How to Work With a Recruiter
Working with a recruiter is different from applying on your own — and when the relationship works well, it can open doors that a job board never will.
What We Actually Do
A recruiter’s job is to match the right person to the right role. We maintain relationships with companies that aren’t always advertising publicly — and when a position opens, we think of the candidates we know and trust. We’re paid by the employer, not by you. That means our services are always free to candidates.
Choose Someone Who Knows Your Field
A generalist recruiter can fill a lot of roles, but a specialist understands the nuances of your industry. At DSC, we focus exclusively on IT, scientific, and engineering placements. That means when we send your resume to a client, we’ve already assessed whether your background genuinely fits — not just whether the job title matches.
Be Honest From the Start
Tell us your real situation. What are you earning now? What would it take to make a move? Are you interviewing elsewhere? Are there gaps in your resume you want to explain? The more we know, the better we can represent you. We’re not here to judge — we’re here to find you the right fit.
This also means being upfront about anything that might raise a question for a hiring manager — a period of unemployment, a short stint at a company, a change in direction. We’d rather know now than be caught off guard later.
Say No If It’s Not Right
One of the most valuable things you can do in a recruiter relationship is say “this isn’t for me” early. We’d rather wait for the right opportunity than put you in a role that doesn’t work. If the salary, commute, or company culture isn’t right — tell us. The sooner we know, the sooner we can find something better.
Stay Reachable
Timing matters in recruiting. A great role can open and close in days. Make sure we have a reliable way to reach you, and respond promptly when we do. If you haven’t heard from us in a while, don’t hesitate to check in — a quick email or call is always welcome.
Give Us Feedback After Interviews
After every interview we arrange, call us. Let us know how it went, how you felt about the role, and whether you’re still interested. Your feedback helps us advocate for you with the hiring manager — and if there are concerns on their end, we can often address them before they become a reason not to move forward.
