Recruitment Agencies make money by selling a unique product (You – The Candidate) to a third-party (the Client Company).  Agencies get a fee from the client company but the service is entirely free to the candidate. There are a huge number of agencies for you to choose from to best represent you on your journey towards a new job – here are a few tips to help you decide.

The Job Boards will point you in the direction of agencies that are advertising jobs that are most suited to your skill-set. Google will assist you in cross-referencing your list – you will find that the more progressive agencies are closer to the top of the list.

The acid test however is when you submit your Brilliant CV to the agency. The response that you receive will tell you a lot about your future relationship with this agency. Do not waste your time calling the agency – if they have not contacted you within say 72 hours, move on – there are plenty more to choose from !

When you do get the call, the good agency will insist on a face-to-face meeting with you – take the time to meet with the agency, because remember, client companies are not interested in candidates unless the agency has met with them first. If the agency tell you that it is not necessary to meet, they are most likely involved in a wall-papering exercise (ie. lashing out un-vetted CV’s to clients) – time to move to an agency that will take the time to comprehensively understand your needs !

When you get to meet the Recruitment Consultant (what an awful word for a simple Recruiter), be friendly but take the time to make sure that this person can best represent your interests. Do not allow yourself to be bullied into going forward for a position that you know in your heart and soul is totally unsuited to you. Demand that your CV is never submitted for a position until you are given all of the details and most importantly until such time as you give your express permission – always insist on written confirmation.

Good Luck with your selection !