Understanding the difference between recruiters and hiring managers can make or break your job search. They have different incentives, different access, and respond to different approaches.
The Key Differences
Recruiters
- Role: Gatekeeper and first contact
- Can they hire you? No—they screen and recommend
- Their goal: Find qualified candidates to present to the hiring manager
- What they care about: Resume keywords, basic qualifications, salary expectations, timeline
Hiring Managers
- Role: Decision-maker (your future boss)
- Can they hire you? Yes—they make the final call
- Their goal: Find someone who can do the job and fit the team
- What they care about: Problem-solving ability, technical skills, culture fit, potential
Who to Contact First
If a recruiter is involved (most corporate roles): Contact the recruiter first. Attempting to bypass them will annoy both parties and potentially hurt your candidacy.
If there's no recruiter (small companies, startups): Go directly to the hiring manager.
Pro tip: If you've been ghosted by a recruiter, finding and contacting the hiring manager can sometimes restart a stalled process.
What to Discuss with Each
With Recruiters, Ask About:
- Compensation range (they always know, even if they say they don't)
- Timeline and process
- How to best prepare for interviews
- What the hiring manager is really looking for
- Next steps and when to expect to hear back
With Hiring Managers, Ask About:
- The biggest challenges in this role
- What success looks like in the first 90 days
- Team structure and dynamics
- Their management style
- Why the position is open
How Recruiters Evaluate You
Recruiters are doing two things:
- Checking boxes: Do you meet the minimum qualifications?
- Assessing risk: Will the hiring manager reject you and waste everyone's time?
They're not trying to find reasons to reject you—they get paid or judged on successful placements. But they need to justify recommending you. Give them clear, easy-to-communicate reasons.
How Hiring Managers Evaluate You
Hiring managers are thinking:
- Can this person do the job?
- Will they make my life easier or harder?
- Do I want to work with them?
They care less about resume keywords and more about demonstrated ability and fit.
Building Relationships with Both
The best job seekers treat recruiters as allies, not obstacles. A good recruiter will:
- Coach you on interview preparation
- Advocate for you with the hiring manager
- Negotiate salary on your behalf (their incentive often aligns with yours)
- Keep you informed of timeline changes
Build genuine relationships with recruiters in your industry. Even if you don't get this job, they'll remember you for the next one.