Working with Recruitment Agencies - Top 10 Essentials

Recruitment agencies can be your best friend, or your worst nightmare.

Sadly, there are too many recruitment consultants who are renown for providing poor customer service with a lack of career understanding and career advice.

But dig hard, and you will soon find a recruiter that really believes in their business. These consultants are like gold dust, so if you know one, treat them well and keep them on your side as they'll form an integral part of your networking devices.

So why is it that the customer service side of recruitment is lacking?

Well it's fair to say that most recruiters act on behalf of the businesses they are partnering with, not on behalf of you. It's nothing personal, it's just this is where they achieve their revenue.

However, it's also fair to say that a candidate today, could be thir client tomorrow, and like most of us, when we are treated correctly, we will probably remember, but treated badly, we will never forget!

So here's a few helpful hints to get you on your way...

Always keep a record of job references that you apply to and ensure you can quote this when you call. Some agencies will have more than 10 positions listed under the same title, so without a reference number, you could find yourself in an uncomfortable situation.
When you call an agency, make sure you can speak openly. Recruiters become increasingly frustrated by telephone enquires that result in the caller suddenly saying "I'll need to call you back".
Don't harass the recruiter. Be polite and understand that they may not be able to devote a 15 minute conversation to every caller not talk about or provide extensive career advice to everyone
Don't give out too much information if you feel uncomfortable. Some recruiters are trained to gain market information from you, which may not always be of benefit to yourself
Haven't received a call back after you left a message? This is a common problem so don't take it personally. Just keep on trying.
Never call and ask... "can you tell me who the company is?" - it's just not going to happen
Before you even consider applying, think about how you are going to attend interviews? The recruitment process can take up to 4 interviews with the agency and business, so make sure you come onto the market at a time when you can be flexible to attend interviews
Treat an agency interview as if it's a business interview. Don't turn up late (unless you have called them before), and don't turn up with the family and friends, and with 6 bags of shopping in your hand
It's not all about them - make sure you get enough information to ensure you can make a qualified decision on whether you will be interested in the vacancy.
Don't send your resume off to 100 agencies and expect any results. Target your career correctly and you will see much more results.

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