What are recruitment agencies and how to use them!
How it works
Simply, a recruitment agency has access to lots of vacancies registered with them by organisations looking to find people to fill their job roles. If the agency fills the vacancy, the organisation then pays them a fee for finding a suitable person. The agency matches the vacancies with candidates they have registered with them. It costs you nothing to register with a recruitment agency and you can register with as many as you like as they all won't have the same vacancies.
The great advantage of using a recruitment agency is that they usually have quite a few vacancies, they have the contacts and if you are right for a particular job – they will endeavour to get you an interview on your behalf. It really takes a lot of hard work out of your job search! All good reasons to use a recruitment agency in your job search strategy.
However, you will have to approach this way of looking for jobs in a slightly different manner from online applications. So, here are my tips to help you ‘shine’ with recruitment agencies!
7 top tips!
1. Have a well-presented CV ready to hand to them or email across to them and include references.
2. Call them to arrange an appointment so that you can register your details with them. I recommend planning what you will say; even write it down if you feel a bit nervous. This way you should feel more confident and have made a good first impression.
3. When you meet the recruitment consultant make sure your dress is smart/casual – no baseball caps, jeans or party clothes! You are making an immediate impression and they have to feel confident they can put you forward for interviews with their clients – their reputation is on the line!
4. Communicate well. Good handshake and eye contact will help. The recruitment consultant will make you feel at ease and talk to you about the information on your CV and generally get to know your strengths, skills and qualities. They will also ask you about your availability.
5. Remember this is a great way to build your interview skills and will give you confidence for when they secure an interview for you.
6. They may ask you to complete a registration form. If your handwriting isn’t brilliant – just take your time and don’t rush it so that you stand the best chance of making a good written impression too.
7. Recruitment agencies are usually very quick to respond too! Once registered they will search all their jobs and if they have something that is suitable, they will contact the employer to discuss your suitability with the intention of securing an interview for you!
Elaine Latchford
28 June 2022