Working with Recruiters After Layoff

Internal/Corporate Recruiters

Work directly for the hiring company.

• Pros: Direct insight into company, can advocate for you
• Cons: Only have one company's roles
• Best for: When you're targeting specific companies

Agency/External Recruiters

Work for staffing/recruiting firms, paid by employers.

• Pros: Access to multiple companies, market knowledge
• Cons: Incentivized to place fast, may push roles that aren't ideal
• Best for: Broad market exposure, industry connections

Retained Search (Executive Recruiters)

Hired exclusively for senior/executive roles.

• Pros: Deep relationships, high-quality roles
• Cons: Selective about who they work with
• Best for: Director+ level positions

Contingency Recruiters

Only paid if they successfully place a candidate.

• Pros: Motivated to place you, wide reach
• Cons: May spray and pray, less personal attention
• Best for: Mid-level roles, volume searching

Questions to Ask Them

• "What company is this for?" (If they won't say, be wary)
• "What's the salary range for this role?"
• "Is this a new position or a backfill?"
• "How long has the search been open?"
• "What's the interview process like?"
• "Why is the company using a recruiter for this?"
• "What do candidates typically get tripped up on?"
• "Have you placed people at this company before?"

Be Ready to Answer

• Walk me through your background (2-minute pitch)
• Why are you looking? (Prepare your layoff narrative)
• What are you looking for in your next role?
• What's your target compensation?
• When could you start?
• Are you interviewing elsewhere?

Finding Good Recruiters

• LinkedIn: Search "[your industry] recruiter" + your city
• Ask your network: "Who's a good recruiter in [field]?"
• Industry groups: Recruiters often post in Slack/Discord communities
• Job boards: Note which recruiters post quality roles

Proactive Outreach Template

Maintaining Relationships

• Check in monthly, even if just briefly
• Update them when your search parameters change
• Refer other good candidates to them
• Thank them when they help (even if you don't take the role)
• Connect after you're employed - relationships last careers

"What other opportunities are you interviewing for?"

"I'm in active conversations with a few companies, but I'm most excited about opportunities that [match this role's characteristics]. This role checks a lot of boxes for me."

"We need an answer by Friday"

"I understand you're working on a timeline. I want to make a thoughtful decision that's right for everyone. Can we discuss what flexibility exists?" If it's truly urgent, they'll explain why.

"The client loved you but went with someone else"

"Thanks for letting me know. Could you share any feedback on what made the difference? I'd like to improve for future opportunities."

Radio silence after interview

Follow up once after a week: "Hi [Name], following up on the [Role] interview. Any updates on timing?" If still silent, assume it's not moving forward and focus elsewhere.