Why Recruiters Ignore You (And How to Fix It)
The job hunt is, for many, a mysterious and frustrating process. You meticulously update your CV, fire off applications, and even throw in the occasional “Dear Hiring Manager” cover letter for good measure. And yet, the silence is deafening. Recruiters—those gatekeepers of opportunity—seem to be ignoring you. Why?
For a start, let’s clarify one important fact: recruiters do not work for you. Their loyalty, their KPIs, and indeed their paychecks all come from the companies hiring, not the candidates applying. Their job is not to find you a job, but to find the right candidate for their client. This is not to say recruiters are not useful—far from it. A good recruiter can open doors that job boards never will. But to benefit from their help, you need to be the kind of candidate they want to work with.
Why Work with a Recruiter?
The best jobs are often not advertised. They exist in what is known as the “hidden job market,” and recruiters have the keys. In industries such as tech, finance, pharmaceuticals, and executive roles, recruiters are particularly dominant. They can provide insider knowledge, prepare you for interviews, and—if you play your cards right—help negotiate a better salary.
I’ve worked with recruiters to land multiple roles, and the benefits are clear: access to opportunities I wouldn’t have otherwise known about, better preparation for interviews, and, crucially, higher salary offers. But not all job seekers make the cut. Here’s how to ensure you do.
How to Be a Great Candidate
Be clear about what you want.
A recruiter is not a career coach. If your approach is “I’ll take anything,” they’ll take that as a sign to move on. Be specific about the roles you’re looking for and why you’re making a career move.
Pitch what you can offer.
Remember, recruiters work for businesses. The easier you make it for them to see how you fit their client’s needs, the more likely they are to champion your application.
Have your CV ready.
Before you reach out, ensure your CV is updated and aligned with the roles you’re targeting. While recruiters can offer feedback, they are not in the business of rewriting your resume from scratch.
Get a referral.
Recruiters are far more likely to take notice if you come recommended by someone they’ve worked with before. Tap into your network and ask if colleagues or friends can introduce you.
Be responsive.
Recruiters move quickly. If you take days to reply to an email or miss a call, the opportunity may already be gone. Answer your phone, check your inbox, and act on feedback promptly.
Stay proactive.
A recruiter should be one of many tools in your job search, not your only strategy. Continue networking, applying directly, and staying visible in your industry. A recruiter is not a silver bullet.
Final Thoughts
Working with recruiters is just one way to secure your next role—but if you do it right, it can be a highly effective one. The key is to understand the process from their perspective. Be clear, be prepared, and make their job easier. And if you’re still waiting for that elusive call back? Well, there’s always another strategy to try.