In a recent episode of the 7-Minute Security Podcast, our tech-savvy Vice President of Delivery, Stu Musil, shares his take. If you’re an IT professional looking to switch roles, grow your career, or find your dream gig, this podcast episode is a great listen. Stu breaks down everything you need to know to build a successful partnership with a recruiter, from vetting the right people to polishing your resume to cut through the crowd and get to the next round.
With more than 23 years of experience in the recruiting world, Stu Musil is a seasoned expert who knows the ins and outs of the IT job market. As Vice President of Delivery at Ambient Consulting, Stu has worked with countless IT professionals and hiring managers and built a reputation for thoughtful, relationship-driven recruiting.
Stu’s approach is clear: It’s not about sending out as many resumes as possible and hoping something sticks. It’s about creating a strategic, well-informed partnership that connects candidates with the right opportunities at the right employers to make sure everyone’s set up for success.
Do your research before responding. If a recruiter reaches out with an opportunity that piques your interest, do your homework before jumping in.
“Look up the recruiter, check out their company, and see if they have a solid track record. It’s all about building a trusting relationship from the get-go.”
Focus on building relationships over time, not transactions in the moment. Recruiting isn’t a one-off transaction—it’s about long-term connections that grow and change with people’s careers. “We focus on getting to know candidates, understanding their goals, and helping them find positions that are a true fit,” Stu explains. This approach makes the job search smoother and more successful in the long run.
Make your resume stand out with both clarity and precision. It should be a tool that opens doors, not a novel. Keep it concise and relevant to the job you're applying for. Stu shares that “hiring managers don’t have time for long, dense resumes—they want a quick snapshot of your experience.”
Understand the importance of direct connections with hiring managers. It’s a big recruitment red flag when they don’t have a direct relationship with the hiring manager. Stu recommends asking,
“Do you have a direct relationship with the hiring manager for this role? If the answer is no, it might be time to look elsewhere.”
One of the biggest reasons to work with a recruiter, after all, is leveraging the strength of their network and their access to the decision-makers. If they don’t have that, you can do better.
Rip off the bandage and tell the (well informed) truth about compensation: When it comes to talking about money, don’t undersell yourself. “Sometimes candidates don’t know what they’re worth,” says Stu. “We have to educate clients on fair market value, but it’s also important for you to know your worth and communicate that confidently.”
With a 20-year track record of building relationships with candidates and clients, we offer IT professionals opportunities that go beyond the average staffing agency. At Ambient, we focus on finding the right fit for both our candidates and clients. It’s about higher success rates, long-term placement, and genuine career growth thanks to:
If you’re an IT professional ready for a specialized recruiting partner who truly cares about you, it’s time to chat. We’re your well-connected partner in this crazy job market, and we live to help you find the perfect fit and unlock your full potential.
