Dealing with recruitment agencies – advice

Caroline_a

I have just read all through this thread, and all i can see is LadyMissA complaining that she can't get a job, agencies wont get her a job, it's not her fault. You may not like this, but I think you have to lose the attitude - if you came across at interview to me like that, whether I was a recruiter in an agency or an HR professional I would immediately dismiss your application. You say that your last company 'ruined your life'. No they didnt, as an accounts person you should know that you are only ever a figure on a balance sheet as far as a company is concerned. They made a financial, not a personal decision and you were made redundant.

I know of companies crying out for good accounts staff - so perhaps it's not the job situation, it's your CV and your application methods. If you have applied for so many jobs in the London area as you say, then it has to be that, or you I'm afraid. You dismiss Linkdin and social networking - lots of people get jobs through that - but you close that door. Gumtree has a reputation for being full of con artists - I would never look for staff on there! You say you have no money for a course, have you looked into the many courses that are free for the unemployed? Additionally, why are you not offering your skills in the voluntary sector? Lots of charities would love to have someone to help with accounts, and that would look very good on your CV, rather than being out of work for so long.

Many years ago I worked with long-term unemployed, and often came across the attitude 'the government/country/world owes me a job'. Those were the ones that never got jobs - the 'it's someone else's fault, poor me' people. The ones that took the opportunity to learn new skills, and grasped them positively with both hands were the ones who got on and got employed.

Redbull

Referring back to my original post, here is another post/blog summarising my exact experiences with agents.

http://tubblog.wordpress.com/2008/05/28/recruitment-agency-dirty-tricks/
The amount of times i've given these [EMAIL="b@stards"]b@stards[/EMAIL] all the information they've asked for then not heard a peep...makes me see red!

smileylondongal

I understand everyone's frustration but you're not alone - literally millions of people feel the frustration of not spending time in a job and earning a wage. I think agencies are easy targets, to be fair. No, not all of them play ball at the moment but unfortunately if you want a job in this market you have to swallow your pride and play the game. It's not nice but if you really do want job that's the way it is.

I also echo linkedin as well as joining any professional groups in your area related to your field (linkedin has these online and they're great for raising your profile). Gumtree is really only used for home stuff and the odd job, rather than something professional which is why LadyM prob hasn't had enough of a response in the year the ad's been running.

I've had 10+ years of work experience and used agencies many times, both for hiring and for myself personally. I've never ever gone on an interview without knowing the company's details. Knowing the role and location is not enough - you need to know if you'd fit in and also prepare properly for interview by researching the company. If your consultant does this explain the reasons for wanting to know - perhaps it's a finance thing (def NOT a London thing).

Applying directly doesn't harm anyone's chances but you have to apply at the right time and the trouble is, it's so tricky knowing when that is. Most companies do still use agencies, I'm afraid, so my earlier statement about acceptance and playing the game still rings true.