Recruitment Agencies - Best Way To Approach them? (IT related)

[Cliotoby]

There seems to be a lot of negative stance towards agents here... Which is understandable as there are QUITE a few crap ones.

However, take note, not every recruitment agent is an idiot or there to abuse you.

If you're getting annoyed with agents calling you because your CV is on a job board, TAKE IT OFF THE JOB BOARD. It's not hard

Find a good agent that is willing to work with you and find you the right opportunity. As a general rule avoid the larger agencies, as they employ idiots on low basic pay with terrible commission structures. Smaller agencies pay better and this attracts the best agents in the industry.

I've been in the industry over a year now and not had one single person that's been unhappy with me. I keep in touch with everyone that isn't successful and often find them a job weeks or even months later when the right thing crops up.

Agents are a useful job hunting tool. But like any tool you have to have the right one, and you have to use it correctly.

Ive noticed its the smaller ones that respond tbh!

One step further, my CV got sent to the employer via the recruitment agency

Mines been passed to one, not sure what the other agency is doing right now he said he would speak to clients and see if they were interested, soundeed positive tbh but you never know.. Had almost the same chat with both of them.

 

[Pedro19]

Whilst looking for 1st Line Technical Support roles I came across an apprenticeship for a Technical Vehicle Remapping Apprentice. I've applied for the Apprenticeship and I've got an interview tomorrow! at 2!

The only thing I'm not too sure on is what I can do with the qualification once I have completed it.

Quantum Tuning are the UK's leading chip tuning and remapping company. We require a Technical Apprentice to learn all aspects of vehicle software file tuning as well as OBD, Ktag and boot-mode remapping based at our West-London offices in Ickenham.This is a brilliant opportunity for someone to learn and grow with us in an interesting and fast moving technical automotive enviroment. This vacancy is potentially the start of a career, not just a job and should be approached as such.

The person must be bright and intelligent, have at least 2 A-levels, preferably in sciences or maths. Complete computer competence and confidence is a must, as half the job is PC based learning map programming, the other being practical combined with basic electonics.

Candidates must be passionate and knowledgeable about cars either as an enthusiast, or with practical mechanical knowledge. If you do not already know the difference between a TFSi, FSI and TDi then sorry, you are not for us!

1st year salary £10,800 with a review based on performance after 1 year. 40 hours a week including some Saturday mornings, with the possibility of some overtime.

Full on the job training will be given and attendance at either day release or night school is compulsory. The Apprenticeship will last up to 3 years and a full appointment afterwards is likely, but not guaranteed.

To meet the requirements of the Apprentice scheme you must be aged between 18 and 24. Ideally you will hold a full clean driving license and must live local to our office.

In the first instance, please send in your C.V. along with a detailed covering letter. Suitable candidates will then be invited for interview. References will be required.​

 

[ChrisR]

Hmm an apprentice in a position that's severely restricted in where you can actually use those skills, not something I'd find that attractive myself.

What certification do you actually get?

Not saying this company are doing it, but I know of some places that use the apprentice line to be able to pay below minimum wage for people, cheap labour.

 

[Pedro19]

Hmm an apprentice in a position that's severely restricted in where you can actually use those skills, not something I'd find that attractive myself.

What certification do you actually get?

Not saying this company are doing it, but I know of some places that use the apprentice line to be able to pay below minimum wage for people, cheap labour.

Well I went in for the "interview" today which was actually a bit more like training, and i had a reply by the time I got home. They offered me the job but rather than do it as an apprenticeship they've offered me full time employment and they'll be training me in house, with a pay rise after 6 months based on performance.

 

[ChrisR]

Sounds better then

Still wonder what it was they wanted an apprentice to do on day release, what you'd have been working towards.

 

[Pedro19]

Sounds better then

Still wonder what it was they wanted an apprentice to do on day release, what you'd have been working towards.

Well I emailed the guy direct so in the end didn't use the recruitment agency. They're giving me more money too which is always a bonus and saves me going on day release. I guess the whole point on doing it as an apprenticeship was the funding they get from the government.

 

[Goodj]

BUMP!!

On a twist on the OP. Anyone here working for a recruitment agency? I've got an interview tomorrow to go in as a consultant, would appreciate some information/trends/facts outside of what google search throws up.

