When you’re job hunting, you’ll likely encounter two types of recruiters: agency recruiters (who work for recruiting firms) and in-house recruiters (who work directly for companies). Knowing how to interact with each type can make a big difference in your job search success.
Many recruiters and hiring managers prioritize candidates with demonstrable experience in the specific field or role, as they see it as a strong indicator of job readiness. Recent graduates and career switchers often lack this experience, which can make them less desirable. Most recruiters prioritize “plug and play” candidates ie taking candidates from Bank A and putting them at Bank B.
When a Recruiter Contacts You About a Job
If an agency recruiter reaches out about a specific position, it’s usually best to continue working with them rather than bypassing them to apply directly. Here’s why:
- The recruiter already has a relationship with the employer
- They can advocate for you with the hiring manager
- They have inside information about what the employer is looking for
- They can help prepare you for interviews and negotiate salary
When a recruiter has contacted you about a position, going around them to apply directly can actually hurt your chances, as the company may already be paying the recruiter to fill the role.
The “First Touch” Rule: Direct Applications and Recruiter Representation
It’s crucial to understand that if you’ve already applied directly to a company or had prior conversations with them about a position, an agency recruiter typically cannot represent you for that same position. This is known as the “first touch” principle in recruitment.
Companies generally recognize the first point of contact as the source of the candidate. If you’ve already established direct contact with the employer:
- The recruiter cannot claim you as their candidate
- The company won’t pay the recruiter a fee for your placement
- The recruiter will likely decline to represent you for that specific position
This is why timing and channel selection are important. Once you’ve made direct contact with an employer about a specific role, you’ve effectively chosen the direct application path and closed off the agency recruiter channel for that particular opportunity.
When You Find a Job Posted by a Recruiter
If you see a job posting from an agency recruiter that interests you:
- Send a brief message expressing your interest
- Highlight your key qualifications (if you’re unsure if you’re qualified, you probably aren’t)
- Let the recruiter review your profile
- Be ready for a phone screening if they think you’re a good fit
Recruiters may also keep promising candidates in mind for future opportunities, even if you’re not right for the current position.
Dealing with In-house Recruiters vs. Direct Applications
For positions listed by in-house recruiters (who work directly for the company), the general advice is to apply directly through the company’s system rather than reaching out to the recruiter first.
In-house recruiters are typically managing multiple positions and have limited time for unsolicited emails. By applying through the company’s official channels, your information gets properly entered into their applicant tracking system, which is essential for being considered.
Remember that in-house recruiters work for the company, not for you. However, if they believe you’re a good match for a position, they can become advocates for your candidacy in the hiring process.
The Exception: When You Have a Strong Connection
If you have a strong connection at the company you’re applying to, it’s usually best to leverage that relationship. Internal referrals often receive priority consideration because:
- Companies trust recommendations from their employees
- Your application is more likely to get noticed
- You can gain valuable insights about the position and team
- You may have a better understanding of the company culture
Making the Right Choice
Your best approach depends on your specific situation:
- If a recruiter contacted you about a job: Continue working with them
- If you found a recruiter’s job posting: Reach out briefly with your qualifications
- If applying to a company directly: Use their official application system
- If you have an internal connection: Use that relationship to your advantage
It’s also important to make your decision early. Once you’ve applied directly to a company, you’ve established your “first touch” and recruiters typically can’t represent you for that position. Similarly, if a recruiter has already submitted your profile to a company, applying directly won’t change the fact that the recruiter is recognized as your source.
By understanding how recruitment works and following these guidelines, you can navigate the job search process more effectively and increase your chances of landing the right position.
