Insights

First, understand who the recruiter works for

An agency recruiter is usually paid by the hiring company, not by the candidate. Our job is to find the right person for a specific role. That is good news for you: working with a recruiter costs you nothing, and a good one will represent you well to the client.

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It also explains why a recruiter cannot help with every move. If there is no live role that fits your profile, the most useful thing they can do is keep you in mind and call when one appears.

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What a good recruiter does for you

• Gives you access to roles that are not advertised. Many senior positions are filled through direct search and are never posted publicly.

• Tells you what the job really is. The team, the hiring manager, why the role is open and what success looks like after a year.

• Prepares you for each stage. Who you will meet, what they care about, and what has worked for other candidates.

• Handles the difficult conversations. Salary, notice periods, counteroffers and timelines.

• Gives you feedback. Not always as much as you would like, but more than you will get from an online application.

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What recruiters expect from candidates

Honesty from the start. Tell us your real salary expectations, notice period, other processes you are in, and any deal-breakers. Surprises at offer stage damage trust on both sides.

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A clear picture of what you want. The more specific you are about the role, level, industry and location, the faster we can match you.

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Responsiveness. Good roles move quickly. Replying within a day can be the difference between being shortlisted and missing out.

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Consent before your CV is sent. A professional recruiter will always ask before presenting you to a company. If one does not, that is a warning sign.

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Professionalism with the client. How you treat a recruiter, an interviewer or a receptionist all becomes part of the feedback.

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Common mistakes to avoid

1. Applying to the same role directly and through a recruiter. It creates confusion and can rule you out.

2. Letting several agencies send your CV to the same company.

3. Hiding a competing offer until the last moment.

4. Accepting an interview you are not genuinely interested in.

5. Disappearing after an interview instead of giving honest feedback.

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How to choose the right recruiter

Look for someone who specialises in your field and level. A recruiter who knows your market can explain where your experience is most valued, introduce you to the right hiring managers and give you realistic advice on salary and timing. Ask how they work, which roles they typically fill, and how they keep candidates informed.

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The bottom line

The best candidate–recruiter relationships are partnerships built on honesty and speed. Treat a good recruiter as a long-term contact, not a one-off route to a job, and they will think of you first when the right role comes up.

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Looking for your next commercial or marketing role? I recruit for Marketing, Brand, Product and Commercial roles across Ireland, Ukraine and Central & Eastern Europe, and I manage every search personally from first conversation to offer. Get in touch