If you’ve ever uploaded your résumé to a job site and immediately received a flood of recruiter messages that went nowhere, you’re not alone.

Working with a recruiter can be one of the fastest ways to land a job—but only if the relationship is built on clarity, consent, and communication.

At TDM & Associates, we believe job seekers deserve more than copy-pasted job descriptions and radio silence. Here’s how to make sure a recruiter relationship actually moves your career forward.

Understand What a Recruiter Really Does

First things first: recruiters don’t work for you. They’re hired by companies to fill open positions. But that doesn’t mean they’re not invested in your success—especially when it aligns with the needs of their clients.

At TDM, we operate on a simple principle: a placement only works if it’s right for both the candidate and the company. That means we:

• Never send your résumé without your permission
• Only match you with roles that fit your goals
• Keep communication open, even if the answer is “not right now”

Be Clear About What You Want (and What You Don’t)

We get it—job searching can feel urgent. But the more specific you can be, the better we can advocate for you. Before reaching out to a recruiter (or responding to one), take a few minutes to define:

• Your ideal role and responsibilities
• Industries or company sizes you prefer
• Non-negotiables: location, schedule, culture, pay range

The clearer you are, the less time we all waste—and the more likely you are to land a role that lasts.

Ask the Right Questions Upfront

Not all recruiters work the same way. And not all will be the right fit for your goals. When connecting with a new recruiter, ask:

• Do you specialize in my industry or role type?
• What is your placement process?
• Will you contact me before sharing my résumé?

These questions help establish a respectful, two-way relationship—and make it easier to spot red flags before you’re halfway through an interview for a job you didn’t want.

Keep the Conversation Going (Even If It’s Not the Right Fit Today)

Sometimes, the timing just isn’t right—and that’s okay. But a single “no” doesn’t mean the relationship is over. If you’ve found a recruiter who communicates clearly and respects your boundaries, stay in touch:

• Send a quick update if your availability or goals change
• Share a heads-up if you’ve accepted another offer
• Stay connected on LinkedIn so they can reach out when a better-fit role opens

A good recruiter doesn’t forget a strong candidate. We keep you in mind—especially when you’ve made the relationship easy and professional from the start.

What It’s Like to Work with TDM

We’ve been doing this for a long time, and our candidate-first approach is what sets us apart. Here’s what you can expect when you work with us:

• A real conversation about your goals, not just your résumé
• Honest feedback about market conditions and opportunities
• Timely updates—yes, even if it’s a “no”
• Support that continues beyond placement, not just until the contract is signed

Whether you’re looking for a leadership role in manufacturing, a shift into operations, or something that aligns more with your values—we’re here to help you find your fit.

Ready to Work with a Recruiter Who Actually Works for You?

You don’t have to settle for ghosting, guesswork, or bad-fit roles. If you’re a mid- to senior-level professional looking for your next move, we’d love to get to know you. Let’s make your job search more human—and more successful.