Choosing a Recruitment Agency

Be selective in your choice of recruiting agency and even the recruitment consultant within that firm.

There is more to choosing the services of a recruiter than meets the eye.

How quickly do they respond once you post your resume?

  • Do they acknowledge receipt of your resume? This will give you a good indicator of their sense of urgency once you become a registered candidate.

How long has the consultant been recruiting?

  • Ask for someone who has tenure and who will be a part of your long term career path. Do you really want to entrust your search to someone who does not have a track record in the business?

Google the Recruiter's Name.

  • Anyone who is visible within a certain network should have left some sort of digital footprint.

Who will remain accountable during your search?

  • Some recruitment agencies separate the recruiter from the sales person. This is not a benefit to the candidate when the recruiter has not interviewed the employer, does not understand their culture, and has little sense of what the vacant role will truly be responsible for achieving. How can the recruiter really know you are going to a good home?

Ask for contactable references from other job seekers.

  • Find out if the recruiter "walks the talk"? Learn if the recruiter fairly represents both their clients and their candidates, which they should.

Do they spend time learning about you?

  • During your interview with the recruiter, do they identify your tasks and key skill sets that you wish to target in your new role? A good recruiter will ensure that your next career move is conducive to your growth, development and personality. A good interview will be face-to-face, will be about one hour (not 15 minutes!), and will include suggestions to improve your resume and interview skills.

Do they help you through the hiring process?

  • Does the recruiter prepare you for upcoming company interviews, give you insight into the culture, promotional opportunities, team dynamic and management style of the company and provide you with candid client feedback after the interview?

When you receive an offer a recruiter should advise and negotiate on your behalf.

  • Every candidate has the potential to become a client. This is about building relationships for the future not "collecting a fee" A recruiter should not take it personally or choose not to work with you if you decide the opportunity is not right for you. All a good recruiter asks is that you are honest and communicative throughout the entire process truly partnering with them.

If you are looking for a career change, or if a particular job opportunity has caught your attention, email your resume to us at jobs@theheadhunters.ca