By asking the right questions, you can separate trustworthy recruiters from the rest—while protecting your career.
3 takeaways
- Ask the right questions: Knowing what to ask a recruiter ensures you’re evaluating real, valuable opportunities.
- Look for red flags: Vague answers, pressure tactics, or evasiveness can signal an untrustworthy recruiter.
- Build relationships with trusted recruiters: Partnering with reputable firms like Riviera Partners can advance your career with confidence.
Why Executive Recruiters Matter for Your Career
Executive recruiters connect top technology leaders with roles that shape the future of businesses. The best recruiters work as trusted advisors, ensuring a match that benefits both the company and the candidate.
As a premier executive search firm specializing in technology leadership placements, Riviera Partners has spent decades helping executives land transformative roles in product, engineering, AI/ML, security, and more.
But not every recruiter call is legitimate. Some firms may use the guise of recruitment to gather sensitive information or mislead candidates with nonexistent opportunities. How can you ensure the opportunity is genuine and in your best interest?
By asking the right questions, you can separate trustworthy recruiters from the rest—while protecting your career.
The Difference Between Executive Recruiters and General Recruiters
Not all recruiters specialize in executive placements. Here’s how executive recruiters differ from general recruiters:
- Depth of Partnership
- They work closely with companies to understand culture, goals, and strategic needs—not just fill vacancies.
- They work closely with companies to understand culture, goals, and strategic needs—not just fill vacancies.
- Confidentiality
- They manage discreet, high-level searches while ensuring privacy for candidates and clients.
- They manage discreet, high-level searches while ensuring privacy for candidates and clients.
- Strategic Focus
- They don’t just fill a role—they look for leaders who can shape company direction and drive results.
- They don’t just fill a role—they look for leaders who can shape company direction and drive results.
- Long-Term Quality
- Executive recruiters prioritize long-term alignment over quick placements.
4 Essential Questions to Ask a Recruiter
- “Who Are You and What Firm Do You Represent?”
- A reputable recruiter should immediately provide their full name, company, and credentials.
- Pro tip: Research the firm’s website and LinkedIn presence. Does their expertise align with the opportunity they’re presenting? Transparency here is a hallmark of a credible recruiter.
- “How Did You Find Me?”
- Knowing why you were approached gives insight into the recruiter’s process.
- A trustworthy recruiter will connect the dots between your experience and the role they’re hiring for.
- Red flag: If their explanation is vague or overly generic, they may not have done their homework.
- “What Can You Tell Me About the Role and Client?”
- While some details may be confidential, a legitimate recruiter should provide enough information to give you confidence in the role.
- Pro tip: Expect insights about the company’s goals, culture, and ideal candidate profile.
Red flag: Beware of overly broad descriptions or recruiters who avoid answering this question.
- “Can You Outline the Recruitment Process?”
- This question reveals the recruiter’s professionalism and transparency.
- Pro tip: A well-organized recruiter will outline clear steps, from initial interviews to final offers.
- Red flag: If they can’t explain the process, it’s a red flag.
Red Flags to Watch For
Be on alert for these warning signs during your conversation:
- Vague responses or lack of transparency about the role.
- Pressure tactics urging you to decide quickly without enough information.
- Evasive answers about the hiring process or the company.
How to Build Relationships with Top Executive Recruiters
The best executive opportunities aren’t posted online—they come through trusted networks. Here’s how you can proactively connect with top executive recruiters before you need them:
- Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
Ensure your headline and summary reflect your leadership impact and expertise in technology, AI/ML, engineering, or product leadership.
- Engage with Thought Leaders
Follow and engage with executive recruiters on LinkedIn to stay visible.
- Attend Industry Events & Webinars
Events like HLTH, RSA, and CES often attract executive recruiters specializing in tech and cybersecurity leadership roles.
- Be Open to Informational Conversations
Even if you’re not actively job-searching, speaking with a recruiter can provide market insights and career planning advice.
Ready for Your Next Leadership Role?
The best opportunities aren’t posted online—they come through trusted recruiters.
Let’s connect and find the right executive opportunity tailored to your career vision.
About Riviera Partners
Riviera Partners is a global leader in executive search, specializing in placing top technical leadership talent in high-impact roles across product management, software engineering, AI/ML, security, IT, and design.
With decades of experience and deep industry insights, we help companies build world-class leadership teams that drive innovation and growth.
