Using recruitment agencies

Registering with recruitment agencies and sending them your CV is a good way of finding job opportunities. Some recruitment agencies specialise in specific sectors, while others will recruit across a range of industries.

The impression you make with the agency may influence the opportunities they offer you. Bear this in mind when you contact them. And remember: you should never pay to use a recruitment agency.

Most recruitment agencies now operate online as well as having physical offices where they meet and interview potential candidates, while some are only online. They will have an online database of vacancies that you can browse and apply for via their website.

When you register with a recruitment agency they will ask you what types of job you are interested in and then contact you if they get a suitable vacancy. Alternatively they may ask you to upload your details and a CV and then charge employers to search their database for suitable candidates. Although not strictly recruitment agencies, this is how online CV banks – such as JobSearch and Monster –  work.

  • Make sure your specify which companies you don’t want your CV to be sent to (you don’t want it going to your current employer).
  • Check that the employers you are interested in are using the recruitment agencies.
  • Make sure that the agency you use is appropriate to the level of skills and experience you are offering.

Where to find recruitment agencies

Agencies specialising in graduate employment