subject: Learn How To Use Recruitment Agencies [print this page] Recruitment agencies can help with your job search, and they should become another of the indispensable tools in your arsenal. Finding a good agency is easy. You can begin by searching online in the hundreds of directories or databases. Your search should be focused or targeted toward your desired location or industry, or then desired job category, or job level.
Recruitment agencies may sometimes specialize in working in specific categories, and to make your search efficient, you need to be looking for the ones can help you. Another important weapon in your job-searching, that is networking, should be able to put you in contact with members of any professional organizations, within your targeted area of work. These contacts should help you find good recruiters or agents in your area.
After generating a list of recruitment agencies, you will need to contact them. The reason for contacting them is not only the ultimate purpose of helping to market your skills, but you wish to know if they are really able to help you. This could be the start of a significant business relationship, and there are some things that you would need to know to determine the course of the relationship.
A relationship is always a two-way street, and your agent should also be interested in you as a person. Some time should be spent on getting to know each other. Professional empathy would be appreciated.
You can ask your agent how long he or she has been with the company, and how your resume is presented to prospective employers. You should also ask for, and check references from others who have used the services. You should feel comfortable with any of the recruitment agencies you use, as well as the agent. There should be a comfortable fit between personality and style, and that of your own.
A few important questions you can ask are:
If the agency has any clients that are looking for people with your background?
Recruiters may sometimes distribute your resume, but it should be done in a manner in which you are both comfortable, and you should ask how it is done.
You can also ask how many people with similar backgrounds they have placed in last few months.
A recruiter is another important tool in your job-search. There are no guarantees that he or she will help you to land a job. Effective job-search demands constant related activities, that include networking, and developing relationships, and you should be in regular contact with your agent to let him or know that you are involved in other activities.
One of the keys to developing long-lasting relationships is following up, and there should be regular communication between you and your agent. There are several ways that you can follow up, and you should keep all contact information current. The frequency of the follow-up will depend on your activities, and you should be actively involved in your job-search.
Being comfortable with the interaction between you and your agent, and being satisfied with responses and the rapport throughout the process, would indicate that the recruiter is someone with whom you can build a trusting relationship.
Employers can make use of some of the services provided by recruitment agencies to find suitable employees. Job seekers may also find that recruitment agencies can be of great help in the job search.
