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How to Work With a Recruiter or Headhunter When Changing Jobs

A good recruiter is essentially a free ally in your job search -- here is how to use one well.

  1. Understand how recruiters are paid

    Most recruiters are paid a fee by the hiring company once a placement succeeds, so any recruiter who asks you, the candidate, to pay directly is very likely not operating legitimately.

  2. Work with multiple recruiters, but avoid duplicate applications

    You can register your resume with several recruiters at once, but being submitted to the same company by two different recruiters can look bad to the hiring team, so let each recruiter know which companies you are already in process with.

  3. Verify that a proposed position is genuine

    Ask for specifics like the company name, role, and salary range, and be cautious of vague pitches that ask for your resume before sharing any real details.

  4. Use a recruiter as a buffer in salary negotiation

    A recruiter who understands both the employer's and the candidate's situation can serve as a useful go-between, so clearly communicating your target salary lets you delegate part of the negotiation to them.

  5. Explicitly request confidentiality

    Clearly ask a recruiter not to submit your resume to your current employer or to specific competitors, to avoid unwanted exposure of your job search.

A recruiter is typically a free resource for job seekers

Because recruiters are generally paid by the hiring company, using one usually costs a candidate nothing, and a good recruiting relationship can surface unlisted openings and provide negotiation support you would not otherwise have access to.

Not all recruiters work the same way

Some recruiters work on contingency, only getting paid if their candidate is hired, while others work on retainer for a specific search assigned by a company. Contingency recruiters may be juggling many candidates and roles at once, while a retained recruiter is often more invested in filling one particular role well -- understanding which situation you are in can help you calibrate how much to rely on their guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay a recruiter myself?

No, a legitimate recruiter does not charge job seekers directly. If someone asks for a registration fee, consulting fee, or similar payment upfront, treat that as a strong warning sign of a scam.

Is there any downside to turning down a recruiter's proposal?

No -- a polite, clear decline is perfectly fine, and a good recruiter will typically still consider you for other roles in the future.