Using recruitment agencies

For many, a temporary job taken through an agency has proved to be a valuable way of gaining the necessary experience for a permanent post - a stepping stone to a long-term career.

Many of the specialist recruitment agencies are staffed by people who have an in-depth knowledge of their particular industry. Such contacts can be a useful source of advice and information to help you with your job hunt, but remember you will need to be very specific in any requests for advice.

Secretarial, clerical, admin, accounting, catering, computing and manual work are some of the most widely offered. Some agencies will specialise in one or two particular types of work, whilst others might deal with anything that comes their way.

Top tips

• You might want to register with more than one agency to maximise your chances of finding work.
• You should be clear about the sort of work you want and are capable of doing, as this will be the first question you are asked.
• Give a brief description of your previous work experience and any work-related skills you have developed from your course. After an initial discussion you may be asked to return for an appointment to register.
• Once you have ‘registered’ it is a case of waiting until a suitable opportunity arises for which the agency is prepared to put you forward.
• Agencies are not obliged to register your details. An agency which knows it cannot help you because you haven't got the right skills or experience for its regular clients should tell you so, rather than giving you false hope. Don't be offended or think they are being ‘awkward’; they are simply trying not to waste your time or theirs. Instead, ask them for the names of other agencies which might be able to help you.
• Use the internet to find out more about a company before applying/going to an interview. Most major companies have their own website and advice on researching employers can be found across the Careers & Employability Service website
• Be vigilant with regard to sales vacancies advertised with earnings that sound too good to be true. These might or might not be advertised as being on a commission-only basis. In some cases, the abbreviation OTE (On Target Earnings) will be used to indicate that the salary quoted is the one you can expect to earn if you meet your sales targets. Failure to meet those targets can mean that the actual amount earned is considerably less. Ask questions such as: exactly how much of the advertised salary is guaranteed and how much depends on your performance?
• You may not be the only candidate that the agency puts forward, and will usually have to go for one or two interviews before you know whether you have been successful.

Don’t

• Pay fees. Agencies are not legally allowed to charge you a fee to register.
• Accept a job if you feel it isn't right for you.