Candidates often wonder if they have to pay a recruiter if they find them a job. The short answer is, “No.”

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For many jobseekers, especially those who are working with a recruiter for the first time, a common question is, “Do I have to pay a
recruiterif they findmea job?”
Theshortansweris, “Absolutely not.” However, here’sa bit moreexplanation.
As recruiters, we help stellar candidates market themselves into a new company or industry. We work with high-level candidates to
ensure they find the right opportunity to meet their needs and goals. Executive recruiters provide the crucial link between employers
and potential employees to match top talent to top positions. Oftentimes, recruiters are able to uncover positions that candidates
would not find on their own and open new doors of possibilities. Working with a recruiter can be highly beneficial for candidates in
orderto achievethenext level in their careers.
So, howdo recruitersgetpaid?
Recruiters are almost always paid by the client. We help find professionals who meet organizations’ qualifications and company
cultures. Some larger organizations have their own in-house talent acquisition teams, but in cases where there is not, recruiters are
the connector between the talent pool and the open position. Clients realize the value in finding the right person for the job, and they
trust executiverecruiterstoidentify the talentthey needto achievetheirbusinessgoalsandobjectives.
What ifI’m asked to paysomeone?
If you are approached by someone or come across someone asking for money in exchange for finding you a job, I would be very
hesitant to work with them. Even in my position as Senior Partner in Sales & Marketing at Lucas Group, we can’t guarantee that we
can find positions for all of our candidates. We do our best to strategicallymatch qualified individuals to our clients, but there’s never a
guarantee that every individual will be placed. Because of the uncertainty of the job market, I would stay away from those recruiters
askingfor compensationinexchangefortheirservices.
Lastly, recruiters are often approached by individuals who are out of work or getting back into the workforce. If you’re looking for the
next step in your career, my best advice, in addition to working with a qualified, reputable recruiter, is to be proactive in networking.
Make sure you’re active and visible on LinkedIn, get involved with relevant groups and organizations and/or consider doing consulting
work to bridgethe gapuntilthe next fit comesalong.
Do youhave questionsaboutworkingwith a recruiter?Leaveyour commentsin the fieldsbelow.
Do I Have to Pay a Recruiter if They Find Me a Job?
by
Nancy Neal
Senior Partner – Sales & Marketing