If your past experience with a recruiter left you feeling like just another resume in the stack, you’re not alone. Many job seekers and hiring managers are unsure what a great recruiter actually does—especially in specialized industries like manufacturing, engineering, and operations leadership. At TDM & Associates, we take a different approach to executive recruiting: one that’s built on relationships, transparency, and long-term alignment. We believe that successful placements don’t just fill a role—they build strong teams, retain top talent, and support both the company’s growth and the candidate’s career path. This is what we call human-centered hiring—and it’s the foundation of everything we do.

What Human-Centered Hiring Looks Like

Too often, recruitment becomes a numbers game—volume over value, speed over fit. At TDM & Associates, we slow it down. That doesn’t mean we move slowly—it means we’re deliberate. Because finding the right person for the right role isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about listening, aligning, and advocating.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

We don’t push people into roles that aren’t right.

Our job as a manufacturing and engineering recruiter isn’t to convince you to take a job. It’s to help you make an informed decision. We don’t “sell” candidates to clients—or the other way around. We present opportunities transparently, and we support your decision, even if the answer is no.

We won’t submit your resume without your consent.

That should go without saying—but unfortunately, it doesn’t. At TDM, we’ll never send your resume to a company without a conversation first. You’ll know where it’s going, why we think it’s a match, and what to expect next. That’s not just respectful—it’s essential for trust-based recruiting.

We ask about your goals before talking about the job.

Your career path isn’t a checklist—it’s a story. We start by understanding what matters to you:

• Are you looking for leadership opportunities?
• Do you need more stability or more challenge?
• What kind of work environment energizes you?

That’s what we want to know. Because when we understand your goals, we can help you find opportunities that align with your values—not just your skills.

How This Approach Benefits Candidates

For job seekers, the experience of working with a recruiter can feel like a gamble. Will they really listen? Will they respect your time? Will they disappear after your resume is sent?

When you work with TDM & Associates, the answer to those questions is clear—and it’s yes, we listen. Yes, we respect your time. And no, we don’t ghost candidates. Here’s what you can expect from a human-centered recruiting process:

Less wasted time.

When a recruiter truly understands what you want—and what you don’t—you stop getting sent to interviews for roles that don’t make sense. We don’t spam our network or hope something sticks. Every opportunity we present is vetted against your goals, experience, and values.

Stronger cultural fit.

A great job is about more than title and pay. It’s also about who you’ll be working with, how decisions are made, and whether you’ll be set up for success. We talk with our clients about team dynamics, leadership styles, and expectations—so you’re not walking in blind. We believe cultural alignment is a key factor in long-term satisfaction and retention.

Clearer communication and preparation.

We don’t just send your resume and hope for the best. We walk you through what to expect, help you prepare for interviews, and give honest feedback at every stage. You’ll always know where things stand—even if the answer is no. That’s part of being a candidate-first recruiting partner.

How This Approach Benefits Companies Too

Putting people first doesn’t just benefit candidates—it creates better outcomes for employers. In our experience, the companies that prioritize long-term fit over short-term speed make better hires, keep them longer, and build stronger teams.

Here’s why our approach works on both sides of the hiring table:

Longer retention.

When a candidate is matched not just on skills but on culture, goals, and team alignment, they’re more likely to stay. Our clients see higher retention rates because we focus on finding professionals who are ready to contribute and grow—not just fill a seat.

More engaged employees.

People who feel respected throughout the hiring process enter their new roles with trust and momentum. When employees feel seen, heard, and valued from the start, they tend to show up more fully—and stay invested longer.

Faster, smoother onboarding.

Because we spend time on the front end learning about the role, team dynamics, and leadership style, we’re able to prepare candidates with context—not just logistics. The result? New hires are better prepared, expectations are clearer, and managers spend less time troubleshooting avoidable issues.

In short: when you hire with people in mind, you hire better. And that helps everyone.

What to Expect When Working with Us

If you’ve worked with recruiters before, you might be wondering how we’re actually different. At TDM & Associates, our process is designed to remove the guesswork and make space for clarity. We’re not here to rush you or sell you—we’re here to partner with you.



Here’s what our candidates (and clients) consistently tell us they appreciate:

Transparent conversations.

We don’t overpromise or leave you in the dark. You’ll always know where things stand—whether you’re moving to the next round or not. If we don’t think a role is a fit, we’ll tell you. If you have concerns, we’ll talk through them. Our job is to offer honest insight and guidance, not just relay information.

Personalized guidance.

We take time to understand what’s important to you, and we use that to tailor our search and coaching. Whether it’s resume feedback, interview prep, or simply making sure a job aligns with your work style, we treat you as a person—not a placement.

No pressure, ever.

This might be the biggest difference between us and many recruiters out there:
We won’t push you into a role that doesn’t feel right.
We won’t ghost you if you say no.
We won’t disappear once you’ve accepted the offer.
Because the hiring process should support your future, not pressure you into someone else’s timeline.

We’re here for the long haul—not just the quick win.

If you’ve never worked with a recruiter before—or if your past experience left a bad taste in your mouth—we get it. You deserve a partnership that feels honest, thoughtful, and aligned with your goals. That’s what human-centered hiring looks like. And that’s what we practice at TDM & Associates.

We’re not here to push resumes. We’re here to build relationships, guide conversations, and connect people with opportunities that actually fit.

Whether you’re actively looking or just thinking about your next step, we’d love to talk. No pressure. No expectations. Just a conversation that puts you first.