Choosing a good employment agency

Traditional recruitment companies only assist a job seeker find the right job for a nominal fee. Some agencies may charge the recruitment company but it’s always best to find a recruitment company that the jobs seeker has to pay, then you are sure that the employment agency will find a job that suits your criteria and requirement.

These agencies, function on two levels, one is when they provide low or mid-level candidates with a choice of employees since they do maintain a large data base. They also provide a retainer service where the employer will only source employees from the particular employment agency, due to its good quality service and relationship. The agency is paid a percentage of the employee’s salary even if the employee has not been hired.

If you are looking for the right job you will have to work with the recruiter, headhunter, and search consultant. You will most often be approached by headhunters who will try to convince you to apply for a job with the firm they are working with and provide manpower to. This can be very beneficial to you if  are looking for a good break with a reputed firm.

There are also temporary recruitment agencies as well, they provide jobs for those who are looking for temporary work. This is often in good demand during the seasonal months or during periods where workers are on sabbatical leave or maternity leave.  These temporary agencies also provide permanent jobs as well.

If you have just lost your job or want a career change and is looking to change your job then you should broaden your horizons in your job search by seeking the services or professional head-hunter or recruiter.  This is especially a good choice if you are looking for a senior managerial or a high level position as those jobs don’t get advertised but are often headhunted. A recruitment company can help you market your resume to companies you never thought of approaching.

These recruitment and headhunting agencies often spend time looking for good employers. Some employers are highly convinced when a resume is being sent through them through a formal recruitment agency as opposed to a candidate applying on their own. The headhunter or the recruitment agency will also be in better position to offer you very competitive compensation package.

If you seek the services of may recruitment agencies, you should make sure that you inform them prior about the recruitment company they are working with, as in instances where your resume is sent to same employer by two recruitment agencies, there may be an issue with the collection of the recruiters fees.

You should select a recruiter that can effectively work with you. If you are looking for a company in a certain industry then you should contract a recruitment company that specializes in that industry. Usually professional association will be able to give a list of recruitment companies they work with, so that you can enlist them in your job search.You can search for online recruitment agencies as well as to make direct contact with colleagues or acquaintances for any jobs opportunities.

At the interview make sure that you do ask as many questions from the recruiter as well, so that you know you are not wasting your time on a company that cannot deliver or provide a quality service. This relationship is really important. Questions you should ideally ask are , how long they being in the industry , how many employees they have recruited, what sort of companies they deal with, what sort of fees are involved and do they provide you with another option if the job does not work out after a couple of months. Check the reference of the recruiter and make sure you pursue those references to find out the type of employment agency you are dealing with and its authenticity.

Check on the process, from the time you register and handover your application to the point where you secure a job with the employer. Make sure you are extremely happy with the company and the individual as the type of people that represent you can also give your potential employer some insight into the person you are and your style.

Using recruitment agency brings you one step closer to finding a job, but it does not guarantee a job.