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Career Basics Lesson #7 - Using recruitment consultancies
There is no question that you are considerably more likely to obtain your job through a recruitment firm. Indeed if you are thinking of putting yourself on the market you would be almost insane not to engage with at least one or two agencies. After all, it doesn't cost you anything.
1. Which consultancies to contact?
You only have to look at The Appointment's online recruitment consultancy directory to see that there are dozens out there but it's vital to pick carefully. If a friend or colleague can recommend one, that's great. Failing that, check the consultancies' websites to get a better idea.
Things to look out for include client roster (do they work with companies for which you'd like to work?), quality accreditations such as Investors in People or ISO9002 which indicate quality of internal procedure and overall professional feel of the site - would you trust these people with your CV?
Meet with a few likely companies and then go with those who treat you with real professionalism - face-to-face interviews, no cheesy pitches or wild promises.
2. How many should I use?
It is prudent to use one or two consultancies, but don't chuck your CV at everyone. If your CV ends up on the same recruiter's desk from six different consultancies you'll look desperate.
Using multiple consultancies will also deny you the chance to build rapport and loyalty with a consultant - they're less likely to go that extra mile on your behalf if you're working with all of their competitors too. Overall you need to trust the people you work with and they need to trust you so be upfront about any other consultancies you're using.
3. Professional interview etiquette
From the moment you step into a recruiter's office your suitability as a place-able candidate is under scrutiny. Your manners, how you dress, your level of preparation and your professional etiquette are being assessed as well as your skills and experience. When a consultant puts your name forward for a job they are putting their reputation on the line so they need to know you're right. Treat the interview as if it were the employer of your dreams asking the questions and, of course, do not complain about your current position.
Cheesy pitches: just say no!
4. Stay on top of the process
It's up to you to drive the recruitment process and make sure you're in control of it. This includes making sure your CV isn't sent to any companies without your consent as well as agreeing timescales for when your consultant should get back in touch. If they fail to meet agreed targets, complain. If nothing is done, walk.
5. Be realistic
Recruitment consultants cannot simply magic you a job out of nowhere. No reputable consultancy would ever promise to find you a job. They work on vacancies determined by their clients and if your profile doesn't fit the job requirements there's not a lot they can do - in the short-term at least.
6. Never stand them up
Failing to turn up to a client interview or assessment centre arranged by your consultant is a huge no-no. It is the fastest way, short of physical abuse, to alienate/aggravate both the client company and your consultant. It wastes the client's time and damages their relationship with the consultancy. What's more your unreliability will be attached to your digital record with both firms. So barring genuine emergencies or disasters make sure you turn up to any meetings arranged by your consultant.
7. Take their advice
Consultants want you to be right for the jobs they're working on for clients - they get a nice wedge of commission for placements. As such if they offer you advice about how to improve your chances of landing a job - listen to them! If they tell you to visit some stores before the interview, visit some stores. If they suggest you learn as much as you can about the client's competitors, do it. Finally, and more importantly, if they advise you on why you weren't selected for a job - listen to them! Don't get bolshy or defensive, it was not they who turned you down and they'll be gutted too. Moreover if you can learn from your mistakes so you're better prepared next time around it will have been a worthwhile process...and chances are you'll end up with a new job.
