Candidate Best Practice When Using A Recruitment Agency

Finding a job can be a daunting prospect for anyone, however using an agency can make this process easier. Here is Sigmar’s guide to getting the most out of your recruiter:

Be Honest

This is the easiest and quickest way to find a job. Tell your recruiter what you are looking for, your experience and skillset, your salary expectation, whether you will really consider working in a contract role, or is it just a permanent role you are after? Don’t waste your time, your recruiter’s time and the client’s time if it’s not really what you want.

Follow Up

Don’t just leave it up to the recruiter to get back to you. A busy recruiter is a good recruiter. Chances are your recruiter will have plenty of roles to fill, meaning plenty of candidates to interview, shortlist, prepare for interview etc. Give them a call after interviews to keep them in the loop.

Keep Track Of Your Applications

Know where you have sent your CV and when. This saves time and avoids duplication. If an employer sees your CV coming through from various recruiters as well as direct website applications it makes you look sloppy and disorganised and will not help your cause.

Set Up a Face to Face Meeting

Recruiters are there to “sell” your CV / skillset and even your personality to potential employers. Give yourself the opportunity to sell yourself to the person who is representing you. Creating a good rapport with a recruiter can be invaluable and they will think of you straight away when a suitable role comes in.

Find a Recruiter That Suits You

There are lots of recruiters out there so you don’t have to deal with the first one that comes your way. Do some research and find out who specialises in recruiting for your area. Ask them questions and find out if they have a good level of market knowledge. Some recruitment processes can take several months – make sure you get on with your recruiter and are comfortable chatting to them and asking for their opinion. A good recruiter is one that you trust

Use the Service As Much As You Can

It is free after all! Remember: the recruiter is on your side. When the recruiter asks you to meet or take a call for interview preparation purposes – take it. The recruiter knows what the client is looking for and will point you in the right direction. Ask for CV advice and tips and discuss add-on courses and training that will help to develop your skillset for the right role. Recruiters spend a lot of time viewing CVs and job specs, use their knowledge to your advantage and ask about other candidates they have placed and what they have on their CVs!

Be Patient

As mentioned, some recruitment processes can take months. Sometimes it can take up to 3-4 weeks between the time a role is advertised and the time the shortlisting takes place. Check in with your recruiter but don’t harass them or lose your cool. As soon as a recruiter gets feedback on your application you will be the first to know.

We have a wide range of jobs to suit candidates with varied levels of experience. To speak with a specialist recruiter on a career in Galway please email me at swilliams@sigmar.ie