How to Have a Productive Relationship with a Recruiter

Partnering with a recruiter can boost your career advancement and help get you to the right comp level, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all fix. With 25+ years placing CPAs and finance leaders in Tampa Bay, I’ve learned what makes collaboration click. Here’s how to get it right. 🫱🏻‍🫲🏻

First, match your goals to the recruiter’s expertise & network. I specialize in finance & accounting search—think CFOs, VPs Finance, Controllers for PE portcos or CPAs for public firms (my two main verticals). An IT professional or engineer reaching out to me is a waste of time. Check the recruiter’s LinkedIn page or website to confirm they are a fit for you. Targeting the right recruiter saves both parties time and sets you up for success. ⌛

Second, ditch the vague outreach. Calling with “Hi, it’s John Smith, I need a job” and nothing else? That’s a nonstarter—recruiters need details to act effectively. Email the recruiter instead: a crisp note with your current role, target job (e.g., switch CPA firms, CFO/VP Finance with PE backed company), and a resume attached. A CareerBuilder survey shows 62% of job seekers value recruiters who understand their goals (CareerBuilder, 2024)—give us the ammo to help you. 🛟

One caveat: Recruiters are not “job services” or “placement agencies.” Those exist but are entirely different from true recruiting firm. Recruiters like me work for client companies—they pay us to find specific talent & skills. I can certainly help guide your career, coach you through the interview process or land you a role, but if you’re in full-on job search mode, a recruiter shouldn’t be your only lifeline. Polish your LinkedIn—profiles with skills get 13x more views (LinkedIn Blog, 2024)—and stay responsive; 73% of recruiters prioritize quick replies (Jobvite, 2024). With 68% of recruiter hires landing faster (Robert Half, 2024), I’ve got Tampa Bay connections to share. Want to explore options? Email me or message me via LinkedIn—let’s make it work. 📧

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