What a reverse recruiter does, and whether you need one.

By Steady Path Careers. Last checked October 31, 2026.

Three kinds of help, side by side

• A regular recruiter. The employer pays them, so they're free to you. Their client is the company, so their focus is the openings it needs filled.
• A reverse recruiter. You pay them. They search for jobs, apply on your behalf, and often reach out to employers for you. Some charge a monthly fee; some take a percentage of your first-year salary.
• Done-with-you job search help, like Steady Path. You pay (after a free pilot here). Openings are found and checked, and your resume and cover letter are tailored for each one you choose, but you send every application yourself.

Why we don't apply in your name

Some people want a service that handles everything, and that's a fair choice. Steady Path Careers is built the other way on purpose:

• Nothing goes out that you haven't read. Every application has your name on it, so you should see it first.
• Your accounts stay yours. We never ask for your passwords or log in as you.
• You stay in the loop. When a recruiter calls about an application, you already know which job it is.

If you'd rather have someone apply for you, a reverse recruiter is the better fit, and the questions below will help you pick one.

Questions to ask before you pay anyone

1. What exactly goes out in my name? Ask to see a sample application or message before you sign.
2. Will you log into my accounts? If yes, ask how your passwords are stored and who sees them.
3. What's the full price, and does it renew on its own? Get it in writing.
4. Do you take a cut of my salary? If so, for how long, and what happens if I leave the job early?
5. What happens if I'm hired in the first few weeks?
6. Who does the work: a person, software, or both?

And one rule from the FTC that applies to every kind of job help: be wary of anyone who promises you a job or guarantees results. More warning signs here.