Recruitment Agency
A recruitment agency is a company that matches job seekers with employers, typically earning fees from employers when they successfully place candidates.
Recruitment agencies act as intermediaries between employers and job seekers. They source candidates for roles, screen applications, and facilitate the hiring process. Agencies typically specialise in specific industries or role types, developing expertise that benefits both clients and candidates.
For job seekers, recruitment agencies are free to use—they're paid by employers upon successful placement. Good recruiters can provide access to unadvertised roles, salary insights, CV feedback, and interview preparation. However, quality varies significantly between agencies and individual recruiters.
Working with recruiters effectively requires clear communication about your preferences, realistic expectations, and understanding that recruiters work for employers. Be selective about which agencies you register with, and maintain direct applications alongside agency-sourced opportunities.
Key Points
- Free for job seekers—paid by employers
- Can access unadvertised roles
- Quality varies significantly between agencies
- Often specialise in specific industries or role types
- Maintain direct applications alongside agency opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use multiple recruitment agencies?
Yes, but selectively. Register with 2-3 reputable agencies specialising in your field. Too many can result in duplicate applications and confusion. Be clear about which roles they're representing you for.
Why do recruiters sometimes seem pushy?
Recruiters are typically commission-based, incentivised to make placements quickly. Good recruiters balance urgency with finding the right fit. If a recruiter is overly pushy, they may not have your best interests at heart.