Priority Placements

Getting the best out of your Recruitment Agent - 10 top tips!

A recruitment agency can be a great facilitator between the client and the applicant. In the “boom” times candidates that were seeking jobs were more or less guaranteed a number of opportunities and perhaps it didn’t matter too much when it came to interview techniques. There was a certain confidence and well paid jobs were on offer. As we are all aware this has changed massively and as recruiters we continue to offer the advice regarding interview techniques and suitable jobs and this time we believe the candidate has a vested interested in absorbing the information and using it to help them succeed in getting that all important offer.

But first things first, how does one go about looking for that elusive position? You can apply directly to companies or putting your CV on the internet but you are opening your options by choosing to register with 1 or 2 relevant agencies. As mentioned the professional agencies can provide you with relevant information about companies, career advice. assist in preparing for the interview and negotiate the right package.

1. Research your agency, i.e. decide which one/ones will be able to help you. There is little point in sending your details to all and sundry.
2. Do not just send your CV to all the consultants in that agency. Apply for a job that is applicable and ring the consultant directly. Some agencies will not put you through to a consultant as they insist on seeing the CV first. You can of course just send in the CV but don’t hold your breath on that return call. Consultants will generally only ring you back if you have suitable experience for the role as per the criteria on the advert or if they know that they will have something suitable coming through.
3. Make sure your CV is comprehensive and easily readable. Some agencies have a template on their website that can help write the “perfect CV”. Again your consultant can assist with this.
4.Send a cover note/letter. Provide some sort of explanation with your CV as to what type of role you are seeking and if you are flexible in doing temporary or contract work.
5.Answer your phone.
6.Keeping in touch. For some strange reason candidates seem to think that consultants will keep them updated on a regular basis as to what is happening with their CV. Not so. Consultants simply do not have the time. Their main concern is to promote you the candidate to the relevant client and to keep on top of that. Emailing your consultant is a great way to find out what is going on and they will have no problem in sending an update if they have it.
7.Believe your consultant – most clients are generally slow to get back on CV’s, interview feedback and outcome. If the consultant had information he would provide it. The general rule is if they are not coming back then the chances are slim of getting any information.
8.Keep a spreadsheet as to where your CV has been sent as clients do not appreciate it if they receive your CV more than once.
9.Initial interview with your consultant. This is usually face to face, sometimes if you are located too far away to attend an interview you will have a telephone interview – all the same questions but just simply on the telephone. Remember to be on time and have whatever documentation to hand if asked e.g. ID, Visa, Green card, Academic transcript, registration number, driving licence, referee details etc. Also the consultant may want to test your abilities. If you are attending an interview in your lunch break find out in advance how long you will be at the agency office otherwise you might get frustrated if you are late returning to work.
10.Preparation for the Client Interview. This is where the consultant can add value. They can give you a good insight as to how the process will work and provide you with typical interview questions. They can work with you to help you “verbalise” your experiences and promote yourself in the best light. You can be really good at your job but it’s funny how we can all fall apart when it comes to being interviewed. A good consultant can help you overcome your fears and give you confidence and belief in your abilities.