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Gillian Graham
Gillian Graham has invested 17 years in Allstaff, rising to the position of Director, where she oversees the Office and Professional Services, Engineering, and Manufacturing Permanent Divisions.
Working with a recruiter can remove much of the pressure from a job search, but only if the relationship is built on clarity, trust, and collaboration.
At Allstaff, we see the most successful outcomes when candidates treat recruitment as a partnership rather than a transaction. Recruiters aren’t just matching CVs to vacancies; they’re representing you, advocating for you, and helping you navigate a changing job market with insight and context you wouldn’t otherwise have access to.
This guide explains how to work effectively with a recruiter, so you’re not just placed into a role you’re supported into the right role, at the right time, for the right reasons.
A strong recruiter relationship starts well before your CV is sent anywhere. The early conversations matter, because they shape how you’re represented to employers.
Honesty is essential – not just about your experience, but about what you want next.
Be open about:
Share accurate information about your experience and achievements, including any gaps or changes in direction. Recruiters are used to explaining non-linear career paths to employers – but only if they understand the full picture.
Salary expectations should also be discussed openly. A recruiter can’t negotiate effectively on your behalf if they don’t know your expectations or constraints.
Consistent, open communication builds trust. When a recruiter trusts the information you provide, they can confidently put you forward for opportunities that genuinely suit you.
Clarity saves time – for you and for the recruiter.
Early on, take the time to define:
Discuss your timeline honestly. Are you actively job-seeking now, or exploring options for the coming months? Both are valid — but they require different approaches.
It’s also worth agreeing on expectations around communication:
Setting expectations upfront avoids frustration and keeps the relationship professional and productive.
A good recruiter offers far more than access to advertised vacancies.
Recruiters bring:
Many employers work exclusively with recruiters they trust. That means some of the best opportunities are only available through those relationships.
When you understand this, it’s easier to see your recruiter as a partner rather than a middle-person. Their success depends on placing you into a role where you’ll perform well and stay which aligns directly with your interests.
Once the foundation is in place, collaboration becomes the key to unlocking better opportunities.
Your CV is the starting point, not the final product.
Provide a current, well-structured CV that clearly shows:
Be open to feedback. Recruiters know how hiring managers read CVs often quickly, with specific criteria in mind. Small changes to wording, structure, or emphasis can make a significant difference.
In some cases, your CV may be tailored slightly for different roles. This isn’t about exaggeration; it’s about relevance. A recruiter can help ensure your experience is positioned in the most effective way for each opportunity.
Recruiters are immersed in the job market every day. Use that to your advantage.
Ask questions about:
These insights can help you refine your job search strategy, or even rethink your next step. In some cases, a short-term role or contract can open doors that a direct permanent move cannot.
Recruiters can also help you identify gaps worth addressing, whether through training, certifications, or experience-building roles.
Recruitment moves quickly. Responsiveness matters.
Aim to:
After interviews, provide feedback even if it’s brief. This helps recruiters adjust their approach and advocate more effectively on your behalf.
Respect is mutual. When candidates communicate clearly and professionally, recruiters are better positioned to prioritise them for suitable roles.
The best recruiter relationships don’t end with one placement.
Recruiters can help you approach your job search strategically rather than reactively.
Work together to:
Because recruiters often know the hiring managers personally, they can offer guidance that goes beyond generic interview advice — including how to position your experience, address concerns, or highlight strengths that matter most to that employer.
Life and priorities change and recruiters need to know when they do.
Keep your recruiter informed if:
Staying engaged doesn’t mean chasing unnecessarily; it means maintaining a professional dialogue. When recruiters know you’re committed and communicative, they’re more likely to think of you when new opportunities arise.
Not every role will be right, and that’s okay.
Use each opportunity as a chance to assess:
Talk these reflections through with your recruiter. Over time, this helps them understand you better — leading to stronger, more aligned opportunities in the future.
A long-term recruiter relationship can support multiple career moves, not just your next one.
A recruiter can be one of the most valuable allies in your career, but only when the relationship is built on trust, clarity, and collaboration.
At Allstaff, we believe recruitment works best when candidates feel informed, supported, and genuinely represented. When you approach the relationship as a partnership, you don’t just find a job you build momentum, confidence, and direction for the next stage of your career.