The Essential Guide to Using a Recruitment Agency
Looking for a new job can seem like daunting task. One effective
method is to use a recruitment agency to help you. Recruitment
agencies often have a great range of permanent and temporary
jobs covering all industry sectors. They often have a selection
of unadvertised jobs, as many employers will use an agency to do
the work rather than advertise the vacancy themselves. If you do
your homework carefully it can be quite a painless and mutually
beneficial approach.
The first thing you should consider, well before contacting a
recruitment agency, is your CV. It is always good practice to
have your CV up to date and available. If you don't yet have a
CV you should write one as soon as possible. Do not expect the
recruitment agency to write a CV for you. Check that it is well
laid out and easy for the recruiter to read. CV writing can be
difficult so consider using an online service or CV builder.
These can prove to be a low cost and easy method of writing a CV
in the style recruiters like to see.
Once you have your CV then the task of contacting the agencies
should begin.
Which agencies should I choose? - There are quite a large number
of recruitment agencies out there, all offering a range of
services. You should be selective. Draw up a list of questions
in advance that you can ask the consultant right at the start.
You need to make sure that;
They understand your industry. They understand your current job.
They understand what you are looking for. They have good
contacts within your industry. They will be proactive in finding
you a job They can advise you on what salary and benefits to
expect
Overall, make sure that you feel comfortable with the agency you
have chosen, as they will be dealing with your personal details.
Will they charge me? - It is illegal for an agency to charge you
for finding a position. The employer for whom they are
recruiting pays the costs. The agency can however charge for
additional services.
How many agencies should I use? - It really is up to you but for
best results it is often better to register with a few
specialist agencies. If you use a large number of agencies you
may find that they all send your CV to the same employers.
What is their CV policy? - Make sure that the agency is going to
work for you and not just send your CV to employers without
understanding your requirements. Most reputable agencies will
have a definite policy on this. Make sure they understand that
YOU decide which employers should receive your CV.
Any Candidate testimonials? - This is to ensure that you have
chosen the right agency. Ask for evidence of satisfied
candidates and clients in the industry. This will also give you
an idea of how experienced the agency and their consultants are
in your chosen field.
Are there any trade bodies? - A number of agencies are members
of the REC (Recruitment and Employment Confederation) that
represents the recruitment industry within the UK. You should
confirm that the agency is a member and conforms to the REC code
of conduct.
Finally, recruitment agencies are in business to make a profit
by placing candidates. You need to make it easy for them to sell
you. You should remain in control and avoid being talked into
taking unsuitable jobs. It is always a good idea to build a
relationship and keep regular contact with an agency.
E & O E - Copyright 2006 <a href="http://cvwriting.net">CV
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