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Helen Gotts latest blog post articulates how Candidates can get the best from Recruitment Agencies and Consultants.

‘Whatever your opinion of recruitment consultants, there is no denying that in the current overcrowded and competitive job marketplace, it is well worth trying to build a relationship with an agency you can trust.

One of the inevitable things about a recession is that “cowboy” organisations with no loyal client or candidate base start to struggle. This leaves the playing field open to the well established and more reputable organisations that don’t suddenly need to reinvent themselves in a different sector. 

Having spoken recently to a number of recruitment consultants (safety specialists and otherwise), it is apparent that candidate supply is far outweighing demand. It is not uncommon at the moment to receive upwards of 300 CVs per day, and with the best will in the world, it would be some mean feat to be able to speak to all 300 in a timely manner.

So, beat the competition and pick up the phone. Recruiters will be far more inclined to help the candidate that makes the extra effort, rather than the one that just fires off a series of increasingly desperate emails. Competition for jobs is high, so correct those typos on your CV and phone the agency.

Whilst some employers are choosing direct methods of recruitment, many others are still using agencies, often to take the hassle out of having to sift through 300+ applications per day themselves. Agencies are being asked to submit their “top three” candidates only per vacancy, so you need to ensure you are in that top 1% of that day’s applications. This can only be done by building a good relationship with an established recruiter and giving them all the information possible to enable them to showcase you in the best possible light.

In this age of virtual media it is all too easy to rely on email. Much as many recruiting companies like email and internet portals, don’t rely on it. There is no substitute for picking up the phone and using it or meeting face to face. A CV is merely a list of qualifications and places where you have worked. It doesn’t show the personality behind it. So, do make sure your CV is professional and slick, and make sure anywhere you send receives a follow-up call and discussion.

There are “bad” agencies out there that advertise jobs and don’t take calls. Don’t waste your time. Ask a recruiter who their best and largest clients are. Find out how long they’ve been doing the job. If you’re asked intelligent, competency based questions about your career history and what you aspire to, rather than just two minutes on “where do you live and how much do you want?” then you’re probably on to a good thing’

Do you agree with Helen?  please let us know by commenting back.

Tags: Applicants, Candidates, jobs, recruitment, Recruitment Agencies, Recruitment Consultants

This entry was posted on Friday, October 30th, 2009 at 11:31 am and is filed under All about Resourcing Solutions. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.