What Recruiters Really Think (and Wish You Knew)

We’ve all been there, applying for jobs, refreshing our inbox, wondering if our resume even made it past the bots. In today’s hyper-competitive job search market, confusion, burnout, and job search anxiety are all too real. That’s why I sat down with someone who can cut through the noise.

Kristen Fife is a seasoned recruiter who’s worked with tech giants like Microsoft, Twitter, and Shopify. She’s also a prolific LinkedIn voice. She’s blunt, brilliant, and deeply committed to helping job seekers better understand the hiring process. Whether you're in the early stages of your career or navigating a transition, this blog is your backstage pass to the recruiting reality.

1. Recruiters Don’t Work for You

Let’s get one thing straight: recruiters find people for jobs, not jobs for people.

Unless you’re a unicorn in AI (or another high-demand niche), recruiters aren’t “shopping your resume around.” Their mission is to fill specific roles with qualified candidates, fast. That means they don’t have the time, or any reason, to personalize your job search strategy.

Pro Tip:

Be strategic. Do a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis for job search. Know your strengths, understand your gaps, and align yourself with roles that match. Use real job search websites and platforms that cater to your industry.

2. The Resume Reality Check

Kristen reads every resume, but not the way you might think.

She scans first, deep-dives later. That six-second skim? It’s real. It's not about judging your worth. Yes, you are capable and worthy! But it’s about efficiency. If the role calls for eight years of experience and you have two, your resume is headed for rejection.

Resume Tip:

Aim to meet 80% of a role’s qualifications and meet 100% of the binary qualifications (e.g. degrees required, years’ experience). Use data and metrics. Tweak each resume version. And please, don’t “spray and pray.” It signals desperation, not discernment. Use the best job search app or platform that lets you filter intelligently and track your submissions.

3. The Truth About ATS and “The Black Hole”

Kristen calls it the “black hole of shame.” Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) can feel like they swallow dreams whole but they’re more useful than you think.

Many recruiters use AI-based searches within ATS to rediscover qualified applicants. So yes, how to use AI in job search starts with making sure your resume is keyword-optimized. If you're qualified, AI can actually help bring your resume to the surface weeks, or even months, after applying.

Insight:

Don’t panic if you don’t hear back right away. But don’t waste your time on job postings that have been live for over 90 days either. They’re often filled already.

4. Want to Stand Out? Volunteer, Write, Engage.

Kristen’s top visibility advice? Contribute to your field.

• Volunteer in your industry. It’s powerful, low-risk networking!

• Publish content or share insights online. It demonstrates credibility.

• Comment (respectfully) on LinkedIn posts. Real dialogue boosts your presence.

  
  

LinkedIn Job Search Tips:

Optimize your profile. Turn on the green “Open to Work” banner. Write a compelling “About” section. Engage with relevant content and recruiters in your niche. A thoughtful comment could spark your next opportunity.

5. What About Referrals and Cold Outreach?

Referrals are only as strong as the relationship behind them. If someone barely knows you, their word won’t carry much weight.

Cold Outreach Tips:

• Target the right recruiter. Do they even work in your space?

• Reference a specific job in your message.

• Reaching out to a hiring manager? Great…IF you can identify the right one and offer value.

  
  

6. Don’t Try Gimmicks. Just Be Qualified

Sending donuts with a note “Donut miss out on hiring me!” or sending a shoe and saying “I’m just trying to get my foot in the door” is not the right way to go. 

Gimmicks might get attention, but not the right kind. Instead, focus on:

• A clean, well-organized resume (no photos or fancy charts).

• Metrics that showcase your impact.

• Using the STAR method to describe experience. This stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result and add Takeaways to tie your experience to the job description. 

• And yes, tweak your resume per role. It’s not “one and done.” But it’s also not a full rewrite either! If you know what you want (and you need to know what you want before you build a resume) then you shouldn’t need to make many changes per role. Job descriptions in a specific category of jobs (e.g. Digital Marketing, Business Operations, Supply Chain) don’t change that much!

  
  

Bottom Line

Job searching isn’t just about qualifications. It’s about positioning, clarity, and showing up as a real human. Recruiters aren’t out to confuse you; they’re just juggling a lot.

Do your research. Use the best job search app that aligns with your field. Learn how to deal with job search anxiety by focusing on what you can control: 

Your preparation

Your presence

Your persistence. 

Whether you're just launching your career or pivoting midstream, the right tools and mindset make all the difference.

Want more insights? Listen to my full interview with Kristen for more behind-the-scenes advice on the Work Unscripted podcast and learn whether to use that Green “Open to Work” Banner on LinkedIn, whether you need to have your camera on for interviews, what kind of energy is needed for your interview to show enthusiasm and authenticity and so much more!

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