The telecom staffing industry is in a unique and rapidly evolving place right now. From my seat, I get to see both sides of the equation — understanding the challenges candidates face and the very real needs our clients bring to the table. It’s a balancing act, especially in today’s uncertain economy and ever-changing society, where making a career move isn’t taken lightly.
Understanding the Candidate Mindset
Candidates today are understandably cautious. With economic uncertainty looming and societal shifts happening almost daily, it’s no surprise that people are thinking twice — even three times — before making a move. Many candidates have higher expectations now, whether that’s in terms of salary, benefits, remote flexibility or growth opportunities. And honestly, I get it. Especially when you consider that industries like data centers are expanding and offering higher wages than traditional telecom roles.
I’ve particularly seen this salary expectation increase among fiber field construction roles (notably Fiber Splicers) where demand already outpaces supply. With initiatives like BEAD to help connect every American to broadband by 2030, there’s even more pressure on the telecom industry to find skilled talent, and competition is fierce not just within telecom, but from adjacent industries too.
From the Recruiter’s Desk: What We See
At TekCom Resources, clients come to us with very specific needs. It’s not just about finding someone who can do the job — it’s about finding someone who fits the job, the company culture and the long-term vision. Many telecom skills are transferable, yes, but when a client hires us, they are often seeking a very particular type of candidate — someone who can step into the role, hit the ground running and grow with the organization.
As recruiters, we advocate for candidates. But to do that effectively, we need candidates to meet us halfway. When candidates ask for higher salaries (which, again, is completely reasonable given the market), we need to understand — and clearly articulate — why they’re worth that investment. What skills, certifications, project experience or leadership qualities set them apart? Helping us understand that story makes all the difference.
How Candidates Can Strengthen Their Relationships with Recruiters
The best relationships between candidates and recruiters are built on mutual respect and clear communication. Here are a few ways candidates can stand out and foster long-term partnerships:
- Be Transparent: If there is anything at all that will come up in the recruiting and hiring process, let us know ahead of time so we can advise how to move forward. If you’re feeling hesitant about making a move, let your recruiter know early. It helps us align opportunities that truly match your goals instead of wasting your time and ours.
- Stay Professional: How you communicate with us is our first impression of how you’ll communicate with our client. Consistent, honest communication shows professionalism and reliability. Even if you decline an opportunity, handle it with professionalism. You never know when the next perfect role will come up — keeping the door open with respectful communication is key.
- Know Your Value: When discussing compensation expectations, be ready to back it up. Share your relevant accomplishments, skill certifications or any unique expertise that brings extra value to the client. If you have the expertise, you need to be able to articulate it well and explain your experiences in various job-relevant situations.
- Provide Feedback: If an opportunity isn’t the right fit, tell us — and more importantly, tell us why. Feedback sharpens our search and helps tailor opportunities to what you truly want.
Recruiters aren’t just “middlemen.” We are career advocates, matchmakers and long-term network builders. In an industry as dynamic as telecom with the stakes only getting higher, having a strong, professional relationship with your recruiter can be one of your biggest career assets.
The landscape is shifting, and while candidates are (rightfully) asking for more, building a solid partnership with a recruiter will always be a smart move. We’re here to help — and with transparency, collaboration and a little patience, we can help candidates find roles that aren’t just a fit for today, but a step toward their bigger career goals.
