Why Recruiters Matter to Your Career
Working With Recruiters (The Right Way)
Once I optimised my LinkedIn profile for my career and made myself visible to recruiters, things shifted quickly.
I started getting recruiters reaching out about roles. Some were short conversations, others turned into longer relationships. One recruiter worked with me for around six months, lining up interviews almost every month, while others stayed in touch and kept me in mind if the right role came up.
I’ve also been quite selective about the recruiters I work with. If someone feels overly salesy, I don’t cut them off; I just ask for details. I want to understand exactly what they’re looking for, what the role really involves, and whether it genuinely aligns with where I’m heading. That way, when I do move forward, it’s the right role for me, not just a role that needs filling.
When I transitioned into a new role, recruiters didn’t just submit my CV; they helped sell my story to clients. They positioned my experience, explained my career shift, and backed my potential in ways I couldn’t have on my own.
It wasn’t an overnight win. I went through six months of “no” before I finally got a “yes.” But that time was invaluable. It taught me how to interview, how to talk about my transition with confidence, and which skills I needed to strengthen to land my dream role in tech.
That’s why I see recruiters as partners — not gatekeepers.
Let's talk about recruiters.
Most people think recruiters are just CV gatekeepers. Wrong. A good recruiter is your career ally, market insider, and salary negotiator all in one.
Here's what recruiters actually do for you:
1. They have exclusive access to jobs
Many companies don't post roles publicly; they go straight to recruiters. If you're not connected to recruiters in your field, you're invisible to these opportunities.
For university students: Build relationships with university recruiters NOW. Attend recruiting events. Connect with recruiters on LinkedIn. Many companies have dedicated recruiting teams that specifically target new graduates.
For career changers: Recruiters specialise in placing people in specific industries. A recruiter who specialises in tech, for example, might have specific roles designed for people changing from finance into tech. Build relationships with recruiters who specialise in YOUR transition.
2. They know the market better than you do
Recruiters talk to hiring managers every single day. They know:
What skills are in demand RIGHT NOW
What salary ranges are realistic for your experience level
Which companies are actively hiring (even if it's not public)
What red flags to avoid in job descriptions
What companies are good to work for and which aren't
For university students: Ask recruiters which skills are in demand right now. What should you focus on in your final year? What companies are hiring aggressively? This intel is GOLD.
For career changers: Ask recruiters specifically what hiring managers look for in candidates who are changing careers. What concerns do they have? How should you position your experience? A good recruiter will give you real market feedback that no online article can provide.
3. They can vouch for you to employers
When a recruiter submits your CV, it comes with their professional reputation attached. They're saying, "I've vetted this person, they're worth your time." That's MUCH stronger than a cold application.
4. They negotiate on your behalf
Most people hate talking about money. Recruiters do it for a living. They'll push for higher salaries, better benefits, and signing bonuses because their commission depends on it.
For university students: Don't negotiate your first salary yourself. Let a recruiter do it. They'll get you 5-10% more than you would have asked for.
For career changers: Recruiters will advocate for your value during salary discussions. They'll help you understand what your skills are worth in the new industry.
5. They provide honest feedback
Didn't get the role? A recruiter will tell you why (whereas most companies ghost you). That feedback is GOLD for improving your next application.
6. They build long-term relationships
A great recruiter doesn't just find you one job; they become a career-long resource. They'll check in on you, keep you in mind for future roles, and even move you with them if they switch agencies.
How Recruiter Relationships Shape Your Career
Why Recruiters Are Your Secret Weapon
Recruiter relationship research:
Candidates who build genuine relationships with recruiters are 6x more likely to be contacted for future roles
Recruiters remember candidates who:
Show up on time
Ask thoughtful questions
Follow up professionally
Stay in touch (even when not actively job hunting)
One recruiter can determine your entire career trajectory because they move between companies and bring their favourite candidates with them.
Being rude, ghosting interviews, or no-showing are documented and shared between recruiters (especially within the same industry)
For university students: The recruiter who helps you get your first internship might recommend you for a full-time role years later. The professor who introduces you to a professional contact might advocate for you years down the line. These relationships compound.
For career changers: Recruiters in your new industry will remember you. If you're professional, genuine, and reliable, they'll think of you when relevant roles come up. This is how career changes accelerate, through people who believe in you.
For professionals who want to grow in their current role: Recruiter relationships aren’t only for job hunting. They give you insight into market trends, in-demand skills, and how your experience is perceived outside your organisation. Even if you’re not ready to move, staying connected helps you prepare for future opportunities and be top of mind when the right role appears.
Once you return to the main lesson page, scroll down to begin working with Transformation Buddy.