Tech moves fast — and if you’re job hunting, you need every advantage you can get. That’s where a tech recruiter comes in. These professionals specialize in connecting skilled tech talent with companies that are hiring — sometimes for roles that aren’t even posted publicly.
But here’s the thing: simply getting a LinkedIn message from a recruiter doesn’t guarantee a job. To get the most out of the relationship, you need to understand how they work — and how you should show up.
What Is a Tech Recruiter, Exactly?
A tech recruiter is someone who specializes in finding and placing candidates in roles related to software engineering, IT, data science, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and other tech disciplines.
There are two main types:
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Internal recruiters work inside a company (like Google or Andela) and only recruit for their employer.
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Agency recruiters (also called external recruiters or headhunters) work for staffing firms or as independent agents. They often place candidates at multiple companies.
Both types can be valuable allies — if you know how to work with them.
Why Work With a Tech Recruiter?
Think of a good recruiter as your backstage pass into the tech industry. Here’s what they bring to the table:
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Access to hidden job openings – Many roles are never posted publicly.
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Guidance through the hiring process – From resume tips to interview prep.
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Salary negotiation help – They know what the market pays (and how to ask for it).
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Faster job search cycles – They can get your resume directly in front of hiring managers.
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Industry connections – Especially valuable if you’re entering a new niche or city.
According to LinkedIn, 87% of recruiters use LinkedIn as a primary tool for sourcing candidates, and 70% of jobs are filled through networking — including recruiters.
How to Find a Great Tech Recruiter
Here’s how to locate the right person to champion your job hunt:
1. Check LinkedIn
Search for terms like “tech recruiter,” “technical sourcer,” or “IT recruiter.” Filter by location or companies you admire.
2. Use Niche Platforms
Sites like:
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AngelList Talent (for startups)
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HackerRank Talent
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Stack Overflow Jobs
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Toptal or Upwork Talent Specialists (for freelance/remote gigs)
Many recruiters operate here, especially for remote or contract roles.
3. Ask for Referrals
If you have friends or ex-colleagues who landed great jobs recently, ask who helped them. Referrals can connect you to trustworthy recruiters with a proven track record.
How to Work with a Tech Recruiter Effectively
Now that you’ve found one (or a few), here’s how to build a strong working relationship.
Be Honest About What You Want
Do you want a remote role only? Will you relocate? Are you open to startups or only enterprise roles?
Be upfront. If you’re vague or indecisive, it makes it harder for the recruiter to pitch you.
Keep Your Resume Sharp and Specific
Recruiters aren’t mind readers. Tailor your resume to the roles you’re targeting and include:
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Recent tech stacks (e.g., React, Node.js, AWS)
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Real impact (e.g., “Improved page load time by 45%”)
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Certifications, side projects, and GitHub links
Pro tip: Also update your LinkedIn profile — it’s their first stop.
Respect Their Time (and Yours)
Recruiters often juggle dozens of roles and candidates. Respond promptly, follow up politely, and don’t ghost if you change your mind about a role. Likewise, don’t be afraid to ask for updates if things go quiet.
Communicate Like a Pro
If you’re in the middle of multiple interviews or have pending offers, tell your recruiter. This info helps them pace submissions and negotiate better on your behalf.
And remember: a recruiter works for the company, not you — but your success = their success. Keep it collaborative, not transactional.
Red Flags to Watch For
Not all recruiters are created equal. Watch out for:
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Spamming generic roles that don’t match your skills
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Pressuring you to accept interviews or offers quickly
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Poor communication or ghosting
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No knowledge of the company they’re recruiting for
A good recruiter listens, informs, and advocates. If someone feels shady, trust your gut.
Pro Tips to Stand Out
Want to be a recruiter’s top candidate? Do this:
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Share a target role wish list (e.g., “React developer, hybrid in Lagos, 6M+ NGN monthly”)
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Highlight your soft skills — tech alone won’t land the role
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Be open to feedback (on your resume, presentation, salary expectations)
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Have your references ready
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Send a follow-up email post-interview — recruiters love that
Is It Okay to Work with Multiple Recruiters?
Yes — to an extent. Just don’t let them submit you to the same job. That can backfire with the employer. Let each recruiter know if you’re already in process with a company they mention.
Final Thoughts
Working with a tech recruiter can be the fastest path to your next great role — if you treat it as a partnership. Be clear, be professional, and stay in the loop. Whether you’re chasing your first dev job or eyeing a leadership role in a scale-up, the right recruiter can be your bridge to opportunity.
Tip: Always thank a recruiter after an interview process — whether or not you get the job. Relationships matter, and you never know when your paths will cross again.
If you’re ready to connect with recruiters now, start by updating your LinkedIn, reaching out to 2–3 specialists in your tech niche, and keeping a simple job search tracker to stay organized.
Your next opportunity could be just one recruiter message away.
