There is this recruiter who I was impressed of the way he operates. The job he represented, benefits, salary and how he actually made it true that I got hired was really impressing. He is professional and has connections.
In addition, he demonstrated professionalism and "care" by actually following up, and every now and then, "investigating" if I am happy or would like to move on to something else. It is been a while I did not hear from him though while still employed.
Unfortunately, time is up to move on and out of my current job, which this recruiter found for me (or found me for the job - whichever comes first). I think my manager has some sense of my frustration and expecting me to jump ships. Today, I was contacted by that same recruiter, asking me how things are going and if I am still employed.
I would want to use him in my new search, but this will guarantee that my current manager know about my plan (Maybe good thing: I get a raise?), judging by the fact that they did and do business together. On the other had, I don't want to dismiss the recruiter, or "lie" by saying that every thing is OK but then switch jobs and burn bridges. I don't want to bad mouth my employer as well.
How to go around this?