What Do Recruiters Do?

Recruiters are professionals hired by companies (or working on behalf of themselves in agency settings) to find suitable candidates for job vacancies. They are tasked with sourcing, screening, and sometimes interviewing candidates to determine who might be the best fit for a particular position.

There are two main types of recruiters:

Agency Recruiters: These work for recruitment agencies and typically handle multiple clients across various industries. They are paid by companies to fill specific vacancies and may have access to a wider pool of opportunities.
In-house Recruiters: These are employed directly by a company and focus exclusively on that organisation’s hiring needs.

How the UK Recruitment Process Works

In the UK, recruitment is a fast-paced and highly competitive field. When companies need to fill roles, they often contact recruitment agencies with a job brief. Agencies then submit shortlisted candidates, usually within a few days. This means that speed, clarity, and professionalism are crucial if you want to stay in the game.

The typical steps are:

Job Briefing – The employer provides a job spec to the recruiter.
Candidate Search – The recruiter looks for candidates via databases, job boards, LinkedIn, or existing contacts.
Shortlisting – The recruiter submits a selection of CVs to the client.
Interviews – The client conducts interviews, sometimes with initial screening by the recruiter.
Offer Stage – The recruiter manages the offer, negotiation, and acceptance process.

How to Find and Engage Recruiters

Here are some tips on locating and working with the right recruiters for your career goals:

1. Identify Specialist Recruiters

Work with recruiters who specialise in your field, whether that’s finance, tech, creative, or operations. They will better understand your skills, speak your language, and have relevant roles to offer.

2. Create a Strong CV

Your CV should be clear, focused, and tailored to the type of role you’re looking for. Use keywords that are relevant to your industry. If you’re using an AI CV assistant, ensure it aligns with UK recruiter expectations: concise, well-formatted, and accomplishment-oriented.

3. Optimise Your LinkedIn Profile

Most recruiters in the UK use LinkedIn as a primary sourcing tool. Make sure your profile is up-to-date, includes your job title, location, industry keywords, and a professional photo.

4. Be Proactive but Not Pushy

It’s acceptable to reach out to recruiters with a short introduction, a clear CV, and a note on what you’re looking for. However, avoid sending frequent follow-ups or applying for every job they post unless it genuinely fits your profile.

How to Build a Productive Relationship with a Recruiter

Recruiters are more likely to invest time in candidates who are professional, transparent, and easy to work with.

1. Communicate Clearly

Let them know your salary expectations, notice period, job preferences, and any constraints. The clearer you are, the better they can represent you.

2. Treat Recruiters as Partners

Remember that recruiters are not your employers, but strategic allies. Be respectful of their time and insights, and be open to feedback on your CV or interview technique.

3. Keep Them Updated

If your situation changes - say you accept another offer or need to pause your job search - let them know. This helps maintain a good relationship and ensures they keep you in mind for future roles.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

While most recruiters are professional and ethical, there are a few red flags to avoid:

Pushiness: Recruiters who pressure you to accept roles that don’t fit.
Lack of Transparency: Not disclosing the company or role until late in the process.
CV Submission Without Consent: Always ensure your CV is not sent out without your permission.

Using AI CV Assistants and Technology

As recruitment becomes increasingly digital, tools like AI CV and cover letter assistants can help you polish your application materials and tailor them for specific roles. Recruiters appreciate well-targeted documents, and these tools can help you craft customised submissions quickly and effectively.

Ensure your AI-generated CV:

Is clean and free of formatting errors.
Includes the right keywords and achievements.
Reflects the tone and style of UK hiring norms.

Final Tips

Don’t rely solely on recruiters - use job boards, company websites, and your network too.
Choose quality over quantity; it’s better to build relationships with a few good recruiters than to blast your CV to many.
Ask for feedback after interviews. Good recruiters will help you improve.
Be patient. The right role can take time.

Summary

Working with recruiters in the UK job market can be a smart and efficient way to land your next role, especially if you understand how the process works and approach it professionally. By focusing on specialist recruiters, keeping your materials sharp, and being transparent and responsive, you can maximise the value they offer.

AI tools can further enhance your readiness, especially when you need to quickly tailor CVs and cover letters to a recruiter’s brief. Used together, you and your recruiter can form an effective team - one that helps you find a role that genuinely suits your skills, preferences, and goals.