It isn’t always easy to find a job.
Are you not sure how recruitment agencies work? Here are a couple of useful tips and a quick guide from Stopgap to help you get started with the process.
What are Recruitment Agencies?
A recruitment agency matches job vacancies with candidates and works directly with companies to get their positions filled.
Their consultants look for new opportunities, optimise and edit CVs, and offer tips to assist candidates with preparing for their interviews. They essentially streamline the entire job-seeking process.
How Recruitment Agencies Work
There are several different ways that recruitment agencies work. A company will initially contact them with a role they need to fill. Then the recruitment agency will either:
- Search their current database to look for matching candidates for the position;
- Post the role online to find applicants who have the right skills;
- After sourcing suitable candidates, they will be sent to the company to be approved, and make arrangements for interviews with the candidates that match the role the best.
How Can I Sign up with a Recruitment Agency?
Numerous agencies will allow you to come directly into their offices and sign up for jobs.
However, it is a good idea to call ahead and make an appointment to make sure they have positions that are available in your field. It is also good to remember that not all agencies have a traditional storefront, so you will need to pre-arrange your meetings.
What is the Process for Applying for Jobs through a Recruitment Agency?
Your recruitment consultant acts as a middle man between the recruiter and you. They will send out your CV and put your name out for interviews.
What Benefits can you Enjoy when you Use a Recruitment Agency?
There are many advantages associated with finding a job via a recruitment agency; first of all, they will often have developed good relationships with many of the leading employers and give you exclusive access to many jobs. They will also forward you for jobs that you would not have heard about otherwise.
The following are some of the other benefits you can enjoy when you use a recruitment agency:
- Advice on your CV and cover letter;
- Expert coaching for interviews;
- Specialist advice on your specific field;
- Constructive feedback from every employer and interview;
- Put forward for all open relevant roles.
What if I See a Job that a Recruitment Agency is Advertising?
Many recruitment agency vacancies are posted online.
Anyone can apply for those positions. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean this will result in you signing up with the agency. Although they will be advertising roles where you work for other companies, often they will not reveal the name of the company until you get to the interview stage of the process.
How Much Does it Cost to Use a Recruitment Agency?
A recruitment agency should never charge you to use it. The employers pay the agencies and consultants a fee based on whether or not you successfully start the job. Individuals should never have to make payments.
What Occurs after I Land a Job?
After you have secured a job, the involvement of your recruitment agency does not end. They will handle the paperwork and any other formalities, as well as coordinate with your new employer to ensure everything is ready for your first day of work and beyond. They even can negotiate your salary on your behalf and ensure you receive the best available package.
It is in the agency’s best interest to ensure they find the best role for you – and make it as easy as possible o apply and help you get started.
It can be a very lonely process looking for a job. However, when you work with a recruitment agency, it is a much easier and less lonely experience.