How to get the most out of your recruitment agency

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Not all experiences of recruitment consultants are the same, however, and there are huge benefits to be had by using them. According to a recent report conducted by jobsite.co.uk, a quarter of recruitment consultants can actually help to increase a candidate’s starting salary by a substantial amount and 35% of consultants have placed candidates in jobs within a month of registration.

It really comes down to how you choose your recruitment consultant. A good network of contacts in your skill and geographic area is the first consideration, but also consultants need to have the personal touch - an appreciation that candidates are people, not commodities, and that looking for a new role is a big deal for most people and something that can be quite stressful.

For that reason, GR Law makes a point of being available to talk to candidates both in and out of working hours and really ensures that their candidates know how the job seeking market works. Our consultants are willing to explain to candidates how to identify the right recruiters for them and how to use a job board.  Honesty is really important - if our consultants can’t help, they will let the candidate know so that the candidate doesn’t waste time on false hopes.   This type of service really pays off for both parties involved.

Using an agency is far from being a passive way of looking for a new job, getting the most out of working with a recruitment agency requires input from your side too. For this, you should be rewarded with access to industry knowledge, a bank of jobs with great companies that aren’t advertised directly, as well as support in CV writing, interview techniques and other related topics. Not a bad pay-off when you think about it!

Top ten tips for getting the best from your agency.

1. Send an email and follow up with a call – always clearly reference which job you’re interested in or which types of jobs, if you’re not applying for a specific one
2. Keep your CV format simple so that the company can integrate it into their systems easily. Ask for feedback on your CV and follow up on any suggestions to improve it
3. Have a succinct pitch of what skills you have that are marketable and be clear on what types of role you want. However, also be willing to take advice as a good recruiter may suggest roles that you hadn’t thought about and that could be ideal for you
4. Try and establish a rapport with a consultant who will then be happy to vouch for your integrity and professionalism if any of their colleagues or clients are considering you for their roles
5. Be aware of companies you have approached directly and ensure that no duplicate applications are made
6. Be discrete – don’t share the names of a recruiter’s clients with any other recruiters
7. Be available – either via phone or email and respond promptly to any communications. This can sometimes be tricky if you’re still employed elsewhere but let the agency know the best times to contact you and always be available then
8. Do your research before any interviews that the agency arrange for you and deliver a professional interview
9. Call the recruiter after any interviews to give feedback on how you view the opportunity
10. Keep in contact if things change on your side – for example, you have an offer or you’ve decided to change your search profile

In summary, show that you value the service that your recruitment consultant is giving you and be a good ambassador for them whenever they introduce you to one of their clients. If recruiters have doubts about how well you will perform in an interview, they will not introduce you to their client.  GR Law provide a full service approach to their candidates.  We can help you with your interview tips and techniques and be available for advice and guidance when you require it.

Contact Russell Martin, National and International Manager at GR Law for more information 02 9220 4409.