Recruitment agencies are independent companies that specialise in matching the skills and experience of candidates with the hiring requirements of organisations. Recruitment companies can function on a local, national and international scale and can be specialist or general in the way in which they operate.
The most basic service offered by recruitment agencies is to match your skills and qualifications to the most suitable vacancies that arise. The usual process is that you will send in your CV to the agency, who will identify possible roles for you and then contact you for approval before putting you forward for each vacancy. The agency will then co-ordinate the interview process and provide feedback from the client about the outcome of each interview.
Some agencies offer additional complementary services in order to ensure a seamless transition between jobs for the applicants they put forward. Due to the nature of the industries in which NES operates, overseas placements are inevitable, so a number of value added services, such as visa assistance and the arrangement of medicals, accommodation and transportation when relocating, have been initiated to help in such circumstances.
The services offered by an agency are free to candidates that register. Sometimes people misunderstand the ways in which recruitment agencies operate, believing that a deduction will be made from the amount they earn as an employee. In fact, this is not the case, as the way in which an agency generates profit is by charging its client a percentage of the candidate’s salary or rate - as a separate amount.
Reputable recruitment agencies will take time in understanding your requirements and ensure that the types of positions you are interested in are the only ones they contact you about. Reputable agencies should be REC (Recruitment and Employment Confederation) registered and ISO accredited. Being registered with an approved agency will also give you a reputable edge with clients as the relationship between the two can contribute towards a client’s perception of you.
There are a large number of recruitment agencies that exist, some concentrating solely on web-based methods with others providing offices with recruitment consultants available on hand for your support. The best way to find an agency to suit your needs is to look at the industry sectors they specialise in and the geographical regions their jobs cover. Registering with more than one agency is an option, but limit this number to no more than a hand full, as clients that are also registered with more than one agency may receive your CV more than once for a vacancy, which will make you appear indiscriminate.
As recruitment agencies provide varying levels of service, it is best to do some research into the best agency in your field before registering to make sure they can match your expectations. The Internet is a fantastic resource to use to do some initial research of the types of recruitment agencies that fit your needs and gives you access to their websites, which should give you more information about the services they can offer you. Registering with an agency’s website often means you can sign up for email alerts that will inform you of current job vacancies, specific to your requirements, as soon as they arise.
Recruiters often have contacts with a large number of clients who choose not to advertise their vacancies publicly, widening the pool of vacancies to job seekers. Many candidates conduct what is known as a traditional job search, where they scan the job pages of local newspapers, apply for positions and wait for a response. However, this approach might result in you missing as many as 75% of all possible jobs (the invisible jobs market). Agencies also increase the efficiency of job seeking by giving you more time to pursue other tasks, as they search for your next career move.
Good employment agencies will have an excellent understanding of their local markets and major players within the sector. Inside information about clients’ additional expectations of a candidate, rather than basic company and job description requirements can be accessed. Agencies can also give you an accurate understanding of what salary you can expect, according to your experience and the area you wish to work in.
The option to work overseas can prove more viable through an agency. With previous experience of placing many candidates in worldwide destinations, you are given all the necessary details relating to that area. Additionally, accommodation, visa, medicals and transportation arrangements can usually be arranged on your behalf.
As well as gaining access to a database containing vast number of client details agencies will offer career advice, ranging from CV writing to interview techniques. Feedback on your progress in the job search is also given to offer improvements for future employment opportunities.
Agency payment schemes can vary depending on the agency you are with or the type of work you are carrying out. Weekly, fortnightly, monthly and less regular payment methods are used but the most modern way of paying candidates is emphasised by a monthly pay scheme. This is inline with the most common method of payment for permanent members of staff.
The use of a recruitment agency can greatly increase the prospects of achieving a desirable career. With their in depth knowledge, experience and expertise finding your next career step will not be far away.
