Ensure you recruit the right agency

10:39am Monday 7th July 2008

RECRUITMENT agencies play a bigger role in helping to fill staff vacancies these days.

If you are on the lookout for a new job then the chances are you will come across recruitment firms sooner or later.

But, as with most services, there are good as well as bad recruitment agencies, and equally as many pitfalls to watch out for when using them.

Some can make job hunters feel more like a number than a person, seeming to be only interested in filling any position so they can move on to the next vacancy, while others work hard to make sure the job they are putting candidates up for are well suited.

Unfortunately, it is difficult to tell on first sight whether an employment agency regards a person as just another customer or as an asset, although there are warning signs to look out for.

Some will go a long way to make job candidates more saleable and employable while others may forget about you if they do not find a position quickly.

The best way to find the recruiter is to research the market and find out which specialise in your area of work.

Asking friends or colleagues for recommendations also helps. Check the agency specialises in the right field - it is no good going to an executive search company when a secretarial position is needed.

Good recruiters will ask what is wanted, rather than stick people in the first available job.

The best will offer training to help brush up on any skills, and actively phone around clients.

Once initial contact is made, they will want you to come in to see them. This is usually less formal than a standard job interview, but present yourself well as it shows professionalism.

If the office is chaotic and full of stressed-out people, rather than busy and professional, and every time you phone them a different person deals with your enquiry, it could be the wrong place.

Good firms will go out of their way to help and boost confidence if you level with them.

If you do not want to commute, then say so. If they offer a job and you later change your mind, they will not appreciate time wasting.

When a good firm is found, give them a while to find you a job before going to somewhere else - they are more likely to try harder if loyalty to them is shown.