The talent pool in the nonprofit sector is limited, this won’t come as a surprise. Since I started recruiting in 2008, organizations have been competing for talent. Even junior professionals, particularly fundraisers, are frequently approached by recruiters via LinkedIn or other channels.
If you're new to the field, interacting with a recruiter might feel unfamiliar. You may be unsure how to respond to a LinkedIn request or what to expect when a recruiter reaches out. No worries, here are three key things to keep in mind when working with a recruiter.
1. Who Is the Client? Understanding the Recruiter’s Role
First, it’s important to clarify who the recruiter is working for. The client is the one who pays. Different recruitment firms operate in different ways, so you should know what kind of agency you're dealing with.
- Placement Agencies: These recruiters work directly with you to find a job. They may help refine your résumé, coach you on how to present yourself, and introduce you to potential employers. In this setup, you are the client, and you typically pay a percentage of your salary to the recruiter once you land a job. Since you are the paying client, the recruiter is working in your best interest.
- Retained Search Firms: Firms like Gerard Search are hired by organizations to conduct searches on their behalf. In this case, the employer is the client, and the recruiter is responsible for identifying and presenting qualified candidates. The organization pays the recruiter, and as a candidate, you should never be asked for a percentage of your salary. The recruiter's job is to introduce the best talent to the employer, but their primary relationship is with the hiring organization.
Knowing which type of recruiter you’re dealing with helps set the right expectations.
2. The Advantages of Working with a Recruiter
One of the biggest advantages of working with a recruiter is having an actual person to talk to during the hiring process. Many candidates find the application process frustrating because they submit their résumé and then… nothing. Radio silence.
A recruiter, even when retained by the employer, acts as your liaison. They can’t guarantee you the job, but they do put you on the radar. Being presented by a recruiter at least gets you on the long list and sometimes the short list.
Beyond that, building a long-term relationship with a recruiter is valuable. While they may not be able to place you immediately or represent you personally, they can get to know your skills, preferences, and career goals. Over time, they can identify roles that are a great fit for you, kind of like matchmaking for jobs.
3. Don’t Shoot the Messenger
Here’s something candidates sometimes forget: recruiters don’t make the final decision. If a recruiter presents you to an employer, it means they believe you can do the job.
That said, once you’re in the employer’s hands, the recruiter doesn’t control the outcome. They might feel you’re a great fit, but ultimately, the hiring decision rests with the employer. If you don’t get the job, it’s not because the recruiter didn’t advocate for you, it’s because the employer made a different choice. So, don’t hold it against the recruiter. They may have another opportunity for you down the road.
Final Thoughts
Working with a recruiter can be a game-changer for your career. My philosophy as a recruiter has always been to build relationships for the long term. It’s not just about the search at hand, it’s about following candidates throughout their careers.
Even if the job isn’t the right fit today, there may be opportunities in the future. Starting a conversation and developing a relationship with a recruiter helps keep you on their radar. That way, when the timing is right for you, you already have someone in your corner.
At the end of the day, understanding the responsibilities of both the candidate and the recruiter, and knowing who the client is, will help you navigate the process effectively.