Ace Personnel

How to Utilise Recruitment Agencies

Recruitment agencies thrive on individuals like us, seeking better jobs day-in, day-out. In a cyclical world we need each other, but it is in our best interests to get the most out of them. After all, they are getting a hefty reward for connecting us with employers. Recruitment consultants are indeed specialists in head hunting those jobs that we would otherwise be unable to locate, but it is important not to fully rely on them as your own personal enroller. You won’t be the only one seeking their help, as there will typically be dozens of eligible candidates all chasing after similar jobs as you. Recruitment consultants are the intermediary between you and the firm that is employing, so they are responsible for finding “suitable” candidates, and sending the best one(s) to the firm that is contracting them.

Recruitment agencies do not come in short supply. There is an abundance of agencies all head-hunting for employed and unemployed individuals seeking jobs. Though this may seem like a good thing, it isn’t always. The reason being is because some agencies specialise in certain professions and employment fields, whilst others float around in a broad market of a diverse field of jobs. So it’s essential that you simplify your objectives and in this way help them help you. Thus, for example, if you are seeking a specialist occupation in neuroscience research, then your best bet would be to enlist in a recruitment agency that connects employees with science & technology companies. So do a bit of background research and refine your choices and select from a range of ‘niche’ recruitment agencies that cater to field of work.

However tempting it may be, it is imperative that you maintain honesty and avoid the temptation to over-inflate your resume, such that it sends a false picture of your capabilities and experience. This is not ideal in two ways. Firstly, when or if your consultant finds out, they will not be impressed and may even cross you off their list of eligible candidates. They may even choose not to work with you as it may harm their reputation. Secondly, it won’t do you any favors should you happen to get that interview, as the interview panel are more than likely to spot the exaggeration and this will ultimately result in a rejection of your application by the firm concerned and also the recruitment agency. Also bear in mind, that since many of these recruitment agencies work together, it could have a ripple effect on your ability to find work with other agencies as well. If you are looking to make a career leap be honest with the agency and talk to them about why you think this is plausible, do not suggest that you have done it already.

Upon approach, always stay sharp with recruitment consultants. Maintain a high level of professionalism, that is to say present yourself appropriately, dress smartly, and remember at all times that they are interviewing and judging you. They should in fact be taken just as serious as you would with a ‘real’ job interview. The whole purpose is to show them that you are a credible candidate and ready to take on a new job. Do not delay the schedule and never show any lack of enthusiasm. Taking this sort of approach towards an agency will spark a healthy relationship between you and your recruitment consultant, giving them the idea that you are indeed determined and truly desire to find that perfect job.