Recruitment Consultants – Is it worth going in to visit?

ianianian_2

Morning all,

I’ve been applying for a lot of jobs lately as of redundancy before Christmas and am now looking for a project manager role. Whilst I’ve done well(ish) applying directly to companies, recruitment consultants have been a real stumbling block (i belive this is partly due to the number of CV's they receive and partly as jobs seem to be left online after the positions have been filled).

I wondered what your thoughts were on whether it is actually worth going in to visit a recruitment consultant to make yourself stand out from the crowd and prove you’re a good candidate?

Some time ago, my girlfriend applied for a temp job and had to visit a recruitment agency. I sat in reception and watched person after person turn up in an embarrassing state (for example an hour late or with their CV crumpled up in their pocket). As I’ve been told that so many people are applying for jobs, I wondered whether a quick visit would set me apart from these candidates and if, due to the number of job seekers these days, a recruitment consultant would not be able to afford me the time for such a meeting.

Any thoughts?

Thanks

Ian

RedSoleShoes

You will get lots of varied opinions on RCs here!

My experience with them has never been great although I am in a different line of work so I think this makes a massive difference to how much they can be of use to candidates.

As long as you remember that they are sales people rather than careers advisors then you can't go too wrong.

RacyRed

Ian, my experience has been that they invite you in for a meeting when they are ready.

Would you be able to get an appointment with one unless they are putting you forward for a specific vacancy? I think it would be difficult.

However, you could always call in to register and take your CV and ID documents along with you.

Anything is worth trying.

Stew68

I've did the rounds of the recruitment agencies and nearly all of them didn't seem bothered. I almost gave up as I was so despondent with them but went into one last one as I was passing the door and they were great. They talked to me about my job history, what I was looking for and immediately suggested a possible job for me. Although I didn't get that one they are still working to find me employment (and their commission, obviously!). So the good ones are out there, they are just hard to find....

ianianian_2

Thanks all,

I think you're right about them being a bit busy and not having time for a meeting. I've tried a 'half way house' approach today and have called people up instead of just sending off my CV. They seem to want to talk and find out more about you which, at the very least, makes you feel a bit better than never hearing anything back!

Thanks again,

Ian

david69_2

They treat you like mushrooms keep you in the dark and feed you bulls***.

Sammyantha

ianianian wrote: »

Morning all,

I’ve been applying for a lot of jobs lately as of redundancy before Christmas and am now looking for a project manager role. Whilst I’ve done well(ish) applying directly to companies, recruitment consultants have been a real stumbling block (i belive this is partly due to the number of CV's they receive and partly as jobs seem to be left online after the positions have been filled).

I wondered what your thoughts were on whether it is actually worth going in to visit a recruitment consultant to make yourself stand out from the crowd and prove you’re a good candidate?

Some time ago, my girlfriend applied for a temp job and had to visit a recruitment agency. I sat in reception and watched person after person turn up in an embarrassing state (for example an hour late or with their CV crumpled up in their pocket). As I’ve been told that so many people are applying for jobs, I wondered whether a quick visit would set me apart from these candidates and if, due to the number of job seekers these days, a recruitment consultant would not be able to afford me the time for such a meeting.

Any thoughts?

Thanks

Ian

Yes it's worth going in to see them. But either go in when you have a few you can go and register with in one day, or when they have called you about a specific job role, and sent you a job description/ more details about the role. If they are keen on you as a candidate, they will be happy to do this:)

It's best to do some research on the agency beforehand, and focus on those which recruit specifically in your chosen field of interest. Niche recruitment companies, and smaller operations generally give better candidate service in the long run than your average high street "big name". However, balance that with the fact that the big name co's will have most of the vacancies for general work positions.

Agencies who deal mainly with temps are a very different kettle of fish to others. They're no better or worse, just more high volume, fast-paced, and hard nosed. Generally, salaries are less, so the agent fee is less, forcing the onus onto quantity recruitment rather than quality.

Don't take any notice of the agency haters on this board (there are a few, and if they haven't posted already, i'm sure they will ). Do your research, have your CV, cover letter and skill/ competency outline ready, be careful to really "sell" yourself (if they are enthused by you they will work harder to get you a position as it's a win-win situation for you, them, and the client).

You should try targeting specific areas here you can send speculative applications, as well as the normal job search routes. Linked In is also a great way to network with other professionals - i've gained more than a few contact names and numbers for hiring managers on here, along with checking out if i know anyone already working at a company Sometimes it's not what you know but who you know...

Good luck :beer:

Sammyantha

1984ReturnsForReal wrote: »

The best advice you will get on this thread is

DO NOT even bother reading what LilyDeTilly, Andy***** (I forget the * bits) & RaceyRed posts.

Its a waste of time.

Agreed. Their views are well known.

MoneySavingUser

Some agencies can be good - others not so good

However I have learnt that booking an appointment and visiting them is the way to go

E-mailing got me no where with them (and applying on their websites)

RacyRed

1984ReturnsForReal wrote: »

The best advice you will get on this thread is

DO NOT even bother reading what LilyDeTilly, Andy***** (I forget the * bits) & RaceyRed posts.

Its a waste of time.


Whatever sensible decision you choose to make for yourself from the information given here it is best done with complete disregard of all their "input".


Have a nice day.

Sammyantha wrote: »

Agreed. Their views are well known.

Not by either of you they aren't.

As you don't bother properly reading the posts of anyone who disagrees with you I thnk your own venom spitting tirades say more about you than you realise.

Taking an old disagreement onto a new thread is really quite pathetic.

Anyone wondering what on earth is going on, feel free to browse our respective posting histories and make your own minds up.

1984ReturnsForReal_2

RacyRed wrote: »

Not by either of you they aren't.

As you don't bother properly reading the posts of anyone who disagrees with you I thnk your own venom spitting tirades say more about you than you realise.

Taking an old disagreement onto a new thread is really quite pathetic.

Anyone wondering what on earth is going on, feel free to browse our respective posting histories and make your own minds up.

I was just giving the OP some very good advice.

After all it is about helping people & being constructive.

If the OP follows my advice it saves them time reading & perhaps lets them form a good relationship with a consultant resulting in a job.