5 easy steps to avoid using the wrong recruiter

16th November 2015

5 easy steps to avoid using the wrong recruiter

This is intended to be a handy guide to make sure you’re not wasting your time with the wrong recruitment agencies who don’t actually understand your requirements - something that we have seen far too often recently.

This can apply to both candidates looking for a new role AND companies looking to hire talent. It’s important that you are using the right recruiter(s) to make sure you’re getting the best exposure to the market. It’s easy for someone to say what you want to hear, so here’s a few tips on how to sort the wheat from the chaff:

1. Look at their website/jobs page

The company website will tell you exactly what jobs they are working on at that moment in time. Are they recruiting similar roles? How many do they have? Is there consistency from their brand messaging and the types of roles they are working on?

2. Meet with them

Nothing beats meeting people in person. There’s no hiding behind a screen/telephone and it will allow you to figure out whether or not you can work with them. Investing the time to meet them will pay you back in the long term - after all, they are representing YOU. If a face to face meeting is difficult to arrange, there’s always Skype/Hangouts.

3. Ask for examples

Get them to tell you what roles they have filled recently and for which companies. Recruiters do love a bit of shameless bragging, so there shouldn’t be any issues there!

4. Don’t just take their word for it

Ask around. Who have your colleagues and friends used? Did they have a positive experience? Would they recommend them? With this point, keep in mind that just because an agency didn’t place them/fill a role for them, it doesn’t mean they aren’t right for you to work with.

5. Research them

Check out their LinkedIn profile/Twitter account etc. Look at how long they have been recruiting in that sector and how long they have been with their current company. If they tend to move jobs every 6 months it’s safe to say there’s an issue there. Knowledge and experience are important assets for recruiters as they play an important part in the service they will offer you.

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