Far too many jobseekers fail to truly make use of the numerous services recruitment consultants have to offer. There are a number of reasons why job applicants are attracted to a recruitment agency in the first place when looking for a new job, rather than going directly to employers or responding to adds in the press.

The right agency is not just there for placing the candidate in a job, but should also act as a career advisor, and a guide in matters such as salary expectations, promotional opportunities and the companies to watch out for in a particular market.

When job offers do come in, the recruitment consultant should be part of the negotiating process, ensuring that candidates not only get the role they want, but also the full package that they deserve; salary, benefits, share options, etc.
Recruitment consultants are supposed to be experts in their area and therefore job seekers should take advantage of this. The following are some hints for candidates on how to get the best out of recruitment consultants by building a relationship with them.

Register with just 2/3 agencies. Do not play one recruitment agency against the other as this will quickly give you a bad name in the industry and may ultimately affect your career prospects.

Do not send your CV out indiscriminately as the essential thing is to build a good relationship with one or two consultants that you trust and respect. This will ensure a more “personal touch” and you in turn will get the best advice and be recommended for the most interesting openings. Multiple registrations does not multiply opportunity for success.

Be honest with your consultant. If you are registered with other agencies or you are interviewing with other companies you should at all times keep your consultant informed. Your consultant needs to feel confident in your sincerity or they will be cautious in forwarding you to important clients.

Once you have agreed to be put forward by a consultant, you must tell any other consultant that you can not be represented by them for the same job otherwise you create a conflict situation which would be to your disadvantage.

Keep in touch with your consultant, but do not overdo this. A telephone call once a week is sufficient. “There is nothing worse than the candidate who calls every single day for an update”, advices Recruitment consultant Nicole O’ Connor of CCM Recruitment.

Take your consultant’s advice. If your salary expectations are too high or your areas of interest are outside your current expertise, listen to what the consultant says. You do not want to overprice yourself or chase positions that you are not qualified for. However, always keep an open mind and see other positions as maybe a stepping stone to something else.

Always insist to be notified BEFORE your CV is presented to an employer.

Ensure the recruitment agency provides you with information about the client and the job you are being put forward for.

Ask your consultant for advice on writing your CV.

If you deal with a consultant, do not attempt to make direct contact with the prospective employer as this is unethical and will destroy the relationship you have built up. All communication must be through the consultant until the deal is done. Do not negotiate rates during a client interview either. Your consultant is supposed to look after your interests in that area.

Make sure you get interview advice. If you interview with the consultant, ask them for an assessment of your interview techniques. You will pick up tips along the way that will assist you the next time you job search.

When you get feedback after interviewing with a company, request as much detail as possible from your consultant so that you do not repeat any mistakes in your next interview. If they have not been given adequate feedback themselves, you can ask them to return to the company to establish more detail.

Try to stick to the same recruitment consultant or agency during your career. Repeat business further cements your relationship and also ensures that you are working with someone who really cares and is interested in your career path and professional growth. Recommend your consultant to your colleagues.

Update your CV and details with your agency once a year. Even if you are not job seeking actively, this will ensure that you hear of any opportunities that the consultant encounters which might be ideal for you. The key factor is to establish a good relationship and then make it work for you.

Debbie O’Hallaran, Career Columnist
www.irishjobs.ie