How to Work With a Recruiter for a Career Change

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Changing careers can be exciting—it opens new possibilities, offers opportunities to learn new skills and provides a fresh focus on the future. At the same time, it can be a little daunting, as it can often mean navigating uncertainty and overcoming nerves about jumping into an unfamiliar work environment.

A recruiter can make the process easier by offering insider knowledge, career advice and access to job leads that aren’t always publicly available. But to make the most of that partnership, you’ll need to be prepared and play an active role in your new job search.

Making the leap into a new field takes strategy, confidence and insight into what employers want. If you’re exploring such a shift, learning how to work with a recruiter for a career change can help you navigate that transition with more confidence. Recruiters from specialized staffing firms, such as Robert Half, can help you translate your past experience into new opportunities, spotlight your transferable skills and make your transition smoother and faster.

Here are tips on how to work with a recruiter to change careers and help make your switch a success.

How to Work With a Recruiter to Get a Job 1. Start by asking smart, targeted questions
2. Set clear expectations for your transition
3. Take ownership of your preparation
4. Talk openly about compensation realities
5. Stay connected and build a lasting relationship

1. Start by asking smart, targeted questions

When selecting a recruiter, look for a staffing firm that specializes in the professional field you want to enter. Ask how they’ve helped others switch careers successfully and what challenges to expect.

Here are a few questions you can ask to help assess whether a recruiter will represent you well:

“Do you specialize in the professional field I want to move into?”

“How often do you staff roles for candidates making a career transition?”

“What kinds of companies hire people with my transferable skills?”

“What roles in this industry are suited to my existing skill set?”

“Do you proactively market your candidates? How does that process work?”

“What steps can I take to make myself more marketable in this new field?”

Tip: Before your first meeting, list the skills from your current or past roles that could apply to your targeted professional field. Recruiters can help translate your experience into language that resonates with hiring managers.

Learn more about what recruiters look for in candidates when hiring.

2. Set clear expectations for your transition

Explain to the recruiter what you’re looking for in a job—and what you’re not. Be upfront about how flexible you’re willing to be—for example, whether you’d consider a contract or hybrid role as a bridge into your new field. When you work with a recruiter to change careers, clarity helps them identify realistic openings that match your goals and experience level.

Likewise, be transparent about your salary expectations, your reasons for leaving your current field and what excites you about your new direction. Recruiters can use that information to help you shape your story in a compelling way that aligns your experience with employers’ priorities.

Want to start working with a recruiter to guide your career transition? Submit your resume to Robert Half today.

3. Take ownership of your preparation

Recruiters can give you guidance, but they can’t rewrite your story for you. When working with a recruiter for a career change, be proactive: Refresh your resume and LinkedIn profile to highlight transferable skills and strengths. If your recruiter suggests gaining new skills or credentials before applying in a new field, take that feedback seriously. Their objective perspective can help you better position yourself and potentially shorten your job search timeline.

Tip: After each conversation, jot down two or three concrete actions your recruiter recommends and follow up once completed. Showing initiative signals that you’re invested in your own career transition—something your recruiter can convey to potential employers as they advocate for you.

4. Talk openly about compensation realities

Changing fields often means revisiting salary expectations. Your recruiter can explain typical pay ranges for professionals who are switching careers and help you focus on total compensation—bonuses, benefits and growth potential—not just base pay. Honest money conversations help keep you competitive and confident when entering a new field.

If you’re unsure about your expectations, check out the latest Salary Guide From Robert Half. It can help you determine what to expect based on your skills, experience and location. Armed with that data and your recruiter’s advice, you’ll be better equipped to negotiate your next offer—even as a career changer.

5. Stay connected and build a lasting relationship

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A good relationship with a recruiter doesn’t have to end when you accept a job offer. Many recruiters stay in touch after you’ve started a new role.

Keep the dialogue going: update them after your first day, share feedback and ask for advice on adjusting to a new work environment. Celebrate early wins and ask for guidance on how to grow in your new professional field. A recruiter’s advice for career changers can be especially valuable during the first few months, as you settle in and refine your focus on long-term goals.

Maintaining an ongoing relationship with your recruiter can yield long-term results. They can keep you up to date on in-demand skills, salary trends and future opportunities that align with your evolving career path. Staying in touch helps ensure you have an experienced advocate who understands your journey—not just during a career transition, but throughout your professional growth.

Working with a recruiter is one of the best ways to navigate a major career shift. These professionals can open doors, coach you through challenges and connect you with employers who are willing to take a chance on someone with transferable experience.

No matter where you are in your transition, honesty and responsiveness provide a great foundation for building a lasting relationship with your recruiter.

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