Has anyone used a recruitment consultant?

[Fernleigh22]

I'm looking for a new job, searching constantly on all the relevant sites. I'm just wondering if anyone has used a recruitment consultant? Is it a con or are they actually quite good at finding you work?

Like at an agency or an independent one? I always go through recruiters at big agencies like Michael Page and TPP (will vary by sector) when I'm looking for work, alongside doing my own applications. I've found them to be really good generally.

In my line of work most jobs go through recruitment consultants.

Generally they have good jobs that are real. But they are not good at listening to what you want (generally; there are exceptions) and try to send you to lots of interviews for things you aren't suited for. Not sure why as surely this tactic doesn't actually lead to job offers!

Useful for negotiating salary as it's not directly with the new employer. I'd recommend but with caution.

I also recommend. They can also help with interview techniques, insider knowledge on people on panel, what they like etc. They have a vested interest in you getting the job so want to help.
Try to talk to them on the phone rather than email. A lot more beneficial.

Not a con at all! A very normal way of doing recruitment. They are paid by the employer (if they facilitate a successful hire) these companies wouldn’t pay them if they didn’t get anyone into jobs!

many companies use recruitment agencies as it hugely cuts down on the amount of admin for them and (in theory) connects them with only the most suited candidates. They don’t have to deal with all the time wasters and hopeless applicants.

I don’t think going with a recruiter makes you more likely to get a job, but it will definitely open up a load of opportunities that aren’t publicly advertised. It’s best to go to a recruiter alongside searching the open job market as you have been.

best of luck!

Thank you everyone for your quick responses. I've always worked in public sector, so applications are always direct with the organisation.
This is all new to me. Do I attend interviews with the recruitment agency then or the actual employer?

I was looking for work earlier this year. I put my cv on LinkedIn and Indeed. Both sites had plenty of suggestions for interesting looking roles that I was well suited for. I just clicked ‘apply’ on loads and got very little interest. A couple of recruitment companies contacted me. Although I was sceptical I chose one I’d heard of and agreed to have a chat over Teams. It was great. Like an interview, but with no pressure. He knew what to ask and we realised there was so much missing from my cv. We talked for about an hour. 2 days later he asked if I was happy to have a chat with a company he’d been working with. They’d contacted him as they needed someone in a junior role. He convinced them that they actually needed me. I went with no expectations as neither side was sure that there was even a job available. They rang him that afternoon and offered the money I was asking for and a 6 month contract, that has just been made permanent.

I would definitely recommend leaving job searching to an expert.

You visit the recruitment agency, they put you on their books, they will source you a possible job interview, ring you and discuss to see if it meets with your expectations regarding hours and salary.

They then arrange either an online interview through Teams or an in person interview with their client. Remember you are interviewing the client as much as they are interviewing you. If you are freelance it is to be expected that you can ask about any flexibility in your hours. Remember to ask if they have parking too as this might be a big factor in expense.

I've been freelance for 30 plus years, had the odd perm job but got bored of it., I love freelancing. I have worked at various jobs like secretary in the last five years residential conveyancing, Probate and Wills, worked as a call handler, worked in child protection for two years as a minute taker, worked in Utilities, Pensions and Life Assurance, the list is endless. The last few years I've concentrated on construction as I love working on construction sites (I'm a document controller/site secretary). My job is varied and well paid.

I have a really good CV that always draws attention (for good reasons) and I have a 'portfolio' of about 15 references from some of the clients I've worked for which I always produce at interview. Also with my portfolio are samples of my work which I will show if they are relevant to the role.

The trouble is there are more temps than there are jobs, my top tip would be to get yourself into document control if you can, study on line, learn how it all works, as there are not many good document controllers out there, its quite a niche market. I am lucky as I don't mind carrying out inductions either, so this is a great marketable plus because site managers hate carrying out inductions. It also means I can justify my hours, 7.30am - 3.30pm with 30 mins lunch, because inductions usually start at 8am so I am available and ready to go.

When I've been job hunting I have scrolled past any posted by a recruiter, so I will definitely be changing this tactic.
It's great to hear so many positive stories though!
After my first reply, I submitted my CV to a recruitment agency and they called me straight away. I have a Teams call with them on Friday afternoon. I've also submitted 2 job applications