How do I find the right recruitment agency?

[Whatdoiknowanyway]

I've been running my own business for the past 10 years but, for various reasons, have decided I would like to go back in to paid employment.
Trouble is I just don't know where to start. How do I find out which agencies are right for me?

It depends what sort of work you're looking for and where you are. I work in recruitment and I think that, in the current market, you'll need to approach a range to find a consultant or consultants that you can build a relationship with and then have a dollop of luck that they have opportunities that would be right for you. Talk to people around you who've used agencies and go with recommendations. Although, sometimes, it's the consultant you don't like who comes up with the goods!! Good luck with your search.

Thanks MsPickle
Problem is the people I know who have used agencies tend to be a different job type/level to me. Most of my friends either have fairly specialised jobs or have been in the same job for many, many years (bit like me). Otherwise, I agree, asking someone I know is the sensible first step.

I'm in London. My ideal would be Business Manager for an agency, SME or a charity. Dealing with premises, HR, finances etc, supporting the front line work of the business.

I've worked in industry all my life. Initially in blue chip companies, latterly serving all sizes of organisation from blue chip to SMEs. I've also got quite a lot of management experience in a voluntary organisation.

I'm not looking to earn a fortune although I do have a lower limit in mind.

When I look on line for jobs and put 'business manager' into search engines I get lots of business development jobs - which I really do not want to do. I'm just overwhelmed by the number of agencies around. I guess I just have to start phoning them and talking..

You could also create profiles on the job boards, especially for that sort of work. Agencies and employers buy subscription packages to search for CVs; we advertise very seldom as the administration involved in dealing with the applications is so time consuming (not least as an average of 60% + are totally irrelevant as its people who are just applying for anything that's new to make sure they can prove to the job centre that they are active). Registering won't necessarily be easy and I'd have to say be prepared to 'kiss some frogs' along the way! It's also probably worth some speculative applications to organisations you're interested in. The other thing I say to everyone is make sure that everyone you know knows what you're looking for in case they hear of anything. Don't underestimate the power of networking and ears to the ground! I wish you every success with your search!

Oh and try other job titles. What you've described is called office management by lots of companies, just keep and eye on the level of detail and salary to focus it away from reception with a bit of supply ordering.

That's really helpful, thank you

I used to work in recruitment many moons ago, and I'm sure we'd have been pleased to have someone like you on our books. Although it was an accountancy/finance agency, we did occasionally have office manager-type jobs to fill.
I'm telling you this so that you don't discount the specialist agencies. It's worth at least a call; although your type of role won't make up the bulk of their vacancies, it only takes one to be the right one and you the perfect candidate!
Hope that makes sense .

Thank you Shotgun - something to think about.