Recruitment consultants - a definitive guide
Using a specialist recruitment agency can save you time and provide you with exposure to a greater range of marketing and sales jobs.
Their expertise and sector knowledge will often increase your chances of securing a first interview, and as they have existing client relationships, they may be able to introduce you to opportunities you may not otherwise hear about.
Job hunting is a full-time process - preparing and ensuring your CV is up-to-date, identifying and selecting potential employers, completing application forms etc. all take time.
Getting it right
Enlisting the assistance and support of a recruitment consultant can greatly ease your workload. The more proactive recruitment agencies will go above and beyond the call of duty and will actively target your top 10 potential employer list on your behalf, increasing your chances of working with your first-choice employers.
When choosing a recruitment agency, seek referrals and recommendations from your friends and colleagues. Ideally the agency you choose should have a national presence, particularly if you are flexible in terms of location.
Even if you want to continue to work locally, many local offices of national blue chip organisations have preferred supplier arrangements with established national recruitment businesses that service all their requirements.
Your consultant should:
- Offer constructive CV preparation advice
- Provide interview advice and tips
- Offer advice where relocation in involved
- Set expectations about current regional opportunities
- Provide salary analysis and recruitment trends
- Help construct a target list of potential employers and actively approach them on your behalf (with your prior consent)
- Keep you up to date with new opportunities
- Forward your CV to potential employers (with your consent)
- Brief and help with preparation prior to interview
- Provide constructive feedback post-interview
- Negotiate salary expectations on your behalf
- Keep you up to date with your applications' progress
Be selective
It is advisable to meet your consultant in person as this will enable the agency to represent you more effectively. He or she will be able to gain a clearer understanding of your existing marketing skills and competencies and, importantly, your aims and aspirations following a meeting with you in person.
You will also be able to gain valuable feedback about your CV and interview technique from your consultant - feedback that can often make the difference between success and failure at interview.
The marketing recruitment environment is fast moving and competitive. If you register with too many agencies you could run the risk of several copies of your CV being sent to the same prospective employer. At most, consider two or three agencies to represent you. Some recruitment companies may even send your CV to clients without seeking your permission.
Establishing a personal relationship with just one or two consultants will help prevent this. Hays Marketing will involve you every step of the way and we will never send your CV to a client without your permission.
From a legislative standpoint, the recruitment agency has a legal obligation to ensure that you are eligible to work in the UK so you will be asked to prove your identity. Passports are usually taken as best proof and originals will be copied while you are at the agency. Make sure you take this with you at your first meeting; proof of academic or professional qualifications - such as CIM - will also save you time.
Action plan
Once you have registered and met your consultant, agree next steps; this will ensure your consultant meets your expectations. If you decide to work exclusively with one consultant, make sure that both you and your consultant have a clear action plan and timescales regarding your job search.
Provide a list of the companies that you would like to work for as well as those you are not interested in. Agencies worth their salt will actively canvass these organisations and put you forward for any suitable positions that arise. If you receive an email or voice message about opportunities, or are called in person but cannot speak freely, then make sure you contact your consultant as soon as possible afterwards.
The marketplace is competitive and many clients only wish to see a limited number of candidates, so too long a delay in responding may mean that you lose the chance of an interview. It is a good idea to keep a record of the roles and companies you have been contacted about if you are working with more than one agency. Being well organised is essential if you are proactively searching for a new role.
Preparing for interview
If an interview is arranged, your consultant should provide you with a full brief, including company name, description, job specification, interview time, location and interviewer name.
They should also inform you of any specific requirements - for example, whether you would be required to do a presentation, skills testing, or talk through your portfolio. Research and plan fully for your interview. Your consultant will work with you to ensure that you have as much information as possible, but bear in mind that theconsultant may sometimes be restricted as to disclosable client information.
When preparing for an interview, be sure to read the job specification carefully and consider the following:
- What skills and experiences are being sought and how will I demonstrate that I have these at interview? Think about relevant examples from your experience
- Does the role fulfil my requirements? (industry sector, size, location etc.)
- Why did the client select me for interview? What feedback did he/she give to my consultant?
- Were there any parts on my CV that the client was particularly interested in?
Arrive with plenty of time for the interview, be well presented and greet the interviewer with a smile and a firm handshake. Appear enthusiastic and interested; ask questions to demonstrate your interest and understanding and also for you to learn more about the role and the organisation.
At the end of the interview, thank them for their time. Following any interview, positive or negative, call your consultant and exchange feedback. Your consultant should also be able to provide you with feedback from the employer.
Good agencies continually strive to improve their service. If you have any feedback or suggestions about any aspect of the service you received, notify the agency directly either via your consultant or through a customer satisfaction survey. Successful job searching is essentially down to a good working relationship between you and your consultant - good luck!