Cheers all.

 

[Tim Holmes]

Hii I am from India and i also prefer to Naukri dot com that the best site to get response early. Beside this, i have some experience with a recuirement firm Gitgeeks, ou can visit on gitgeeks dot com. These guys also help me to get job this time.

hr consultancy

 

[jam.]

BUMP..

I know this has been partially covered, but anyway;

Say for instance you are interested in a role that theoretically you aren't qualified for, but are more than capable of doing to a good/high level - would selling yourself in a cover letter do no good whatsoever, seeing as they are seemingly disregarded, and only focus upon the content of the CV?

 

[@Spoonie]

In my experience agencies will welcome the letter but they won't put you forward. They are being paid to fill a specific role, sending a candidate along that doesn't meet the criteria is usually a waste of time as they would have just taken someone internally if they were looking for someone capable of doing high level.

 

[Goodj]

BUMP..

I know this has been partially covered, but anyway;

Say for instance you are interested in a role that theoretically you aren't qualified for, but are more than capable of doing to a good/high level - would selling yourself in a cover letter do no good whatsoever, seeing as they are seemingly disregarded, and only focus upon the content of the CV?

Buyers market.

So unless they can't find someone with the experience/credentials to fit the bill, you'll be overlooked no matter how much you big yourself up.

 

[Chip-mk1]

Most of the jobs they advertise aren't job's and are to just get you on there system for when they have work to fill.

My ex worked in IT recruitment and thats exactly what her firm used to do, if they had no jobs they made ones up so they could get your CV, then when they had lots of CVs it put them in a better position when pitching for work.

Take it as a given that 99% of what they tell you will be absolutely rubbish.

So glad Ive never had to go and run that particular gauntlet, im sure it will come one day, but luckily so far work has always found me rather than the other way around.

 

[jam.]

In my experience agencies will welcome the letter but they won't put you forward. They are being paid to fill a specific role, sending a candidate along that doesn't meet the criteria is usually a waste of time as they would have just taken someone internally if they were looking for someone capable of doing high level.

Buyers market.

So unless they can't find someone with the experience/credentials to fit the bill, you'll be overlooked no matter how much you big yourself up.

Thought as much. Cheers chaps.

 

[Bren Rogers]

I've worked in recruitment for 5 years and I can confirm that most recruiters are just out for money, so they are naturally out for themselves, however the industry demands those traits, so it will perpetuate. If a recruiter cannot see you making them money, then they owe you no time. This sounds harsh, but remember that recruiters are servicing their client, they aren't the jobcentre.

However. If you are truely skilled, honest and committed any recruitment consultant with half a brain will work their arses off on your behalf. You will only see their successes, but you won't see the work they've put in after you put the phone down.

Generally, people expect too much from a recruiter if you aren't eniterly honest, don't have the skills they are looking for, or aren't entirely committed to attend any interviews they arrange. As has been said here aleady, a (specialist) recruiter is just one tool. Use your own network and various job boards if you want to find a job. Even the best recruitment consultant doesn't have every contact in the industry, or is an approved supplier for every company that could potentially employ you.


Anyone looking for a job in recruitment basically needs the following things:

• Very strong written and verbal communication skills
• Sales experience, or at least an understanding of the sales process (opening and closing etc.)
• A fantastic relationship building skills
• Some level of business accumen
• Confidence (borderline arrogance)
• Be naturally inquisitive
• Very strong work ethic, and willing to put in the hours (I'm writing this from my office as I'm about to go home)
• Ability to empathise, influence and in some cases menipulate people.
• Self belief, self motivation and drive to earn.

Not an easy job, but can be lucrative. Top tip, stay away from the big agencies. Ideally get into a small, specialist consultancy who will give you support and training. IT is extremely competitve, but there are recruitment companies who specialise in all sorts. There are even recruitment companies that specialise in recruiting recruitment consultants!!


PS: I haven't spell checked this.

 

[Cliotoby]

I still get these bullshitters ringing me up even now.

 

[cava83]

My ex worked in IT recruitment and thats exactly what her firm used to do, if they had no jobs they made ones up so they could get your CV, then when they had lots of CVs it put them in a better position when pitching for work.

Take it as a given that 99% of what they tell you will be absolutely rubbish.

