In today’s fast-paced job market, navigating career transitions can be daunting. Whether you’re just entering the workforce, considering a job switch, or looking for a new opportunity after a layoff, having the right connections can make all the difference. One of the most important relationships you can cultivate during your job search is with your recruiter.
Often viewed as the middleman between job seekers and employers, recruiters are invaluable allies who can open doors to opportunities that might otherwise remain closed. However, many job seekers fail to maintain regular contact with their recruiters, which can diminish their chances of securing the ideal position. In this blog, we’ll explore why you should keep in touch with your recruiter, how to nurture this relationship, and the benefits it can bring to your job search and career development.
What happens when you keep in touch with your recruiter? Even after 20 years, you can reap the benefits. Just ask Megan!
Megan Friedman’s journey with her recruiter is a testament to the power of staying connected and seizing opportunities that come full circle. It all started when Megan first moved to Kansas City and was unfamiliar with the area. At her mom’s suggestion, she decided to seek help from a recruiter, Morgan Hunter, to find her first job after college. The recruiter placed her in an insurance job downtown, which not only launched her career but also allowed her to build lifelong friendships.
Megan would later have another brush with Morgan Hunter, and this time the journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic when she witnessed firsthand how hard schools struggled to stay open. Her son was in second grade at the time, and as an English Language Learner Aide working with ESL students, she saw the staffing shortages impacting classrooms. To help, Megan decided to get her substitute teaching license, stepping in to sub whenever needed, sometimes even while performing her regular job.
Although she had a business background, her passion for education was clear. So, she decided to continue substitute teaching while she explored her next steps.
Though she loved substitute teaching, Megan sought a full-time position that combined her passion for education with her business expertise. Imagine her surprise when she saw a job listing for a staffing specialist….at Morgan Hunter Education! She remembered Morgan Hunter from two decades earlier, realizing that they offered corporate roles alongside educational ones—aligning perfectly with her desire to merge her dual passions.
Remembering how Morgan Hunter helped her in the past, she reached out directly to Angela Hunt, the Director of Morgan Hunter Education, about the role, Angela responded right away, amazed that Megan had contacted her just in time—the job listing was about to be taken down.
The job was a perfect fit: it allowed Megan to work in education, with the added benefit of a business role. She could work in the school district her children grew up in, helping staff substitute teachers while keeping a schedule that gave her time for family events. Morgan Hunter had come full circle in Megan’s life, not only launching her career 20 years prior but now providing her with a job that merged her passions perfectly.
Megan’s story is a powerful example of how maintaining relationships with recruiters can lead to unexpected and rewarding opportunities. By keeping in touch with Morgan Hunter, she found her dream job and created a balance between her personal and professional life.
Read on for some other reasons to keep in touch with your recruiter:
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Recruiters Have Access to Hidden Job Markets
Recruiters often have access to positions that are not advertised on public job boards. Employers frequently turn to recruiting agencies to fill roles quickly, discreetly, or to avoid being inundated with applications. By staying in touch with your recruiter, you ensure that you remain top-of-mind when these exclusive opportunities arise. As Megan highlights, “It’s important to keep in touch with your recruiter because they can help you find the best opportunities that fit your schedule and preferences.”
This is especially important in competitive fields where positions are filled quickly or when employers are seeking specialized skills. If you’ve kept the lines of communication open, your recruiter is more likely to recommend you for roles that align with your expertise before they even hit the public sphere.
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Building Lasting Relationships Based on Trust
A good recruiter is much more than just someone who passes along job listings—they’re career advocates who work to match the right candidates with the right opportunities. Building a strong relationship with your recruiter fosters a sense of trust, which leads to better collaboration and results.
Staying in touch with your recruiter allows them to gain a deeper understanding of your career goals, strengths, and values. This information can help them identify roles that align with your aspirations and culture fit. Moreover, by keeping them updated on your achievements, new skills, or changes in your career direction, you’re equipping them with the knowledge they need to tailor their job recommendations. As Megan puts it, “Your recruiter is there to support you. They can give you advice, help you navigate different school environments, and even suggest strategies to handle tough situations.” This level of support highlights how valuable a trusted recruiter can be throughout your career journey.
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Leverage Their Expertise in Navigating the Job Market
Recruiters are experts at navigating the job market and can provide valuable insights that go beyond job placement. They know what employers are looking for, what the current market trends are, and how to position candidates for success. Keeping in touch with your recruiter allows you to tap into this expertise.
Whether you need advice on tailoring your resume, preparing for interviews, or understanding salary trends, your recruiter can offer guidance that enhances your chances of landing the right job. For example, they can provide feedback on your resume and help you highlight skills that employers are currently prioritizing. They can also coach you on how to stand out in interviews and negotiate job offers effectively.
