Working with Recruiters 101
As someone who founded and runs a recruitment firm, I’m often asked: “How should I be working with recruiters during my job search?”
The truth is, recruiters can be incredible allies, but the most effective relationships are two-sided. They’re built on mutual connection, trust, and shared values. Here’s a step-by-step guide to building those meaningful connections from the ground up, and how NRG loves to work with jobseekers.
Recruiters often specialize in certain sectors or roles. At NRG, for instance, we work with progressive, mission-driven organizations across the country. Others might focus on tech startups, higher ed, or healthcare.
If you're job searching in the movement space, start by researching recruiters that focus on our space. LinkedIn, progressive newsletters, and movement job boards are all good places to look. Start by making a list of recruiters, not just for now, but to build relationships over time. To get a head start, here’s our team page.
Once you’ve identified a few recruiters, reach out! I think the best way to go is a quick email. If you don’t have their email, you can drop them a message on LinkedIn. Not all recruiters like cold outreach, but it can’t hurt.
You don’t need a cover letter here. Just a short, clear note that shares who you are, what kinds of roles you’re looking for, and why you’re reaching out. If you’re attaching a resume, make sure it’s up to date and easy to scan.
Even if the recruiter doesn’t have the right opening right now, or even if they don’t always respond, you’ve planted a seed. And that’s key.
Strong recruiter relationships are built over time — and there are so many ways to stay on someone’s radar. Follow the recruiter on LinkedIn. Like or comment on their posts. Forward a job opening to someone in your network. Share potential candidates with the recruiter directly. Ask a thoughtful question about trends you’re seeing.
These small touch points show that you’re engaged and values-aligned. That goes a long way when a new role opens up!
Recruiters often know about roles before they go live. I’m already in conversations with organizations about searches we’ll launch this fall. That means when you stay connected with a recruiter, you might hear about opportunities early (sometimes even before they’re public).
Even if you’re not actively applying, it can be helpful to check in every few months. Share a quick update on your role, skills you’re building, or what kind of job you’d explore next. My last newsletter has a few more ideas for how to keep in touch.
I love getting these notes (I may not always respond, but I often file them away for future searches).
Job hunting takes resilience and it’s okay to ask for help. As recruiters, we want to be strong resources for you, but you might want more hands-on support. If that's the case, look into coaching, too.
Our career coach, Kristin Saybe, works with folks at every stage of their search, from entry-level to executive. Whether you're rewriting your resume, preparing for interviews, or just trying to figure out your next chapter, Kristin brings strategy, clarity, and accountability to the process.
Free webinars on job search skills
Small group coaching sessions (budget-friendly + community! Next one is 6/18, see below!)
1:1 private coaching tailored to your needs
Since January, we’ve coached over 50 jobseekers and we’d love to support you, too. If you're curious whether coaching could be helpful, feel free to set up an exploratory call with Kristin.
VP, Communications @ Roosevelt Institute; DC; $189K-$220K
Strategic Partnerships Manager @ Freedom Together Foundation; NYC; $145K-$165K
Relationship Manager @ Freedom Together Foundation; NYC; $120K-$140K
Senior Administrative Officer @ ICLEI USA; Remote; $78K-$95K
Senior Program Officer @ ICLEI USA; Remote; $72K-$95K
Program Associate @ ICLEI USA; Remote; $55K-$65K
Senior Program Director, Empower & Protect @ New Left Accelerator; Remote; $120K-$140K
Senior Digital Manager @ Working America; DC; $131.4K
Graphic Designer @ Working America; DC; $74.5K
Video Producer @ Working America; DC; $74.4K
Policy Analyst - Clean Energy & Healthy Homes Campaign @ ACCE; Bay Area Preferred; $4K for 20hr/week contract
Organizing Manager @ Asian American Advocacy Fund; Atlanta; $71.5K-$85K.
Program Director - K-8 Therapeutic Program @ Shore Educational Collaborative; Boston; $115K-$130K
That’s not all! We’re hiring for additional jobs and you can see all of our openings on the NRG website.
I wanted to pass along something we do each quarter that might be helpful, especially if your org is also hiring right now.
On June 25, we’ll send out our quarterly Get Hired Newsletter that includes jobs from across the nonprofit landscape - values-aligned work in social justice, organizing, and movement spaces. If you’re building out your team, we’d love to include your open roles — no cost.
We know that staffing up right now — in a moment of political urgency, burnout, and tightening budgets — can feel overwhelming. This is one small way we try to support organizations doing the work. Hopefully this makes things a little easier.
Submit your jobs by Monday, June 23 to be included:
UPCOMING EVENT
Follow NRG on LinkedIn to stay up-to-date on all of the roles we are hiring for.
If you aren’t currently a member of the NRG Talent Network, consider joining. The questions take 3 minutes to complete and it lets us know that you are thinking about your next role.
Let’s move,
Naomi
