Want to ensure that you’re getting the best from a recruitment agency? We provide 10 top tips to make sure you do.
Want to make your search for a new job as simple and successful as possible? Then teaming up with a full service recruitment agency like Anne Corder Recruitment (ACR) could be just the ticket.
Working in partnership with a recruitment agency that has a wealth of expert experience gained over more than 25 years means you will benefit from their connections and knowledge and will be professionally guided through every step of the recruitment process.
However, we know that it can sometimes seem confusing knowing how to work with a recruitment agency, so below we outline 10 top tips to enable you to get the most out of your experience.
1. Do Your Research
Firstly, make sure you research the recruitment agency thoroughly before committing to using their services. Check to see what previous clients and candidates have said about them and what the quality of their service is like. Ask colleagues who may have used them in the past and read their independent reviews on sites like Google and on social media.
And if you can, have a face-to-face meeting with them either online or in person. This will help you understand whether they share your values and are a good fit for you, as well as give them the opportunity to find out much more about you than simply what is included in your CV.
2. Be clear about what you want
Make sure the recruitment agency understands what you’re looking for in your next job, including your salary expectations, desired location, and job requirements.
But don’t worry if you’re still thinking about some of these details, as good quality agencies can help you clarify these, as well as highlight opportunities that are perfect for someone with your skills and experience.
Of course, it’s vitally important that you’re honest and transparent about your aspirations, as well as your past work history, with the recruitment agency. Don’t be concerned about telling them about any gaps in your career history, or even about any negative experiences or situations you’ve had in previous positions. By knowing the whole story, the agency will be better placed to help you, as well as understand how you’ve turned that experience or situation into a positive. This can be invaluable when they look to find you the perfect position with the perfect company.
3. Communicate regularly
Keep in touch with your recruiter regularly and be responsive to their calls and emails. This will help to build a good relationship and ensure you’re kept up-to-date on new job opportunities. Treat them as a friend not a foe, understanding that they are working hard to find you your next position and are interested in developing a long-term relationship with you throughout your career.
4. Provide detailed information
Give the recruitment agency as much information as possible about your skills, experience, and achievements. This will help them to match you with the right job opportunities.
Also be sure to provide them with a copy of your CV in Word format as this is far easier for them to use and extract key information from than a PDF or a version that has a creative design.
And don’t forget to make sure it includes your contact details and qualifications so that the agency can market you effectively to businesses in the right locations.
5. Utilise the recruitment agency for interview preparation
Be prepared for any potential job interviews or assessments by utilising the experience and knowledge of the recruitment agency. They know and understand their clients and what they want to see at an interview, and will have extensive experience when it comes to interview techniques. Even the best interviewees can improve or learn something new, so utilise your recruiter and soak up all the added value information they have for you.
And make sure you research the company that you’ve applied to work for, and come up with some questions that you can ask during an interview, running these past the agency beforehand in your interview preparation.
6. Follow up after interviews
After having an interview, follow up with the recruiter to tell them how you feel it went and pass on any feedback you may have. The agency will want to hear from you before speaking to the client and will be happy to raise any questions or comments you have for them.
Remember high quality recruitment agencies want to match the right candidates with the right companies, so receiving your feedback is vitally important to them as it also helps them refine the positions and companies right for you.
7. Be flexible
Be open to considering job opportunities that an agency thinks would be great for you but may not be exactly what you’re looking for. Try to keep an open mind and be prepared to consider roles outside of your initial job search parameters. You may find you have suitable skills for other industries or positions that you weren’t considering. And you may be surprised to find that you enjoy a job that you didn’t think you would.
8. Be open to constructive feedback
Be willing to consider constructive feedback from your recruiter on how you can improve your job search strategy. Don’t be defensive, but instead take the feedback as it is intended – to help you improve and get the job you want. Likewise, if you receive feedback from an employer, treat this like gold dust and use it as an opportunity to improve your skills or presentation.
9. Negotiate
Before accepting any job offer, discuss with the agency if it is possible to negotiate on salary, benefits, and other conditions. Full service recruitment agencies will usually be willing to help you to get the best possible outcome from negotiations and will often negotiate on your behalf with the employer.
10. Stay positive
Job searching can be stressful but try to stay positive and focused on your goals. Remember that experienced recruitment agencies will understand how you’re feeling and will keep you informed throughout the recruitment process.
It may take a little time to find the perfect position but with the right approach and the right recruitment agency, you’ll greatly accelerate and enhance your chances of finding that perfect next job.
