Recruitment agencies

Looking for your first job after graduation or exploring a career change? Recruitment agencies offer access to exclusive vacancies, personalised career support, and expert advice to help you land the right role

How do recruitment agencies work?

Recruitment agencies act as a bridge between jobseekers and employers, but it's important to know that they're typically hired and paid by companies - not by candidates. This means their services are usually free for you as a jobseeker.

When a company needs to fill a role, they give the agency a detailed description of the job and the kind of person they're looking for. The agency then looks through its pool of candidates - including those already registered - and may also post the job online to attract new applicants.

If your profile matches what they're looking for, the agency might reach out to you directly. If you're shortlisted, the agency will pass your details to the employer and coordinate the interview process on your behalf.

They typically operate in one of three ways:Ìý

• permanent placement - helping candidates land long-term positionsÌý
• temporary/contract work - ideal for short-term roles, freelance gigs, or gaining experienceÌý
• temp-to-perm - starting with a temporary role that may lead to a permanent position.Ìý

Why should I use a recruitment agency?Ìý

Recruiters can open doors to opportunities you might not find on your own. Not all job vacancies are advertised publicly - many companies work exclusively with agencies to fill their roles. That means the only way to access some of these hidden jobs is through a recruiter.Ìý

They can also save you time. Rather than applying to hundreds of jobs individually, a recruiter can match you with roles that suit your skills, experience, and career goals, streamlining your search.Ìý

Recruiters understand what employers are looking for and can help you fine-tune your CV, prepare for interviews, and offer industry-specific insights to give you a competitive edge. Plus, they can manage tricky conversations like negotiating salary or start dates on your behalf.Ìý

That said, it's smart not to rely solely on agencies. You can also find graduate jobs by:Ìý

• sending speculative applications to companies you admireÌý
• using social media platforms like LinkedIn to build professional connectionsÌý
• attending networking events and reaching out directly to employers.Ìý

How do I find graduate recruitment agencies?

Not all agencies are the same - many specialise in particular industries. The key is to find one that aligns with your career goals and interests. Start by:Ìý

• asking for recommendationsÌý
• reading reviewsÌý
• giving them a call to get a feel for how they handle candidates.Ìý

Large, well-established agencies such as Adecco, Hays a²Ô»å Michael Page, operate nationally and across multiple sectors, making them a solid starting point for graduates exploring various paths.Ìý

You'll also find agencies that focus on specific geographic areas or particular sectors. These often have deeper industry knowledge and closer relationships with relevant employers.Ìý

If you're looking for jobs closer to home, try searching online for recruitment agencies in your area.Ìý

Before signing up, do your homework:Ìý

• ask about their process, follow ups and if they offer interview coaching or CV feedbackÌý
• check how many current vacancies they have in your fieldÌý
• find out which employers they typically work withÌý
• make sure they're a member of the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) as a sign of credibility.Ìý

Remember, recruitment agencies are paid by employers to find candidates. You should never be charged to register or use their services.Ìý

To help you get started, here are some useful resources for finding graduate recruitment agencies:Ìý

• Agency CentralÌý
• CV-LibraryÌý
• Fish4JobsÌý
• FreeIndexÌý
• OnrecÌý
• Reed.co.ukÌý

How do I register with an agency?

Start by contacting the agency via phone or email. Send your CV and a brief cover letter outlining the type of job you're looking for and your key skills. Follow up with a call to confirm receipt.Ìý

You'll likely be asked to schedule an interview, either in-person or virtually, to discuss your qualifications and career goals. Some agencies may allow walk-in registrations, but you should aim to dress and act professionally in all your interactions with recruiters.Ìý

You may need to take basic interview tests such as:Ìý

• aptitude tests
• psychometric tests
• SHL tests

If the agency feels they can help, they'll add you to their candidate database and reach out when relevant roles are available.Ìý

How can I stand out to a recruiter?

To stand out to a recruitment agency, it's important to present yourself in the best light.ÌýÌý

First, ensure that your CV is up-to-date, well-organised, and easy to read. A clear, concise CV that highlights your skills, qualifications, and achievements will grab a recruiter's attention.Ìý

Take a look at our CV examples for inspiration.Ìý

Next, clearly define your skills, experience, and the type of role you're seeking. Recruiters need to know what you bring to the table and what you're aiming for in your career. This helps them match you with the right opportunities.Ìý

Be open and honest about your goals and availability. If you're flexible with your working hours or willing to relocate, mention it. The more transparent you are, the easier it will be for recruiters to find a job that suits you.Ìý

Finally, stay responsive and proactive. Treat the recruiter like a potential employer by keeping communication professional and timely. Being engaged and showing initiative will help you build a strong relationship with the recruiter and demonstrate your enthusiasm for finding a job.Ìý

Should I join more than one job agency?

Yes, you can register with multiple recruitment agencies and in many cases, it's a smart move. Signing up with more than one agency can increase your chances of finding suitable roles and give you access to a wider range of opportunities.Ìý

However, it's important to be strategic. Don't join every agency you come across just for the sake of it. If several agencies submit your CV for the same role without coordination, it can create confusion for the employer and make your application appear disorganised or unprofessional.Ìý

To avoid this, make sure each agency informs you before they put you forward for a position. Being selective and working closely with a few trusted agencies will keep your job search focused and manageable and help you avoid a flood of irrelevant calls or emails.Ìý

What happens after I'm placed in a role?

Once you're successfully placed in a permanent position, the recruitment agency's role typically ends. You'll become an employee of the hiring company, and all future communication, contracts, and responsibilities will be handled directly by your new employer.Ìý

However, if you're placed in a temporary or contract role, things work a little differently. In these cases, you may remain on the agency's payroll, meaning the agency is responsible for:Ìý

• handling your timesheetsÌý
• managing benefits like holiday entitlementÌý
• processing your pay.ÌýÌý

You'll usually submit your hours to the agency each week, and they'll take care of the rest.Ìý

Regardless of the type of placement, it's a good idea to stay in touch with your recruiter even after you've started the role. Building a long-term relationship can be valuable as they can:Ìý

• assist with future job searchesÌý
• let you know about new opportunitiesÌý
• support your career progression.Ìý

Can I work for a recruitment agency?

If you have strong communication skills, enjoy working with people, and are motivated by targets and results, a career in the recruitment sector could be a great fit for you. Many people who thrive in fast-paced, people-focused environments find recruitment consulting both rewarding and challenging.Ìý

If you're curious about what it takes, consider exploring whether the role of a recruitment consultant suits your personality and career goals. A great starting point is to explore the 7 essential skills for a successful recruitment career and discover practical advice on what it's really like to work in the recruitment industry.Ìý