Linda Johnson asked: What are the best ways to find a right job? You can use online job banks and employment agencies, read local newspapers and yellow pages, check community centers and telemarketing agencies, etc. Statistics says references from friends or relatives account for about 35% of lucky searches. Recruitment agencies rank next to it linking employers and candidates as an independent contact between them.
Recruitment agencies promise employers the best talents and candidates awesome future opportunities. However, both employers and candidates are hardly satisfied with recruiters’ performance. Employers receive hundreds of calls from agencies requesting information on vacant positions, and have to review candidates who are perfectly trained to answer interview questions but have no right job or personal skills to fill the position. On the other hand, candidates apply to many agencies, submit their resume, answer the interview questions and have to wait till the recruiter calls them back which never happens. Sometimes most jobs shown in the agency’s job board turn out to be just examples of possible options and do not even exist.
If you are looking for a job and consider using a recruitment agency you’d better look for one that you feel right for you. It is a very tough business as headhunters’ rates usually vary from 20 to 35% of an employee’s first year salary and are not transparent. Try to gather as much information about the agency as possible.
1. How long has the recruitment agency been in business? Maybe, it appeared only half a year ago and has not gained any reputation among employers yet.
2. Did your friend recommend it to you or you hear about the headhunter from others? Check Your Reviews and Comments for any ratings of the agency or describe your impressions of applying to the agency.
3. Can the agency show any evidence of its superior performance? Any examples of lucky job search?
4. Does the agency list jobs related to your specialty? If the agency works mostly with IT employers and you are a photographer, there is hardly a chance it will be helpful for you.
5. Try to check if these jobs truly exist.
6. Can it assess your skills and determine your prospects? A good agency should offer such services as skills assessment and training to help you understand you level and .
7. What was your impression of the agency personnel? Did they show any interest in you or keep on drinking coffee? Do they seem professional?
8. What are the agency’s policies? Be especially careful with fine print which often describes the trickiest portion of any agreement.
Ensure that you do not waste your time with lots of agencies. Try to find few headhunters which are right for you and trust successful job seekers’ experience.
Rosa