How do I get a recruiter's attention?

👋 Welcome back to Never Job Search Alone! This week, we share insights on how to get a recruiter's attention. Recruiters are great people to have in your network -- even if you're not actively looking for your next move.

Q: How do I get a recruiter’s attention? This recruiter is always posting jobs I’m interested in, but I can’t get them to present my resume!

A: We know this can be a frustrating experience, and it can start to feel like you’re being gatekept. It’s important to understand how recruiters’ jobs really work. While it might seem like recruiters have all the power and access, they’re really just working on behalf of somebody else: the employer.  

Whether it’s an agency recruiter or in-house, a recruiter’s job is matchmaker. A hiring authority gives the recruiter their requirements, and the recruiter’s job is to find candidates who match those needs.

There are typically many dynamics that are unique to a role and a workplace that might not come through in a job posting, and recruiters understand what the employer is looking for (and what they won’t consider). Recruiters also have industry specializations, so it's important to contact a recruiter in the industry you're targeting. For instance, an accounting recruiter won't be the best resource for a marketing role.

So, try not to take it personally! The right role for you might be just around the corner .

The best time to start building a relationship with a recruiter is before you're actively seeking a new role. This gives them a chance to get to know you, your experience, and what you're looking for, so they can keep you in mind as new roles come across their desk! 

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