3 essential tips on how to engage with a Recruiter

When you’re searching for your next role, a recruiter can be one of the most valuable allies in your corner. But to get the most out of the relationship, it can’t be one-sided. Recruiters work best when the partnership is collaborative, open, and based on trust.

Too often, candidates see working with a recruiter as a quick transaction… submit a CV, wait for a call, hope for an interview. But the truth is, the strongest outcomes happen when candidates and recruiters work together as a team. That means sharing information, listening to advice, and treating the process as a professional partnership.

If you want to give yourself the best possible shot at landing a role that really fits, here are three simple ways to engage with your recruiter.

1. Be open to feedback  

Your recruiter isn’t just passing your CV along; they’re acting as your advocate. That advocacy comes with honesty, sometimes the kind that might sting a little in the moment.

You might hear things like:

• “Your CV could be stronger if you highlight results rather than responsibilities.”
• “For the role you’re targeting, employers will want to see more leadership experience.”
• “That salary expectation may not match what the market is offering right now.”

Rather than viewing this as criticism, see it as market intelligence. Recruiters speak with hiring managers every day. They see the applications that succeed and the ones that don’t. Their feedback isn’t meant to discourage; it’s meant to help you manage expectations and secure the role you really want.

By taking feedback on board and showing you can adapt, you demonstrate resilience and professionalism (qualities employers value). More importantly, you increase your chances of being the candidate who makes it past the CV pile and into the interview room.

2. Keep your recruiter updated  

Think of your career journey as a moving target. What was true about your skills and goals six months ago might not be true today. That’s why keeping your recruiter updated is so important.

If you’ve completed a certification, taken on new responsibilities, delivered a big project, or even shifted your career priorities, share that information. It helps your recruiter build a clearer picture of who you are and what you bring to the table.

Even if you’re not actively looking for a role right now, updates keep you on their radar. Recruiters often work with opportunities that move quickly, and when something relevant comes up, they’ll think of the candidates who have kept in touch. The more accurate and current their understanding of you is, the better they can match you with roles that truly fit.

3. Treat it like a partnership, not a transaction

At the heart of it, the best recruiter–candidate relationships are built on trust and communication. That means moving beyond a transactional mindset (“I need a job, they provide one”) and treating it as a partnership that benefits both sides.

Be transparent where you can. If you’re already interviewing elsewhere, let your recruiter know. If you receive another offer, share that. If your availability, salary expectations, or priorities shift, communicate it clearly. This isn’t about oversharing, it’s about giving your recruiter the information they need to represent you effectively.

When you build that trust, your recruiter is more likely to go the extra mile for you: putting you forward for roles, advocating more strongly to employers, or keeping you in mind for opportunities down the line.