The Pros and Cons of Getting Help From a Recruitment Agency

Using online job agencies is becoming increasingly popular, for both jobseekers and businesses. Companies use job agencies so they do not have to sort through potentially hundreds of job applications for a given position. Outsourcing to an agency saves time for executives as the agency can reduce the initially large number of applications down to a manageable level. For jobseekers, many agencies offer services beyond simply being a platform for job hunting. These services can include help with writing CVs, as well as offering practice interviews to improve your chances of being hired. How useful then are such agencies?

Recruitment websites have the advantage that they are free to use for candidates. They work by request and are paid by their clients, which are other businesses. Many have an excellent knowledge of the labour market, and specialist agencies will know your chosen field in depth. Recruiters will have good connections with a lot of top employers, which gives you a first look at upcoming positions. If they think you are qualified for a position, they will call you directly.As mentioned above, they offer help with resume writing and interview coaching, in addition to specialist advice in a chosen field. Depending on the type of recruitment, agencies can often be on hand to assist you throughout your application process. For example, you will receive feedback on the status of your application, as well as help with salary negotiation.

There are some downsides to using job agencies, however. The bigger the agency, the less time they may have to invest in you personally. Help with writing CVs can be extremely useful but, according to experiences offered by clients of career site careerambitions.co.uk, some amend CVs and in the process make mistakes. Furthermore, a distinct disadvantage of using job agencies is that everyone else is also doing it. This kind of competition makes it difficult for you to stand out.

In conclusion, job agencies are valuable for providing a free and convenient way of seeing what’s out there. They also have a proven track record. In the UK in 2014, for example, 600,000 people found permanent jobs through recruitment agencies.Making use of services such as CV writing and interview coaching can be beneficial, but use them with caution. For example, if you go for a complete CV re-write, make sure to check for errors before using it. Using agencies in tandem with professional networking (using sites such as LinkedIn) can be a promising strategy, as you are widening your options, and increasing your chances of success.

Adam Watson

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