Looking for a new job or employment 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 dont 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 2005 CV Writing
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