Recruitment agencies

Introduction

  • Recruitment agencies are a useful resource when looking for a job.
  • Signing up with an agency doesn’t guarantee work, but the more you sign up with, the more opportunities you are exposed to.
  • Temping through an agency is a useful way to fill work gaps or gain skills.
  • Some agencies are better than others, so ask around for recommendations.

What is a recruitment agency?

A recruitment agency fills vacancies on behalf of an employer. Some recruitment agencies offer a wide range of vacancies locally; others specialise or have branches all over the country (or even in other countries).

Recruitment agencies may specialise by:

  • area of work, for example, IT, nursing or design jobs
  • type of work, such as temporary or permanent
  • level of job, such as unskilled or executive.

Why use a recruitment agency?

Recruitment agencies are a useful resource if you are looking for a new job. They give you access to a range of permanent or temporary opportunities, with an experienced consultant looking for suitable positions for you.

Some recruitment agencies may also give you advice on how to write a CV or prepare for an interview, for example. They may be able to help you brush up on your skills, such as using computer packages, touch-typing or data entry speeds.

Temping through a recruitment agency is useful if you want to work for a short period of time or find out what it is like to work in a particular industry. It may be even lead to a permanent position.

How does a recruitment agency work?

Before you decide to use a recruitment agency, you need to consider what type of work you are looking for. Are you looking for permanent work or something temporary to fill a gap? Have you got a specific area of work in mind or are you quite flexible? Are you looking for work locally or further away?

The answers to these questions will influence the type of recruitment agencies you should focus on.

You can find a list of agencies by searching online or looking in local directories. You should also be able to locate some just by walking down the high street of most town and city centres. Many agencies post current vacancies on their website. Some also advertise specific vacancies in the local press.

If you’d like a recruitment agency to find work for you, you will need to register with them. This involves sending them your CV or filling out an application form. You may then be invited to an interview with the agency. You will be asked about your background and the type of work you are looking for. If relevant, your skills might be tested, for example, in certain computer packages or touch-typing.

The agency may be able to tell you about suitable vacancies they currently have, or they may outline what steps they will take to find a job for you, such as calling around potential employers. Before you are put forward for a vacancy, the agency asks your permission first.

If you secure a temporary role through an agency, you will need to detail the hours you work through weekly timesheets. The recruitment agency pays you and also organises your tax and National Insurance contributions.

If you gain a permanent position through the recruitment agency, you get paid by the employer.

You don’t have to pay to register with a recruitment agency. They make their money by charging the employer for their services.

Things to consider…

  • Always choose an agency with a good reputation. Ask friends or family if they know any. Find out how long the agency has been running and check to see if they are a member of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation.
  • Make sure the agencies you sign up with offer the type of work you are looking for; otherwise, you could be wasting each other’s time.
  • Don’t think that just because you’ve registered with an agency this will guarantee getting work. Some agencies are better than others at finding work for you.
  • Signing up with more than one agency gives you wider access to job opportunities. But if you get offered more than one job, be careful that you don’t let people down.
  • Don’t feel obliged to accept being put forward for a role if it doesn’t feel right. Some agencies work on a commission basis and may not be totally objective.
  • When you go for an interview with an agency, treat it like a normal interview and dress smartly.
  • Keep a record of all the agencies you have visited and registered with. Don’t just rely on them calling or emailing you – visit their website frequently and call them if you’ve not heard from them for a while.
  • Make sure you are easily contactable. If an agency needs to fill a temp role immediately and they can’t get hold of you, they’ll contact somebody else.
  • Recruitment agencies are not careers advisors and are not normally qualified to help you with any career decisions.