Choosing A Recruitment Agency

How to choose a recruitment agency in four steps

Choosing a recruitment agency doesn't have to be a difficult process. The following four steps will ensure you find which recruitment agency is best for you, every time.

Step 1: Decide what type of role you are looking for. Temporary, contract, freelance or permanent? The choice is yours.

Step 2: Decide what industry you want to work in.

Step 3:  Search the REC's member directory to find a compliant agency.

Step 4: Start making contact!

Using a recruitment agency to find a job

It's not enough to register with a recruitment agency and expect work to follow. The most successful job seekers are the most proactive.

Here are some things to bear in mind when working with an agency:

• Give your recruiter as much information as possible: Decide what salary you are looking for, what locations you are willing to work in (ie how far you are willing to travel to work), what type of role you want to do and if there are any jobs that you wouldn’t do, or any types of organisations you wouldn’t work for.
  
• Make sure your CV is accurate and up to date: This will save you and the recruitment agency a lot of time. Consider any advice from your recruitment consultant about improving your CV - remember they are the professionals and they want to help you get a job.
  
• Be proactive: Keep in regular contact with your recruitment consultant. Call them once a week and let them know you are still looking for work.
  

What's it like to work as a temporary worker, freelancer, or contractor?

More than a third of people in Great Britain have worked as a contractor, freelancer, or agency worker at some point in their careers.  We asked five people at different points in their careers about their experience of flexible working. Watch their stories below: