CV Tips & Advice - How To Choose Recruitment Agencies

There are certainly plenty to choose from, and recruitment agencies would definitely be on your list if you are job seeking, but with so many out there, and so little precious time to spare, you need to do some homework. Nobody wants to waste time on that all important job search, so be prepared, and you can enjoy a fruitful relationship with your recruiter

If you have found the right role with your agency, they MUST set out clearly:

• The terms and conditions of the work you will do
• The type of work you will do
• How much you will be paid
• How and when you will be paid
• How much notice you will have to give (if any)
• Details of any paid holiday

An agency must not:

• The employer you are working for
• The type of work you will do
• The hours you will work
• How much you will be paid

Agencies must give you all the information they have about:

• Refusing to pay you because they have not been paid by the person you work for
• Charging you for finding or trying to find you work (there are some exceptions, mainly with entertainment and modelling jobs)
• You do not have to use any of the services that an agency charges for, for example training courses and getting help to write your CV.

A good recruitment agency will make sure that you have the skills and qualifications you need for the job. They will also make sure that you are not breaking any laws by doing this work. Some recruiters take the scatter gun approach and send unsuitable candidates for unsuitable jobs in order to meet targets. This is no good for anyone in the long run and can dampen the spirits of the job seeker. REMEMBER it’s quality, not quantity when it comes to interviews and meetings.

They must tell you in writing about any changes to your agreement. When you register with an agency they will ask you for information about yourself so they can find you a suitable placement or job. Information may include proof of your identity (such as your birth certificate or driving licence), your experience and any training or qualifications you have. They will also make sure that you are willing to do the job before putting you in it.

An agency will not give your information to any other organisations unless they are trying to find you work or they need to for legal reasons. They must get your permission before they do this.

There is also YOUR part of the recruiter/seeker bargain to keep. It is important that you think about how you can best work with recruitment agencies. Remember, you are telling them about your skills and they will help you find a job. You are working together.

So, to make the most out of your recruitment agency, make sure you:

• Keep in regular contact with them
• Give them all the information they need, including all your contact details and references are honest
• Keep your CV accurate and up to date
• Tell them if there is a particular type of job you don’t want - be upfront and save time
• Listen to any advice from your consultant about improving your CV, remember they are professionals and they want to help you get a job
• Talk to your agency if they are not finding you work - it may be there are none available so think about other types of work you are willing to do or register with another agency