So glad Ive never had to go and run that particular gauntlet, im sure it will come one day, but luckily so far work has always found me rather than the other way around.

That is so dishonest (making jobs up)

 

[Deeg]

My major bug bare, and whilst not IT recruitment specially, is how quickly they expect employed candidates to be able to react to being asked to go for an interview.

Yeah, my work definitely won't mind if I ask for a day off in 2 days time. Course they won't.

 

[mark123]

I still get these bulls**tters ringing me up even now.

Did you ever post up what approach you found worked?

When I started out in IT it was difficult to get a look in.

Now I have in demand skills I just activate my CV and spend the next week screening calls from agencies. About 50% of my work finds me now.

 

[Cliotoby]

Without a doubt - don't bother with the cover letter and point and shoot, apply for anything in your IT field. A near perfect CV helped listing everything the recruiters wanted. I also played their game well by being available at the drop of a hat.

I ended up with a job offer from BT on £10hr in Oxford doing 1st line support and another from a firm in London doing network staging for about £22k. A few days prior Id applied for a £28k Network Engineer role, experience required and not a grad level role. Thinking whats the f**king point, ill never get that as a grad. I got an interview. I got to Kings Cross and I remember thinking whats the f**king point in going all the way to Guildford.... this is so pointless. I came so so close to sacking it off and going to my girlfriends, but I went. Anyway here I am working in that very job.

Took me 9 months, it was tough and I was s**t at interviews to begin with until I figured out they were more interested in the person than the skills (Although just as important). Think I had 10 interviews in total. Many of which were given to people with experience despite being graduate roles.

I started getting offers when i told people i wasn't stupid and that id work hard for them.

 

[banther]

So glad I work on the client side and not for an agency.

They give my industry a very bad name. Malpractice is rife.

I would avoid them (agencies) like the plague. Just the lazy person's way of finding a job - unless you're an 'un-skilled' worker where they can be handy (not being derogatory but agencies do spread themselves very well for people of this level).

CBA to read the whole thread as I reckon it will just make me rage but youre always better off doing your own research, speaking to HR Managers / Talent Acquisition people within organisations. Dont be a fucktard and ask "Have you got any jobs?" - read their website, see what contracts they've won, where the opportunities are and ask "I see youre doing *this future project, winning contracts with XYZ Ltd.*, I do *this*, could that be of any assistance to you going forward?". If there is an open vacancy, they will tell you. if not, you've put yourself in a very strong position for the future.

 

[Cliotoby]

Find me a job in Cisco Networking that isnt advertised by an agency...

No seriously dont bother, i know they exist but thats they way 99% of them are advertised.

 

[banther]

Start here;

http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/netacad/career_connection/index.html

Then call;
Charlie Johnston - MD HR EMEA
Susan White - UK & Ire HR Director
Elaine McCarthy - Recruitment Mgr. oh and look here are her vacancies

Currently hiring for Cisco Services Organisation
Currently hiring for:
Cloud Architect-Turkey, Uk and Russia
Datacentre Solution Architect-Russia
Account Manager-South Africa
Account Manager-Norway
Mobility Sales Solutions Specialist -UK
Client Services Director-Global Enterprise Theatre-UK
Security Service Sales Leader-UK

Even her f**king email address for you elmccart@cisco.com

If you give me more info I will find you the person you need to speak with. Business line? Qualifications? Career level? Geography?

Seriously. Not that hard.

 

[Cliotoby]

LOL

Stroppy t**t. That was sarcasm.

I know Cisco advertise jobs - I applied. Most jobs are through agencies I found in my area of work. Also I am not looking for work right now, but thanks for the generous level of assistance. Ill be sure to PM you when i next look for a job.

 

[banther]

haha

Mostly not for your benefit. But the point stands - network!!! thats the way. Put a voice/face/name to your CV and youre at least twice as likely to get a job.

 

[Chip-mk1]

Interesting advice I reckon Banther.

 

[banther]

I suppose it might be easier for me to find names of people etc. as its my job but you should be able to call any company and ask for the name.

If not - feel free to PM me and I'll get it.

Will not do CV's though. that's a piss take!

 

[Chapppers11]

What exactly do you do then Ollie?

Interesting thread!