn account to draw the hiring manager’s attention. Hiring managers are busy, and they receive several applications every day. An executive summary helps them filter profiles faster.
💡 Pro Tip: Include keywords in your professional summary.
How can a candidate make their application stand out when working with job recruiters?
Erica: Avoid simply listing jobs. Add a brief description to help the recruiter and hiring managers gauge your work experience.
Derian: If you managed to grow your employer’s business or greatly aid the organization beyond expectations or the scope of your work, add this information under the relevant job in your resume. (This includes atypically large projects and clients, extraordinary requirements or output, and VIP clients).
If a candidate wants a new job but isn’t entirely sure how to move forward, how should they speak with the recruiter about this?
Erica: Be forthcoming.
SPECTRAFORCE recruiters ask essential questions to understand the candidates better and place them in the proper role. You can count on us to ask you about what you’re looking for and what you don’t want to carry into your future job.
We also work to help you understand and communicate what your long-term career aspirations look like. We ask about your strengths and proactively discuss any additional merits we observe in our interactions.
Derian: You should state this upfront. Personally, I conduct some evaluations when I am talking to candidates. In addition to asking what they are looking for, I like to understand their top three career goals.
What can a candidate do to show they are very interested in a position when using a recruiter to find a job?
Erica: If a candidate discusses long-term questions and the timeline associated with the role, it shows that they are engaged in the process.
Derian: When a candidate asks about location, climate, and working environment, it signals interest in the job. Questions about contract extension communicate interest in the longevity of the role because they’re essentially asking about job security.
When is the appropriate time to ask questions about salary and benefits when working with a job recruiter?
Erica: At SPECTRAFORCE, we ask the candidates to discuss salary and benefits only with the recruiter and not the hiring manager or interviewers. We manage and distribute candidate salaries and benefits using our hands-on expertise with fair negotiations. Rest assured, we will get you the best deal.
Derian: We communicate the salary to the potential candidate at the beginning of the process. On a related note, if you are interviewing for other positions, communicate this to your recruiter — this might help them identify if there is room for salary negotiations.
When should a candidate reach out to the recruiter if they haven’t heard back about the position?
Erica: Typically, a recruiter will need at least 3-5 days to hear back from a hiring manager on whether the employer would like to extend an offer or not. If you haven’t heard from the recruiter within 72 hours, feel free to reach out for an update.
Derian: The hiring process is entirely dependent on the hiring managers. Some companies need only one day to decide, while some can even take months. We will always debrief to discuss the interview. You may or may not get a call from your partner, bestie, or parents after an interview, but you’ll surely get a “How did it go?” call from us!
Your Dream Job Is Out There: Let Us Help You Find It
For a SPECTRAFORCE recruiter to call a job placement successful, you and the employer need to experience NEWJOBPHORIA. That is,. a NEW JOB that delivers complete EUPHORIA. That’s our goal. That’s what we high five each other when we cross our colleagues in the hall.
Work with a SPECTRAFORCE recruiter to find your next career move. Reach out to our expert recruiters Erica Saubert or Derian Boch via their LinkedIn profiles to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions About Working with Recruiters
1. How should I reach out to a recruiter?
Connect via LinkedIn. It’s the most effective way to share your experience and start a conversation. Don’t just click “connect” though! Include a brief personalized note explaining your interest and highlighting relevant skills. When working with recruiters, timing matters, so reach out during business hours for better response rates.
2. What should I say when speaking to a recruiter?
Be clear about your career goals, strengths, and must-haves to help them find the right role for you. Start with a concise “elevator pitch” about yourself, then ask thoughtful questions about the opportunity. The best way to speak with a recruiter is to be authentic while showing enthusiasm for your field. They appreciate candidates who communicate specifically what they’re seeking.
3. How can I make my application stand out?
Highlight achievements, not just job duties, and ensure your resume and LinkedIn profiles match. Quantify your accomplishments with metrics when possible. When working with a job recruiter, tailoring your application materials to each position shows you’re serious and attentive to detail. A well-crafted cover letter addressing company needs can also differentiate you.
4. When should I discuss salary and benefits?
Let your recruiter handle this — they’ll negotiate the best deal for you at the right time. Using a recruiter to find a job means having an advocate who understands market rates. Be upfront about your expectations with them privately, but avoid bringing up compensation in initial interviews. Your recruiter will guide the timing of these discussions to maximize your offer.
