How to find a recruiter for remote jobs and get hired faster

Finding a new job can be challenging, no matter whether you’re looking to work in-office or remotely. Post COVID-19, many companies have been adopting a return-to-office strategy. But if you’re looking for remote work, that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck! Finding remote work is still possible, and enlisting the help of an experienced recruiter can make the process easier, faster, and less stressful. 

We’ll give you the lowdown on how to find a recruiter for remote jobs and reach out for their help to get hired in a new job in no time.

Will working with a recruiter help you find remote jobs?

A recruiter’s job is to help people find jobs, so they’re going to have the inside scoop and tools to connect workers to potential employees. While they can’t guarantee that you’ll get a job, they have the access, information, and contacts that can get your foot in the door.

Keep in mind that there are two basic kinds of recruiters: in-house and third-party. In-house recruiters work in the Human Resources department of a company and specialize in filling open positions for that company only, including remote positions. 

Third-party recruiters, on the other hand, act as a go-between for a variety of different companies and candidates. In addition to making connections, this type of recruiter may also offer assistance with resume writing, interview prep, and networking advice.

How does the recruiting process work?

Recruiters work for and are paid by the company looking to fill a position, so enlisting their services shouldn’t cost you money as a candidate (if a “recruiter” asks for a fee, that’s a definite red flag). Their goal is to match candidates with open positions, so it’s kind of like online dating; recruiters are looking for people with the right qualifications to fill a specific role. 

While it’s important to remember that the recruiter works for the company, and not you, they also want to ensure that your needs are being met as well. If they’re not upfront about the company and job requirements, you’re likely to leave that job sooner and the recruiter risks losing the trust of both you and the employer.

What are the benefits of working with a recruiter for remote jobs?

When you work remotely, you have access to jobs anywhere across the country. That’s a lot of jobs! A great way to find the ones that best fit you is to work with a recruiter, especially one who specializes in finding remote positions. 

Here are some reasons why you might want to do this instead of going it alone:

• Knowledge of the industry. A good recruiter will have the industry contacts and insights on key trends to find the best remote position for you.

• A more streamlined job search process. Recruiters have the tools and knowledge to make the job search process faster, knowing what skills and expertise to look for in candidates and how to match them appropriately.

• A wider pool of job opportunities. Recruiters often have access to more open positions than are being publicly advertised.

• Help with salary benefit negotiation. Recruiters can use their industry insights and connections to help you negotiate from a stronger position and potentially land a better package than going it alone.

• Personalized job search advice and strategies, with expert feedback to help you improve as you go through the process.

Working with a recruiter to find remote jobs can help you put your best foot forward, because it’s in their best interest as well! They have a professional reputation to maintain (and a commission to earn). So they can help you ensure that your resume and interview skills are top-notch, and then find a remote position that aligns with your career goals, expectations, skills, and expertise.

Tips on how to find a recruiter for remote jobs

Finding a great recruiter on your own might entail a bit of up-front work, but it can be done if you have a great strategy. Here are some useful tips on how to find a recruiter for landing remote jobs with minimal stress and time.

Find recruitment agencies

Do a search for third-party recruiters in your field. Check to see if they have recruiters who specialize in remote work, as this will increase your chances of finding a job that works for your career goals and preferences. If you’re not sure where to start, it’s okay to ask someone you know in your target industries, such as a former colleague, for a reference.

Of course, you shouldn’t just go with the first recruiting agency you find. Do your due diligence and make sure that they meet the following “green flags”:

• Good company ratings. Read company reviews on sites like LinkedIn and Glassdoor, as well as on their social media profiles, company website, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

• Industry expertise. Make sure they specialize in finding jobs in your field, as well as remote positions. If they mainly work with C-suite executives, and you’re a computer programmer, they won’t be as helpful for you.

• Professional credentials. See if they’re credentialed by entities such as the American Staffing Association (ASA), or the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) if you're in the UK. These ensure that they’re on the up-and-up and not a fly-by-night organization.

• Excellent communication. Determine whether they provide clear information on their process, requirements, and expectations. They should also respond to any inquiries professionally and in a timely fashion.

Remember, a reputable recruiter will not charge you a fee, post too general or out-of-date job openings, or make you any grand promises.

Check out job boards

Yes, you can use job boards to find a recruiter too! Recruiters, especially those looking to fill remote positions, will often post jobs on boards such as Monster, Indeed, and Glassdoor. Begin by looking for your preferred position, applying filters to narrow down your search to remote or hybrid positions. This will also help you find recruiters who specialize in placing people in these remote jobs.

You can also aid the process by posting your current resume to these job boards. Recruiters are proactive, meaning they’ll be looking for you too! Having a customized, targeted resume ensures that they’ll be able to find you if they have a position for which you’d be a great fit.

Search on LinkedIn

Just as you can use LinkedIn to search for jobs and grow your professional network, many recruiters also use this site to increase their talent pool. While you can (and should!) ensure that your profile is up-to-date for your job search (which helps recruiters find you), you can perform a search for recruiters as well. 

Simply type “recruiter,” “headhunter,” or the name of your field into the search bar, then select “people” to narrow down your search. You can also add the word “remote” to your search to identify those recruiters who specialize in filling remote and hybrid positions.

Take a direct approach

If you have a particular company in mind that you’d like to work for, go to them directly! This isn’t simply a matter of submitting a resume blindly and hoping it finds the right person; you should be looking for their in-house recruiters. Check out the company website and see if you can locate the name of their recruiter, or call the HR department and ask about their recruiting process for remote positions.

Find recruiters where they are

To paraphrase Ariel from The Little Mermaid, you should go where the recruiters are. So where are they? When they’re not in the office, you can often find recruiters at in-person or virtual career fairs and networking events. The whole point of these events for recruiters is to find people just like you, so they’ll be happy to meet you.  Just make sure that you have copies of your resume (either paper or digital), and be sure to practice your “elevator pitch” to increase your chances. These events are also great ways to connect with peers and colleagues who may know of great recruiters and might even offer to introduce you.

You can also reach out to professional organizations, which can connect you to recruiters in your industry who specialize in remote positions. This can be a great resource, so if you’re not a member of any yet, find one in your field and join.

How to contact a recruiter professionally

Unless a recruiter reaches out to you, you’ll have to make the first move. This might feel intimidating, but it will help to be proactive—and professional. Remember, recruiters are busy, so it’s best to keep your communication concise and to the point. 

Here are some tips for contacting a recruiter:

1. Don’t waste time with small talk. Keep it brief. Tell the recruiter who you are, what you’re looking for, and provide your contact information. Let them know that you’re looking for a remote position.

2. Tailor your message for the company and role you’re looking for. This shows the recruiter that you’ve done your research.

3. Provide a few skills and qualifications that align with the company’s needs and goals.

4. Include a “call to action,” such as a request for a phone call or email response.

5. It’s fine to follow up if you haven’t heard back in a week or two—just make sure to keep it polite and professional.

6. Proofread your message before sending, and make sure that you’re using a professional-sounding email address.

An effective job search begins with a great resume. Career.io’s online Resume Builder utilizes over 25 expert-tested resume templates that will impress recruiters and get you noticed.

Key takeaways

1. A recruiter’s job is to help people find jobs, so they’re going to have the inside insights, contacts, and tools to connect candidates with the best potential employers.

2. The benefits of working with a recruiter for remote jobs is their industry knowledge, streamlined job search process, wider pool of job opportunities, help with salary negotiation, and personalized advice.

3. To find the right recruiter for your remote position, research recruitment agencies, check out job boards, attend job fairs and networking events, or reach out to them directly.