Not all recruiters are the same. Understanding the difference between internal (corporate) recruiters and agency recruiters can dramatically improve your job search strategy.
Internal (Corporate) Recruiters
How They Work
- Employed directly by one company
- Salaried, not commission-based
- Focus on permanent, full-time hires
- Deep knowledge of company culture and teams
Pros for Job Seekers
- Direct line to hiring managers: They sit in meetings with decision-makers
- Inside knowledge: They know exactly what the hiring manager wants
- No conflicts: They're not shopping your resume to competitors
- Culture fit focus: They want you to succeed long-term
Cons for Job Seekers
- Limited scope: They only hire for one company
- Less urgency: No commission means no rush
- Volume handling: They're often overloaded with applications
Agency (External) Recruiters
How They Work
- Work for staffing agencies serving multiple companies
- Commission-based (typically 15-25% of first-year salary)
- Fill permanent, contract, and temp-to-hire roles
- Broad market knowledge across industries
Pros for Job Seekers
- Multiple opportunities: One relationship opens many doors
- Motivated to place you: They earn money when you get hired
- Market insights: They know who's hiring and salary ranges
- Resume coaching: Good agencies prep candidates thoroughly
Cons for Job Seekers
- Quantity focus: Some prioritize volume over fit
- Limited visibility: They may not share client names upfront
- Competing interests: Their loyalty is to the paying client
Which Should You Work With?
The answer: both, strategically.
Contact Internal Recruiters When:
- You have a specific target company in mind
- You're looking for permanent, full-time work
- Culture fit is a priority
- You want direct communication with the hiring team
Work With Agencies When:
- You're open to multiple companies
- You need contract or temp work
- You want broad market exposure quickly
- You're exploring a new industry
How to Identify Recruiter Type
Look at their LinkedIn profile or email signature:
- Internal: Company name matches the hiring company (e.g., "Talent Acquisition at Google")
- Agency: Company name is a staffing firm (e.g., "Senior Recruiter at Robert Half")
Red Flags With Agency Recruiters
Watch out for these warning signs:
- Won't tell you the client company after multiple conversations
- Pressures you to accept quickly without giving you time
- Asks for bank information or SSN early (scam warning)
- Seems unfamiliar with the role they're filling
Remember: legitimate recruiters never charge job seekers fees.
Building Your Recruiter Network
The most effective job seekers maintain relationships with both types of recruiters. Use RecruiterContacts to find both internal hiring managers and staffing agency specialists in your target industries and locations.
A diverse recruiter network means more opportunities and faster job searches.