Recruiting Office Hours: Your Questions, Answered by Real Recruiters

In today’s market, candidates want clarity, transparency, and real insight into what’s actually happening in the hiring landscape. That’s exactly why we opened the floor to your questions with Recruiting Office Hours. We're pulling back the curtain on the hiring landscape and job market to answer what our candidates and job seekers are actually asking.

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Recruiting experts Julia Levy and Catherine Drinker sit down for candid conversations about the job market, hiring trends, and what candidates can do right now to stand out. Below is a sneak peek at a few questions they answer every day and a preview of Julia and Catherine’s insight.  

What is it really like to work with a recruiter?

Catherine: We are advisors and advocates, not just people pushing out resumes. We consult, we prepare you, and we open the right doors. The more you share about goals and non‑negotiables, the better we can champion you. We are your cheerleaders and your reality check in one.

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Julia: I am fully transparent, and I need you to be open too so I can tell your story well. I always say it can feel a little like dating. We are aligning expectations on both sides and helping you find the right match, not just the next role.

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‍Catherine: That partnership is built on trust. When we know you, we can advocate with confidence and guide you through each step so you show up as your best self.  

Is there a best time to start a job search?

Catherine: There is not a magic month. January can be busy, but success comes from how intentionally you run your search and how you communicate your value. Be patient and trust your recruiter. Consistency matters as much as timing.

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Julia: Start when you are truly ready. Think of yourself as a brand. Tighten your resume, clean up your online presence, and make sure your timelines and details are buttoned up. Once you start, move with purpose and follow through.

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Catherine: Control what you can. Keep momentum, ask for feedback, and let the process work. Luck tends to meet preparation.

Are clients hiring right now?

Catherine: Yes, there is hiring, but it is true matchmaking. Clients are specific about what they need, and candidates are specific about what they want. The win is where those expectations meet.

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Julia: Competition is fierce, which is why alignment matters. When culture, goals, and pace match, that is when the magic happens. Being flexible about expectations helps too. Decide what you can budge on and what you cannot so we can target the right rooms.

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Catherine: Our job is to know the nuances behind each role and advocate when we see a real fit, even if every single box is not checked. That is where great offers come from.  

Ready to keep going?

Watch the full conversation with Julia and Catherine and to hear more questions like these:

• What would you say is the biggest difference in how this year’s pace feels compared to last year?

• What does being ready for a job search actually mean?

• Are clients looking for candidates who check every box or leaning on culture fit and potential

• What questions should candidates ask that land well with hiring managers?

• What should candidates stop doing immediately?

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Get Recruiter-Backed Insight

At Career Group Companies, conversations like these are happening every day. For over four decades, our team has advised candidates and partnered with leading companies nationwide to navigate evolving hiring markets with clarity and confidence.

Whether you are considering your next career move or refining your hiring strategy, our recruiters serve as strategic advisors throughout the process offering tailored insight, market perspective, and thoughtful guidance at every step.

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