As MOAA career transition consultants, we often get asked what we think about executive search firms and recruiters – specifically, their value in helping you expand your job search and land the position. 

We view recruiters as another valuable tool in your networking toolkit. Companies pay recruiters to help them fill vacancies with available talent. They can be effective in connecting you with a company that could be a good fit for you.  

It is important to keep a couple of points in mind when considering and working with a recruiter or recruiting firm. First, never pay them: They are paid by the companies who hire them, not by you. While that’s good news for your bank account, it stands to reason their allegiance and interests lie with who is paying them, so you may or may not get a lot of their attention. 

When recruiters need someone with your background, education, and experience to fill a vacancy at a company they represent, they will be keenly interested in you. If they don’t have a requirement for the skills you possess, they will feel little need to devote much time with you and likely will not be overly responsive when you contact them. 

At the end of the day, you should not be overly concerned with whether you landed your position through a networking connection, a job board, a career fair, or through a recruiting firm placement. The key is to use all of the tools in your toolbox to maximum effect.