Is it better to approach company directly or go through a recruitment agency?

[Lupyto]

I have not worked for 8 years. My old
boss still works in same company and I was thinking I could see if they have any positions available. They only time I have worked before was after a graduate recruitment. I worked at the same company then for 8 years before I left when my children were born. So I have never done any sort of recruitment process in a long time. Do you think it better to approach companies directly and see if they have positions? Or through a recruitment agency? It is a professional job (I am degree qualified) if that makes any difference.

Contact your old boss
If they want you to go through a Recruiter they will tell you. If you go direct they save fees so might be interested

I would just approach them directly and you will save them a placement fee.

You could always make contact asking if it's okay to use them as a reference and explain you're job searching. Then ask if they have anything available.

Thanks for the advice. Wasn’t sure if anyone would reply. Yes I wasn’t sure if negotiating salary is better through a third party?

I must say I am not too bothered about salary. Just want a job to get back in to work force

Not usually