Sending Your CV to a Recruitment Agency – How To Get the Best Response

The recruitment industry in Ireland has experienced consistent growth as more and more people realise that using the services of a recruitment agency is the best way of exploring new career opportunities. While the services of many agencies are similar it is important that a job–seeker fully utilises these services and works in partnership with their chosen agencies. The following are some helpful hints to ensure you can best find work through a recruitment agency.

Register with a reputable company

While the majority of agencies out there are highly reputable it is important to ensure that your agency is licensed (licence is usually displayed in the reception area). There is also a voluntary organisation that has been set up to establish and maintain standards and codes of practice for the recruitment industry. Agencies that are members of the National Recruitment Federation (NRF) are governed by these standards and adhere to a code of conduct.

Concentrate on a couple of relevant agencies

Find an agency that specialises in your line of work, also check their website and ensure that they have relevant roles on their database. By limiting the number of agencies that you are dealing with you can build stronger relationships and keep tighter controls of where your CV is being sent.  Recruitment consultants receive multiple applications every day, rather than sending a group email to endless agencies try and apply for a specific role and give specifics as to the sort of roles that you would like to be considered for.

Ensure that you meet with your consultant

The work that Recruitment Consultants do is all about relationship building and by sitting down and spending time with your consultant you are more likely to establish a mutual trust and respect. Recruitment Consultants can offer an insight into clients real requirements and so can give you added information that might not always appear on a job spec. When you are interviewing with a consultant give them as much information as possible on the types of roles that your interested in as well as suitable locations, salary requirements, etc. Also listen to the advice that a consultant offers, by working with clients and jobs every day they have an excellent insight into what roles your experience will suit.

Be professional!

While it is inevitable that you may have to cancel or postpone an interview at some stage always treat the agency as you would any other employer. When a recruitment consultant sets up an interview for you they are making a recommendation to their client that you are worth meeting, by not turning up for an interview or  by giving late notice it is the recruitment consultant’s reputation as well as your own that you are jeopardising.  Preparation is also key to any interview, use the information given to you by your consultant but always do your own research and be prepared going into any interview.

Keep your consultant up to date on your job search

If you are registered with more than one agency, keep a file of where your CV is going and who is sending it. Quite often agencies will work on the same jobs and it is important that your CV is not sent more than once to any one client. Consultants will work on your details until they hear otherwise so if you do find new employment let your consultant know so they can amend your file. If you are interviewing through an agency always give your consultant feedback on how your interview went immediately so they can pass this on to the client.

Recommend a good consultant

Finally if your consultant is professional and provides a good service, tell your friends about them!!

Niamh O'Brien, Development Manager for Irish Recruitment Consultants and Griffin Personnel. Niamh has over 8 years recruitment experience working in the Irish market and within her current role has responsibility for delivering / exceeding target profitability for both IRC & Griffin Personnel.

Our Sales & Marketing Division recruit sales professionals across all sectors and our clients include some of the leading companies in Ireland. Our consultants have industry specific knowledge and they use their extensive networking skills to find the right jobs for you!

Established in 1984, Irish Recruitment Consultants are one of Ireland's leading providers of recruitment and staffing solutions. Located in Dublin & Limerick, we offer national solutions. Our specialist consultants service niche sectors through the following divisions: Sales & Marketing, Secretarial, IT, Financial Services, Accountancy, Technical Engineering & HR.
www.irishrecruitment.ie  Ph: 01 6610644: FAX: 01 6610648; info@irishrecruitment.ie