I disagree with Carson63000's point that "it is in the recruiters' best interests to put you in a job at the best salary they can get." Technically, this is true. However, their primary goal is really just getting the placement at all. If they can sell the employer on the fact that you will accept less than another candidate, they will absolutely do so, and hope to earn 90% of a commission, vs losing it entirely.

You have to be very clear to the recruiter (and to yourself) about what you'd really do in various scenarios. You say your salary is only about half the industry average. Using your example, would you stay at your current $50k job even if the recruiter could get you a $70k one? That still may be below the industry average, but it's a nice bump for you. If you know you'd turn it down, be honest and tell the recruiter that -- but be prepared if the recruiter says demanding more will take you out of consideration.

I disagree with Carson63000's point that "it is in the recruiters' best interests to put you in a job at the best salary they can get." Technically, this is true. However, their primary goal is really just getting the placement at all. If they can sell the employer on the fact that you will accept less than another candidate, they will absolutely do so, and hope to earn 90% of a commission, vs losing it entirely.

You have to be very clear to the recruiter (and to yourself) about what you'd really do in various scenarios. You say your salary is only about half the industry average. Using your example, would you stay at your current $50k job even if the recruiter could get you a $70k one? That still may be below the industry average, but it's a nice bump for you. If you know you'd turn it down, be honest and tell the recruiter that -- but be prepared if the recruiter says demanding more will take you out of consideration.

I disagree with Carson63000's point that "it is in the recruiters' best interests to put you in a job at the best salary they can get." Technically, this is true. However, their primary goal is really just getting the placement at all. If they can sell the employer on the fact that you will accept less than another candidate, they will absolutely do so, and hope to earn 90% of a commission, vs losing it entirely.

You have to be very clear to the recruiter (and to yourself) about what you'd really do in various scenarios. You say your salary is only about half the industry average. Using your example, would you stay at your current $50k job even if the recruiter could get you a $70k one? That still may be below the industry average, but it's a nice bump for you. If you know you'd turn it down, be honest and tell the recruiter that -- but be prepared if the recruiter says demanding more will take you out of consideration.

I disagree with Carson63000's point that "it is in the recruiters' best interests to put you in a job at the best salary they can get." Technically, this is true. However, their primary goal is really just getting the placement at all. If they can sell the employer on the fact that you will accept less than another candidate, they will absolutely do so, and hope to earn 90% of a commission, vs losing it entirely.

You have to be very clear to the recruiter (and to yourself) about what you'd really do in various scenarios. You say your salary is only about half the industry average. Using your example, would you stay at your current $50k job even if the recruiter could get you a $70k one? That still may be below the industry average, but it's a nice bump for you. If you know you'd turn it down, be honest and tell the recruiter that -- but be prepared if the recruiter says demanding more will take you out of consideration.