How to Stand Out When Working With a Recruiter

Working with a recruiter gives you a valuable advocate in the hiring process: someone who can highlight your strengths, provide insight into what hiring managers are really looking for, and connect you directly with great opportunities. 

Since most communication goes through your recruiter rather than the hiring manager, it’s important to know how to make a strong impression and stand out from other candidates along the way. 

Here’s how to make the most of your partnership and rise above the competition in today’s job market. 

1. Treat Your Recruiter Like a Career Partner 

Think of your recruiter as more than a messenger; they’re your advocate, your strategist, and your direct line to opportunities that may never be posted publicly. 

At System One, recruiters have long-standing relationships with both private and public organizations. They can provide insider context about what each hiring team values most, helping you highlight the right skills and stories. 

Tip: Be open about your goals, motivations, and dealbreakers. The more your recruiter knows, the more effectively they can position you as the right fit. 

2. Make Their Job Easy and Your Brand Clear 

Help your recruiter advocate for you by packaging your experience clearly and confidently. 

Provide a brief summary they can share with hiring managers: two to three sentences that connect your experience to the company’s goals. Include a few examples of measurable results (think “increased efficiency by 15%” or “managed cross-functional projects with five departments”). 

When your recruiter pitches you to a client or a hiring manager, that clarity helps them tell your story in a compelling way. 

3. Create a “Candidate Portfolio” 

Most job seekers rely on résumés alone. Go further. 

Create a one-page “Candidate Portfolio”, a visual snapshot of your top projects, metrics, or testimonials. Your recruiter can share it as a supplement to your résumé, giving hiring managers a more dynamic view of your skills. 

This extra step shows initiative, creativity, and professionalism, and it’s something most candidates never do. 

4. Keep Your Professional Presence Polished 

Even though you’re not reaching out directly, hiring managers often look you up online once your recruiter submits your name. 

Make sure your LinkedIn profile tells the same story your recruiter is sharing: 

• Use a professional, approachable photo. 

• Add a headline that reflects your specialty or value proposition. 

• Post or share content that reflects your expertise. 

Think of it as reinforcing your recruiter’s pitch with visual proof. 

5. Stay Proactive and Responsive 

The candidates who stand out most to recruiters are those who respond quickly, ask thoughtful questions, and follow through on their commitments. 

That professionalism makes an impression that often gets passed along to hiring teams. 

If your recruiter sends you an update or feedback, respond promptly, even if it’s just to acknowledge receipt. It shows reliability and enthusiasm. 

6. Ask for Insider Prep 

Before your interview, ask your recruiter what the hiring manager really values, not just what’s on the job description. Recruiters often know the team’s biggest challenges, interview styles, and cultural nuances. 

Use that insight to tailor your answers and examples, showing you understand the company’s needs on a deeper level. 

7. Keep Building Your Skills 

Even while you’re job searching, continue to invest in yourself. Take short courses, earn certifications, or build technical skills relevant to your field. Then, update your recruiter. They can use that to strengthen your profile or match you with higher-level roles. 

8. Maintain the Relationship 

Standing out isn’t just about landing one job, it’s about becoming the candidate your recruiter thinks of first next time. 

Keep in touch after you’re placed, share updates, and stay connected. Recruiters value long-term relationships, and those relationships often lead to your next great opportunity. 

Final Thought 

You might not be able to email a hiring manager directly, but you can make yourself unforgettable through the person who does: your recruiter. 

By treating the process like a partnership, demonstrating initiative, and showcasing your professional brand, you’ll give your recruiter and yourself every reason to stand out. 

Ready to find your next opportunity? 

Partner with a System One recruiter to gain access to exclusive roles and expert guidance that helps your talent get noticed.