Working with a recruiter: what to expect (and what it costs you — nothing)

If you've never worked with a recruiter before, the whole thing can feel a little opaque. Who are these people, what do they want, and what's the catch? Here's a straight answer.

It's free for you. Really.

Let's get the big one out of the way: a reputable recruiter never charges you, the candidate, a dime. Our fees are paid by the employers who hire, not by the people we place. If anyone calling themselves a recruiter asks you for money to find you a job, walk away.

What we actually do

A good recruiter is two things at once: an advocate for you, and a filter for the employer. That means:

• We learn what you actually want, not just your job title, but the commute you'll tolerate, the salary you need, the kind of team you thrive on.
• We tell you about roles that fit, including confidential searches that were never posted publicly. Some of the roles we fill never appear on a job board because the employer wants the search kept quiet.
• We coach you through the process, prepping you for interviews, handling scheduling, and negotiating the offer so you don't leave money on the table.
• We give you honest feedback, including the stuff that's hard to hear, because it's the stuff that gets you hired.

How to get the most out of it

1. Be honest about your numbers. If you tell us your real salary expectations, we won't waste your time on roles that can't meet them.
2. Tell us about other processes you're in. It helps us advocate for you and create healthy urgency.
3. Reply when we reach out. Good roles move fast. The candidate who responds same-day has a real edge.
4. Treat us like a partner, not a vending machine. The more we understand you, the better we can represent you.

A note on confidentiality

Worried about your current employer finding out you're looking? That's normal, and it's exactly why discretion is part of the job. We never send your information to a company without your say-so.

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If that sounds like the kind of search you want to be part of, send us your resume. It's the first step, and it costs you nothing.

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Reviewed by Rob Patak, Founder and Principal Recruiter at Northside Recruiting. Last updated July 2026.