How to Get Value from a Recruitment Agency

If you want to discover how to maximise Recruitment Agency value for a more effective and fulfilling job search experience, this article provides some valuable insights.

Candidate experience… currently an infamous topic in the realms of HR and recruitment. And according to much of the reporting in the press, recruitment agencies seem to be taking a hit for offering poor candidate experience, breaking promises and lacking competence.

Whilst we’re not denying that there are some ‘bad apples’, it’s a shame that the negative experiences associated with some agencies seem to discolour the perception of others.

The fact remains; we are a service led industry and are genuinely here to help you (sometimes you just have to let us!).

Job hunting can be a gruelling, frustrating and an incredibly emotional process (particularly in the current market). However, we promise that if you follow our advice, the process will be a whole lot easier, less painful and will positively assist you in your job hunt.

Consider the specifics when selecting your agencies

It’s a wide world and there are many different types of recruitment agencies, so choosing one that’s going to meet your requirements is important. Do your research and seek recommendations from friends / colleagues on the different strengths and capabilities of each to determine who can most effectively meet your needs.

A good agency will be honest with you if they don’t feel fully equipped to assist your job hunt and should point you in the direction of an agency who can, regardless of if they’re a competitor.

Don’t apply for every single job

Thanks to good old applicant tracking systems, candidates who commit the ‘serial job application’ offence stand out a mile off. When applying for a role, make sure you fully meet the specification and have a CV that supports it. Receiving countless unsuitable applications is a big red-flag for Recruiters – it highlights a lack of judgement and is likely to act as a deterrent when agencies consider you for future (potentially relevant) opportunities.

Trust us

There’s nothing we enjoy more than placing great people into great roles. To put it crudely, it’s how we make money, build our reputation and continue to grow as a business – in addition to the warm fuzzy feeling (it never gets old). However, there’s generally only one position and hundreds of applicants. We have to do a serious amount of long-listing and short-listing, so you have to trust that our reasons are sincere if we choose not to submit you for a role.

As you’d expect, our clients come to us with a very specific ‘wish-list’ (quite often that needle in the haystack!), so we have to ensure we tick every box when meeting their search requirements.

Remain within process

Like we said, trusting our decisions when it comes to putting you forward for the ‘right’ opportunities is crucial. After all, we’ve been entrusted by our clients to manage their search because they have faith in our ability to deliver. Going outside our process and directly contacting the employing business will present you in a negative light and raises concerns about your strength as a candidate.

Please don’t be offended

A recruiter’s job is never ending. We often joke that even if we worked every single day of the year, we still wouldn’t be finished! As much as we’d love to call every applicant, the harsh reality is that there just aren’t enough hours in the day. We typically receive over 100 applications per job advert, which means phoning everyone is just simply not possible.

At the very least, we always ensure that our candidates receive an email response with the status of their application and some feedback – which we know can be frustrating and somewhat transactional given the lack of human interaction. In this scenario please don’t be offended, there are just certain occasions where we have to draw the line. Whilst we try not to purely focus on the strength of a CV when checking advert response, this is often all we have to go by, so tailoring it to the job is hugely important.

Stay true to your word

We get that it’s often difficult or too sensitive to discuss new opportunities freely. When you’re already in employment, you never know who’s in earshot of your phone calls and you don’t want to raise suspicion amongst your colleagues or boss. However, if you have arranged a time to speak or meet with your recruitment agency, make sure you honour your commitments. Of course meetings and work challenges crop up, so just give us a ring or an email if your availability changes. Making yourself accessible is key.

Be honest

Recruiters will endeavour to understand your career aspirations, drivers and motivations for securing your next role. Be up front about what you’re really after. If it’s a pay rise then say so, or if you want to move away from people management then tell us. The most frustrating thing is finding out you haven’t been honest about your drivers in the first instance, if and when a job offer comes in.

Let your personality shine

Maintaining a professional stance throughout the recruitment process is essential. But don’t do yourself an injustice by not letting your personality shine through. When sourcing for a role, experience is obviously crucial but a large part of our decision rests on your cultural fit. Make sure you showcase your personality to help us understand the work environment you’d be best suited to.

Build long-term relationships

Forming a long-term relationship with your agency is so valuable. By creating that lasting impression you stand a much greater chance of being selected for the right opportunities based on your experience and cultural fit. Even outside of your active job hunt, keep your agency updated with your career developments, give them the heads up when you start thinking about changing roles and use them to stay abreast of trends and insights into the market.

Concluding thoughts

Navigating the world of agency recruitment can be a challenging but rewarding journey, emphasising the need for trust, communication, and authenticity. Remember, a beneficial relationship with a recruitment agency is built on mutual respect and understanding.

By being discerning in your applications, showcasing your genuine personality, and honouring your commitments, you pave the way for fruitful collaboration.

Staying true to your aspirations, maintaining transparency, and building lasting relationships with your agency can significantly enhance your job-hunting experience. So, as you step into the realm of opportunities with a recruitment agency, bear in mind that this partnership, when managed effectively, can be your gateway to finding the perfect role that aligns with your career goals and aspirations.

Summary

The article discusses the importance of extracting value from a recruitment agency, emphasizing the significance of candidate experience in the HR and recruitment sectors. Despite the negative press some agencies receive, the narrative highlights that many are dedicated to assisting job seekers through the demanding process of job hunting, especially in a challenging market.

It offers practical advice for candidates, such as selecting the right agency, applying judiciously, trusting the agency’s expertise, maintaining professionalism, and building long-term relationships. The piece underscores that a successful partnership with a recruitment agency requires trust, communication, and authenticity, ultimately enhancing the job-hunting experience and helping candidates find roles that align with their career goals and aspirations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I identify a recruitment agency that will truly add value to my job search?

To identify a recruitment agency that will add significant value to your job search, start by conducting thorough research. Look for agencies with strong reputations in your specific industry or field. Recommendations from friends, colleagues, or industry professionals can be particularly insightful. Evaluate the agency’s track record, the feedback from other candidates, and their success rates in placing candidates in roles similar to what you’re seeking. An agency that is transparent, communicates effectively, and shows a genuine interest in understanding your career goals and aspirations is likely to provide the most value.

What are the best practices for interacting with recruitment agencies to ensure a positive outcome?

When interacting with recruitment agencies, it’s crucial to be honest and clear about your career aspirations, experiences, and the type of roles you are interested in. Tailor your CV and application to reflect the role you are applying for, demonstrating how your skills and experience make you a suitable candidate. Trust the agency’s process and feedback, even if it means being patient for the right opportunity. Maintaining professionalism and being responsive to communication from the agency will also help establish a positive and productive relationship.

How can building a long-term relationship with a recruitment agency benefit my career in the long run?

Building a long-term relationship with a recruitment agency can significantly benefit your career. Such a relationship means the agency will have a deep understanding of your career aspirations, strengths, and preferences. This insight allows them to identify and recommend opportunities that are closely aligned with your career goals and aspirations, sometimes even before these roles are advertised. Moreover, agencies often have long-standing relationships with employers, which can give you an advantage in the job market. Staying in touch with your agency, even when you’re not actively looking for a new role, can keep you informed about market trends and potential opportunities that could advance your career.