How to choose the right Australian Recruitment Agency

How to make sure you’re getting the most out of your recruiter:

How can I choose a recruiter that’s right for my industry/the job I’m looking for?

It’s not easy coming to a new country and city. Everything that was familiar isn’t anymore, and it’s the same with recruitment agencies, so making a choice is hard. Here are a few hints for making the choice:
• Ask your friends because the best people refer the best!
• Use your preferred search engine for “recruitment” and the location and type of work, e.g. “Recruitment agencies Sydney accounting”.
• When you visit their websites, check their social media and job listings. If they can’t be bothered with one or the other, then I would avoid them.
• Check out job boards. It’s old school, but it does work. Look for the agencies that advertise the roles you want to do, and don’t just apply. Pick up the phone and speak with the consultant who is responsible for temp recruitment. If the consultant does both temp and permanent recruitment, then put them down your priority list. You want a specialist.

What should I tell my recruiter about myself to ensure they look for the right jobs for me?

You have to work in partnership with your recruiter. Keeping secrets or trying to play recruiters against each other will ultimately lead you into trouble. Remember that you are new to the market, so trying to be too clever is not very clever. Temp recruiters are tasked to find talent who can do the job – who have the right skills, are available immediately and are at the right rate. So when dealing with them, you should:
1. Be clear about what exactly you can – and are willing – to do. If you are a neurosurgeon but willing to do reception work, make sure you tell your recruiter!
2. Be clear about your availability. Tell your recruiter if you have holidays or other plans. Any potential employer won’t like your surprise holiday.
3. Understand that the rate reflects the type of work you do, not your level of skills and responsibility. You will be paid as a receptionist if you are doing reception work, even if you are a trained neurosurgeon.

What can I ask of my recruiter and what should I take upon myself to do?

Ask them anything. They want to get you working. If you work, they will be making money, so don’t be afraid to ask the most basic of questions, and please DO NOT assume anything about the role. Make sure you are clear on what you will be doing, when and for how much. In terms of your own responsibility, the number one is to make sure you understand your commitment before you start. It’s okay to say no to an opportunity that is presented to you, but if you say yes, you have a responsibility to fulfil what is required of you. If you fail to complete this responsibility, you are jeopardising any future reference from the employer and the likelihood of the recruiter assisting you in the future.

How often can I contact my recruiter?

Any time! At people2people, recruiters encourage registered candidates to contact them once a week. If candidates reach voicemail, which is likely, as recruiters are paid to be on the phone, then leave a message. Remember that recruiters meet hundreds of people in a year, so if your message is one way, such as, “I am still available,” then tell the recruiter a call back is not required. They will respect you for it, and, because you call regularly, they will remember you when a vacancy does arise.

When and how often should my recruiter be contacting me?

The best recruiters will call you when they have a vacancy to discuss. At people2people, the consultants also send out availability SMS to those people who have indicated they are available. Once you start working, then your recruiter will call you on your first day, then most likely weekly for the first month, and then fortnightly or monthly depending on the length of the assignment. The critical thing is to build a strong relationship with your recruiter.

Any other advice?

Recruiters are tasked to find the best talent for a job, not a job for the best talent (i.e. you). So remember to value their advice, but understand that they are working for a client who will have specific criteria. Just because you can do the job on offer does not mean you are the best candidate for the role. By understanding this and working in partnership with recruitment agencies, you can make your working holiday the best it possibly can be.
If you’re looking for a role in Sydney, speak to the people in the know at www.people2people.com.au
Article By Mark Smith, Director, People 2 People
A: level 6, 261 George Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000
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