10 TIPS FOR WORKING SUCCESSFULLY WITH YOUR RECRUITMENT CONSULTANT

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10 T IPS FOR WORKING SUCCESSFULLY W ITH YOUR RECRUITMENT CONSULTANT

Searching for a job can be a full time job in itself, so using the expertise and experience

of a recruitment agency can be an effective use of your time. As a vital link between clients and

candidates, recruitment consultants are now one of the most popular ways for contractors to

find work. But the role is demanding and diverse, with consultants often working on filling

multiple positions at one time.

Luckily, our top 10 tips will show you how to advance successfully with your consultant. By

working together and assisting your recruiter as much as possible, you will get the best

possible results from your search.

SPEAK TO OTHER CONTRACTORS

Your connections and co-workers will be able to provide you with

recommendations for agencies to work with, as well as those that should be

avoided. Once you find the agencies that suit you best, you are more likely to develop a

stronger relationship and stick with them long term.

Tip 1

Scouting the best contract for you

WORK WITH SPECIALISTS IN YOUR FIELD

There are plenty of job and employment agencies available, but you should

always try and work with ones that operate specifically in your industry and

have experience in dealing with contract or locum workers.

Tip 2

DO YOUR RESEARCH

Research the recruitment agency before you meet with them. Finding out as

much information as possible about how they operate and the services they have available

will help you maximise your prospects. Doing research will also show your consultant that

you are prepared to do some groundwork before going to an interview or starting a new

project.

Tip 3

ASK QUESTIONS

Before you sign up with an agency you should ask questions to assess their

knowledge of the industry, selection process, working expectations and even the

top clients they typically work with. There may also be other ways in which they can help

you with the application process, such as assistance with C.V. writing, interview techniques

and a resource centre to help you better market your skills.

Tip 4

Scouting the best contract for you

BE HONEST

Make sure your C.V. is a true reflection of your experiences and abilities. You

will receive negative feedback from clients if your skills don’t measure up to

what you have down on paper and this will only infuriate your recruiter. You also need to be

clear with your agency about the type of role you are looking for. The easier you make it

for the recruiter, the easier it will be for them to match you up to the most suitable role and

tailor their advice to your precise needs.

Tip 5

GET YOUR PAPERWORK IN ORDER

Recruiters need to move quickly, particularly with contract jobs. So be

prepared to work with them and if necessary quickly re-word a C.V. to suit a

particular role. Contract candidates who are flexible, adaptable and sure about what they

want are the easiest to place.

Tip 6

MAKE SURE YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR CV IS BEING SENT

Unfortunately it is fairly common practice for recruitment consultants to send

your C.V. to a client company without your permission. This often means you are

not being properly represented or matched with the right role. Additionally, if you don’t

know where your C.V. is being sent, you run the risk of being undersold or undermining your

application if you unknowingly apply again for the same role.

Tip 7

Scouting the best contract for you

Scouting the best contract for you info@contractingscout.com

BE AVAILABLE

Be clear from the start about your work availability. Determine the date you

are available to start and how long you are available for. Try to remain as

contactable as possible during your search and if there is a specific time or day of the

week, or even a contact method that works best for you, let your recruiter know.

Tip 8

DON’T GO DIRECTLY TO THE EMPLOYER

Whilst you may be very keen on the job, it can seem underhand and could

alienate you for future opportunities if you bypass the recruitment consultant

and go directly to the client even if it’s just to follow up on an application. The client has

engaged the agency so that they don’t have to deal with each individual application

meaning they may not welcome your enthusiasm.

Tip 9

WORK WITH YOUR AGENCY

Tip 10 If you have a missed call from your consultant, call them back quickly. If they

arrange an interview, confirm you have received the details. After your interview

or assignment, give them feedback straight after. This may seem like basic practice but it

all helps build a positive relationship with your consultant, meaning they are more likely to

put you forward for the next suitable role.

Knowing how to make the most out of your relationship with your recruitment consultant

will improve your experience with them and can help enhance your contracting career. If

you would like to speak to a member of the Contracting Scout team regarding our C.V.

upload facility, a particular contract position or just general contracting information,

please do not hesitate to get in touch.