How To Get The Job You Really
Really Want - Where To Find Jobs - What To Ask An Agency
The following could be helpful in assessing possible
agencies;-
1. Ask your
colleagues (care if asking existing colleagues – for obvious
reasons) or other people in your industry who they have
used successfully in the past.
2. When looking at the recruitment press and trade
journals look to see how the agency presents its public image.
3. Visit the agents you are thinking of using. They
should be happy for you to visit them at their offices. Check out
the offices and the general helpfulness of the staff there.
4. Ask the agency the following questions;-
-
When were they
established?
-
What qualifications do
the consultants have to deal with your application?
-
Who set up the business
and what is her/her background?
-
What type of clients do
they deal with?
-
Do they offer full
testing and screening facilities?
-
Do they take up
references?
-
How do they submit your
details?
-
Do they check with you
before submitting your CV? (Remember what I said about this
one).
-
Do they have an equal
opportunities policy?
-
How are their consultants
trained?
-
What fees with they
charge the client for your placement? (Not all agencies will
reveal this information, some may take the attitude it is a
matter between agency and client. I do have a certain sympathy
for that point of view, however, many agencies will be happy to
let you know - worth asking).
-
Are they a member of the
REC and do they adhere to the code of conduct?
Reputable agencies will be happy to answer most, if
not all, of these questions.
It is up to you to judge from their answers, the agency's
suitability to your cause and their level of professionalism. If
you feel these answers have been given openly, honestly and freely,
you probably have an agency that will be able to help you.
Even today, though, it is a fact that less than
15% of all permanent jobs are found through agencies. So the
agency is only to be used as another tool in your search. What you
really need to do is to mix and match the methods available
for maximum market coverage. This is what
will lead to a speedy result for you.
Just as a note here, for temporary assignments
nearly 80% of placements are made through agencies. So if you
have decided on the life of a temp or contractor, use the above to
find a number of agencies that suit your needs well. In this
instance you will be in regular contact with agents, and it is
preferable to have a good working understanding and relationship
from the word go.
Whilst we are
on the subject of agencies, there are a couple of specialist types
of agency that I need to cover.
Next Page -
Head Hunters /
Executive Search
|
