Job Search Tips

Why aren't I getting a service from recruitment agencies?

It’s important to remember that recruitment consultancies are not public service companies. They are businesses focused on identifying people who meet their clients’ staffing requirements.

With this in mind, it’s clear to see why they simply cannot spend time offering CV writing services to candidates who do not appear to meet their clients' requirements. Your current CV may not make your suitability clear to them - others do.

Recruitment consultants might only represent 20% of the candidates who register with them – your CV must set you apart from the crowd.

How is your attitude towards recruitment agencies?

This might sound so obvious it's hardly worth mentioning, but you would be amazed at how many candidates attend an interview with a recruitment consultant with a very negative attitude towards them. Many turn up in casual attire, smoke and drink given the opportunity or generally take the 'you just want to make money out of me, so cut to the chase and get me a job' stance.

This is gobsmacking given that these are the people who you are relying on to save you the legwork of seeking out your own career opportunities. Perhaps even more importantly, these are the people who potential employers are relying on to minimise their own wasted time in seeking out the best job seekers. You need to ensure you treat every interview with a consultant as you would a potential employer.

Agencies will only present to their clients the best candidates with the most positive attitudes - this group of candidates are the select few who agencies will continue to work hard for until they secure their placement.

Should I also apply to companies directly?

As long as you ensure there is no duplication of work by you and an agent working on your behalf, our advice would always be YES! To rely purely on others to drive your job search is a dangerous game, especially as you can never be sure just how proactive they are until you are lined up with interviews.
Make sure you keep track of any direct applications you make yourself so that you can inform recruitment agencies and avoid any conflict problems later on.

Do your research and seek out companies which could benefit from your expertise! The internet is a powerful tool for your job search. Don't be afraid to approach companies who have no advertised vacancies - many only recruit when they come across the ideal candidates.

Make sure your CV and covering letter is fully tailored to the company of interest. You can find lots of clues to a company's culture and values on its website, and you need your CV to convey a good match (if there is one).

Finally, if you see a vacancy advertisement requesting direct applications from candidates, do not be persuaded to allow an agent to represent you unless they had previously discussed the role with you. Many companies will not pay a recruitment fee if they have paid for an advert, so your agency-headed CV may be rejected. Send your own professionally written CV instead.

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