Ask a Recruiter
Q: I’m feeling burnt out by my job and want to make a career change. Can a recruiter help me with this process?
A: You’re not alone. Burnout is one of the top reasons people start thinking about a new direction. And while recruiters can be great partners in your job search, there’s an important catch: they’re hired by employers, not job seekers.
That means recruiters are focused on finding candidates whose experience closely matches the role requirements set by the employer. If you’re making a big career shift — especially into a new industry or job type — that alignment might not be there yet, and a recruiter may not be able to advocate for you in the way you’re hoping.
Here’s how to think about it:
🧭 Recruiters are matchmakers, not career coaches. Their job is to find a strong fit between what a hiring manager is looking for and what you’ve done. If your experience is close, they can help you find the right match. But if you’re still building the right experience, they may not be your best starting point.
💡That said, a recruiter can still be a helpful resource. Reach out with curiosity — not just your resume. Ask thoughtful questions that tap into their expertise, like:
- What kinds of backgrounds have successfully transitioned into this field?
- What skills or credentials are in high demand for these roles?
- Are there adjacent roles you’ve seen as stepping stones?
You might not always get a reply, but thoughtful outreach can lead to valuable insights — or even a future connection when your background is a better fit.
The bottom line: If you’re navigating a career change, start by building the experience that bridges the gap — through freelance work, volunteer projects, upskilling, or adjacent roles. And don’t hesitate to loop in a recruiter once you’re closer to what employers are hiring for.
We have more resources to support your job search right this way!