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Stay Updated on Industry Trends and Opportunities
The job market is constantly evolving, and so are industry trends, technologies, and hiring practices. Your recruiter is plugged into these changes, and by staying in touch, you’ll have access to the latest insights.
Whether it’s new certifications that are becoming industry standards, shifts in hiring practices, or emerging fields that could use your skillset, your recruiter can help keep you informed. This gives you the chance to upskill or pivot in your career before opportunities pass you by.
Additionally, your recruiter can alert you to changes in the job market that could affect your prospects, such as seasonal hiring spikes, industry-specific booms, or downturns. Staying informed allows you to adapt your job search strategy accordingly, maximizing your chances of success.
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Your Recruiter Can Act as a Long-Term Career Partner
Job seeking doesn’t end with one placement. Many professionals change jobs multiple times throughout their careers, whether by choice or due to external factors such as economic shifts. By keeping in touch with your recruiter, you’re cultivating a relationship that can benefit you at different stages of your career.
Even if you’re currently happy in your job, maintaining contact with your recruiter can help you stay prepared for future opportunities. You never know when the perfect role will come along or when an unexpected layoff might force you back into the job market. When that happens, having an established connection with a recruiter who understands your career goals can expedite the process and help you land on your feet.
As Megan says, “A good relationship with your recruiter can lead to more consistent work. They’ll know what you’re looking for and can match you with the right opportunities.”
Additionally, as your career progresses and you build your professional reputation, your recruiter may also reach out to you for leadership or high-level opportunities. Keeping in touch ensures that you remain on their radar when these roles become available.
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Personalized Job Search Support
Every job seeker’s journey is unique, and recruiters understand this. By keeping in regular contact, you can receive more personalized support tailored to your individual needs and preferences. Your recruiter can refine their search based on your evolving criteria, such as your desired industry, company culture, work-life balance, or salary range.
Moreover, if you’re facing challenges in your job search—such as repeated rejections or lack of responses to applications—your recruiter can offer advice and adjustments to your strategy. Whether it’s tweaking your resume, practicing mock interviews, or identifying areas for professional development, staying connected allows your recruiter to provide the feedback you need to overcome obstacles.
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Networking Opportunities
Recruiters have vast networks within their industries. By maintaining a relationship with your recruiter, you gain access to this extensive web of contacts. Recruiters can introduce you to hiring managers, industry leaders, and other professionals who may not only offer job opportunities but also mentorship or career advice.
Networking is a powerful tool in the job search process, and recruiters can facilitate connections that help you expand your professional circle. These relationships may not result in immediate job offers, but they can provide valuable guidance, information, and support as you progress in your career.
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Receive Insights on Company Culture
One of the key advantages of working with a recruiter is their insider knowledge of company cultures. While a company’s online presence may give you some idea of its work environment, your recruiter likely has deeper insights gained from working with both the company and previous candidates.
When you keep in touch with your recruiter, they can provide detailed information about what it’s really like to work at a particular organization. They can share insights on management styles, workplace dynamics, and employee satisfaction—helping you make more informed decisions about whether a job is the right fit for you.
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Preparation for Future Career Changes
The relationship you build with your recruiter isn’t just for the short term. It’s an ongoing partnership that can help you navigate career transitions in the future. Life circumstances and career paths can change quickly, and having a recruiter in your corner ensures that you have a trusted advisor when you’re ready to make your next move.
Even if you’re content in your current role, staying in touch with your recruiter ensures you’re prepared for the unexpected. Should the job market shift, or should you find yourself ready for a new challenge, you’ll already have an established relationship with someone who knows your background, skills, and goals.
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It’s a Two-Way Street
Recruiters benefit from maintaining strong relationships with candidates as well. When you keep in touch, you’re not only setting yourself up for success, but you’re also helping your recruiter build a stronger talent pool. The more they know about your skills, experience, and career aspirations, the better they can match you with future opportunities.
By fostering an open, communicative relationship with your recruiter, you’re contributing to a mutually beneficial partnership. You get access to their expertise and network, while they gain a reliable, well-informed candidate to present to employers. It’s a win-win for both parties.
A Lasting Relationship with Long-Term Benefits
Your relationship with your recruiter should extend beyond a single job placement. By keeping in touch, you open yourself up to a world of opportunities—both immediate and long-term. Whether it’s gaining access to hidden job markets, receiving personalized job search support, or staying informed on industry trends, the benefits of maintaining regular communication with your recruiter are invaluable.
Remember, your recruiter isn’t just a means to an end—they’re a career ally who can guide you through each stage of your professional journey. By investing in this relationship, you’ll not only enhance your job search but also set the foundation for a successful and fulfilling career.
If you are looking to build a long-term relationship, contact Morgan Hunter today!