Choosing the Right Recruitment Agency
Finding a job isn’t easy. It takes time. You have to hunt for the right jobs and the right openings, fill out applications, and fine-tune your CV and interviewing skills. Even after all of the time and effort invested, you may still struggle to capture the attention of recruiters. So how can you get past the first steps of the job search process?
A recruitment agency could help. If you work with a recruitment agency, you could have guidance and help in your job search. A recruitment agency can help you stand out as an applicant. More importantly, a recruitment agency could assist you in finding the perfect position.
What Is a Recruitment Agency?
A recruitment agency is designed to help job seekers fill roles within companies. They work to match potential candidates with vacancies at all types of employers.
Recruitment agencies are kind of like the middleman when it comes to the hiring process. They work to streamline both sides – helping both the jobseeker and the hiring company. Their work includes:
- Connecting with companies looking to fill openings and vacancies;
- Finding matching candidates within their database of available job seekers;
- Posting job openings online;
- Screening candidates and arranging interviews, and;
- Preparing candidates for the interview process.
Essentially, as a job seeker, you’ll rely on a recruitment agency to walk you through the application process. You’ll work with a recruiter who sets up interviews for job openings. Additionally, said recruiter will help you present yourself as a strong candidate.1
Types of Recruitment Agencies
There are different types of recruitment agencies for various jobs and industries. Because some types of work and industries require more specialized skills, a recruitment agency that’s also specialized can be beneficial.
You’ll find that there are four primary types of recruitment agencies:
- Temp Agency: Fills openings for temporary workers across a variety of industries. A temp agency can help you find a job for contract work or short-term work that lasts just a few months.
- Contingency Agency: Most of the recruitment agencies in the UK are contingency agencies. This means they only get paid when you get hired. These types of agencies work on the job seeker’s behalf above all else.
- Retained Recruitment Agency: These types of agencies work primarily with executive and senior job openings. They’re hired to source more specialized, high-level candidates, almost like headhunters.
- Niche Agency: A niche, or specialist, agency only seeks out job hunters in certain industries. They look for candidates who have specialized skills or experience. They often focus on sectors like engineering, finance, or IT.
Based on the types of jobs you’re looking for, consider working with a particular type of recruitment agency. Partnering with the right agency can help you meet the requirements for more openings and increase your chances of getting hired.2
The Benefits of Working with a Recruitment Agency
For job seekers, there are plenty of benefits that come from working with a recruitment agency. A recruitment agency could be exactly the helping hand you need to find the perfect job. Even better, it could speed up your job search, making it more efficient and effective.
The following are just some of the many benefits you’ll get when you choose a recruitment agency.
Free Job Search Help
Recruitment agencies are free for job seekers. That means you can get expert help and insight – directly from a company that’s involved in the hiring process – when applying for jobs.
A recruiter only gets paid if they manage to successfully place you in a job. So, they’ll work on your behalf to match you with the right roles.
A Recruiter Acts as Your Spokesperson
When you apply for a job on your own, you’re just one out of hundreds of applicants. That means your excellent CV and years of experience can get lost in the shuffle.
However, when you work with a recruitment agency, you’ll have a recruiter on your team who’s acting as your spokesperson. That recruiter will let you know where you’re a viable candidate and tell you what you need to do in order to meet the hiring company’s needs. More importantly, the recruiter can help you secure an interview and get your CV before a hiring manager’s eyes.3
Free Job Search Tools and Training
In order to help you stand out from the crowd of applicants, a recruiting agency will help you polish your CV and yourself.
An agency will help you prepare for interviews, answer your questions, and discuss things like salary and benefits. They’ll refine and perfect your CV. They’ll coach you on what’s needed to meet the requirements or needs of any job opening.4
How to Choose the Right Recruitment Agency for Your Job Search
Are you ready to enlist the expert help of a recruitment agency in your job search? It’s a smart move. Using a recruitment agency can give you the boost you need to secure interviews and get farther along in the hiring process.
Of course, you’ll want to choose the recruitment agency that you work with carefully. It’s important to ensure your agency is hiring in your industry and that they’re looking for job seekers for positions you’re interested in.
To find the right agency, you’ll need to do a bit of research. Search online to find recruitment agencies in your local area. Then, you can compare different agencies, assess what they offer, and determine what they might be able to do for you.