In our country, there are many different types of recruitment agency. All of them recruit on behalf of clients, but the area they work in may be different. Some job are at the local level but some also work on a national or international level. Very often, they also specialize in an area of work or have different agents focusing on separate industries.
However, more importantly, these agencies have different reputations. Like any other things in life, some agencies perform better than others. It is a good idea to ask around from your friends and find out what their experiences are been with a particular agency.
Once you have decided which agencies are best for your location and your line of work, sign up with them. When you go there, treat it like an interview, and dress smartly. Get yourself ready for questions on your background and work history. Recruitment agents have many candidates to think about who would be suitable for the roles they have been given by their clients. If you make a good first impression with your recruitment agent, you are more likely to be remembered and considered than if you turn up scruffy and acting like you don't want to be there.
Recruitment agents have many signed up (especially with the current state of the job market) and they can't be expected to remember everybody. This is where a two-way relationship comes in handy. No doubt they are meant to contact you about suitable vacancies, but if you call them up or pop in every one to two weeks, then you are going to get to know the agent, build a relationship and rapport with them and, more importantly, find out about all of those important vacancies you could be applying for.
During your job hunt, always remember to avoid feeling pressured into taking a role that is offered, if it isn't right for you. Agencies work on a commission basis and sometimes their offer of work may not be entirely down to finding the right work for you.
Don't expect any career advice from recruitment agencies. Remember that they are not career advisors. They may give you some hints on your CV, they get to see plenty everyday, but if you are looking for someone to help you with a career change or some interview training, our best bet would be to look for a career advisor. Ask at your local Job centre Plus for some local career advisors where they provide career advice services and can help you with CVs, interviews and access to vacancies.
In summary, the most important thing to remember with agencies, is that it is a two-way relationship. Don't expect anything miracle to happen if you sign up and never contact them again, unless you are the most perfect candidate on the planet. Always keep in touch with them, look at the vacancies on their website, and let them know if there are any vacancies they are handling which you are interested in being considered for.
