1. Find a relevant agency

It is important to identify agencies that specialise in recruiting in your field. No point registering with financial and accountancy specialists when you work in sales. One way to identify relevant agencies is by searching on job boards and this will show you what agencies have jobs suitable for you. Another way is to ask people in your field eg ex-colleagues or friends on which agencies they have used successfully in the past.

2. Spread the net but not too wide 

Only register with agencies that are advertising relevant and interesting jobs. Go with 4 or 5 agencies maximum. You don’t want register with too many because there will be overlap and confusion with agencies putting you forward to the same job and this doesn’t look good to the employer. It is better to be selective.

3. Build a relationship with the recruiter 

Ideally meet your consultant. If this is not possible at least stay in touch but don’t stalk. Staying in touch shows that you are still available for work making life easier for the consultant.  

4. Write a compelling CV

Your job when writing a CV is to make it as easy as possible for the agency to see how relevant you are to the job.  Recruitment consultants receive hundreds of CVs in their inbox and scan through them making quick yes/no decisions.  Tailor your CV to contain the key words relating to the job. Plus in your covering e-mail write 3 bullets point explaining why you think you are a match to the role. Anything to make the recruiters job easier!  

5. Know what you want  

Be clear about what you want. Recruitment consultants do not offer career advice. They place people in jobs and do not help them decide what career path they should choose. With this in mind be careful what advice you get from consultants as they have an agenda and a job to fill - how impartial is their advice.

6. Manage your expectation

Recruitment agencies provide you with a free service so you should expect what you pay for. The biggest complaints from jobseekers about agencies revolve around the service level BUT jobseekers do not pay.  Expect nothing so anything more than this is a bonus.

By Fiona Biggins, Career Coach and Career Preparation Expert

Contact - fiona@figuringout.co.uk

Copyright 2009