Top 5 - Why job-seekers use recruitment agencies

Searching for a new job can be a daunting and frustrating experience. Very often job-seekers are not sure which companies to approach, and have to rely on advertisements placed by companies in order to know who is hiring.

The job application process doesn't get any easier once you have spotted a company you want to approach. Often ads only give generic contact details, with no name that you can follow up or acknowledgement that your application has been received or viewed by the right person.

This is where a recruitment agency can help!

Top 5 reasons job-seekers use agencies:

• Job-hunting takes time - and lots of it! Researching which companies to approach, looking through papers and websites for vacancies, and crafting letters of introduction. A recruitment agency will spend time establishing your needs, and then be able to approach ALL relevant companies and vacancies on your behalf very quickly and efficiently.
• Recruitment agencies provide advice - they help with CV writing, interviewing techniques, relocation, and a host of other areas.
• Agencies have inside info! They have relationships with all the companies in your industry sector, and can not only advise about who is hiring / who has projects in your sector, but also what a particular company or manager wants, likes, and (sometimes more importantly) hates!
• Agencies also have inside info on salary. They know what salaries that company has paid before, and how much is available for your role. They can act as a mediator for you when negotiating salaries and make sure you get the best rate possible.
• Their services are free for you!
  

Of course you need to find the RIGHT agency, and the right recruiter to suit you. Keep an eye out for agencies that specialise in your industry sector, and speak to any potential recruiters thoroughly to make sure that you have that rapport and that you're comfortable with that person representing you. A good recruiter will always be happy to answer any questions you may have about their own experience and also about the general market in your industry.

Good luck, and happy job-hunting!