Why Your Relationship with Your Recruiter Matters: How to Get the Most from the Candidate Journey
When you’re job hunting, you’re not just looking for a role — you’re looking for the right role. And that means more than just ticking boxes on a job description. Working with an external recruiter can give you an edge — but only if you make the most of the relationship.
At its best, working with a recruiter is a partnership. We’re here to help you navigate the process, present you in the best possible light, and connect you with employers that match your values and goals. But communication is key — and that means making time to speak with us directly.
Why Talking Beats Texting: The Power of Direct Communication
We get it — you’re busy, and sometimes it’s easier to respond to an email or text message. But when a recruiter calls, there’s usually something important to discuss. It might be:
A change in the role or job scope
An update on the client’s hiring timelines or budget
Feedback on your application or interview
A new opportunity that matches your profile
A heads-up about something the client wants to clarify before shortlisting
A missed call can sometimes mean a missed opportunity — especially when roles move fast or decisions are time-sensitive.
Pro Tip: Save your recruiter’s number and aim to return missed calls within 24 hours. A 10-minute chat can provide clarity and momentum that emails often can’t.
Working With a Recruiter: A Two-Way Partnership
Here’s how you can set yourself up for success and ensure we’re able to support you fully:
1. Be Transparent from the Start
Let us know:
Your salary expectations
Preferred locations or travel requirements
Notice period or availability
Type of team or culture that suits you
Any non-negotiables (e.g., working with children, on-call shifts, remote work)
- Transparent with your current situation and your motivators – if you are no longer working, please tell us and why you really want to leave or what you are really looking for.
This helps us avoid sending you to roles that aren’t the right fit — and allows us to focus on the ones that are.
2. Keep Your Recruiter in the Loop — Even if Your Thinking Changes
Job searching is rarely a straight line. It’s completely normal for your interest in a role to change — sometimes after reflection, a role might feel more appealing, not less. Other times, something might no longer align with your needs. Either way, let us know.
Not sure if the role is still right for you? Changed your mind after a chat with a friend or mentor? Got a gut feeling after an interview? Tell us.
We’d much rather have an honest conversation early than move forward under the wrong assumptions. This helps us tailor our support, adjust our approach with the client, or pivot to a better opportunity for you.
3. Share Feedback Promptly
Whether it’s a job ad that caught your eye or an interview that didn’t quite go to plan, your feedback helps us refine the roles we put you forward for. It also gives us insight to provide better feedback to clients — and sometimes, advocate more strongly on your behalf.
4. Respect the Process
We’ll always be upfront with you about where things are at. We are also reliant on feedback from organisations with often competing priorities, and sometimes we don’t know – but no news doesn’t mean it isn’t good news – it just means we do not know yet. In return, we ask candidates to treat interviews and communication with professionalism and reliability. Turning up late, ghosting interviews, not returning calls, or withholding important information can reflect poorly — not just on you, but on your recruiter too.
5. Ask Questions
We’re here to help. If you’re unsure about a role, the hiring manager’s expectations, or how to present your experience, ask! A quick call can give you insights that aren’t always listed in the position description, and talking things through with your recruiter can prevent a world of problems and perceptions.
6. Be Open to Feedback
Constructive feedback isn’t criticism — it’s insight. Whether it’s a tweak to your CV, suggestions for how to present your experience, or coaching ahead of an interview, we’re sharing it because we want to help you succeed.
We also have a responsibility to make sure the role is the right fit for everyone — you, the client, and the team you’d be joining. We’re not here to make a quick placement and move on. At Be Recruitment, we see this as a partnership — and we have guarantees in place for our clients to ensure the process is thorough and considered. When we invest in you, we’re investing in a long-term match that works for all involved.
7. Trust Us to Represent You
Once you’re working with a recruiter on a particular role, trust them to liaise with the client on your behalf. Going direct to the employer can cause confusion — and sometimes undermine your application. If in doubt, ask us first and be honest if you have.
Final Thought
Recruiters are your sounding board, your advocate, and your guide — but to do our job well, we need to work together. When candidates stay in touch, return calls, and share their goals openly, we’re able to match them to roles where they truly thrive.
So next time your phone rings and it’s your recruiter, answer. That five-minute conversation could be the start of your next big opportunity. We’re here to open doors, advocate for your strengths, and support your career journey — not just for this role, but for the future.
