In today’s job market, there’s more opportunity than you might expect, despite the volatile times we’re going through in the UK and beyond. Organisations are hiring more than ever before! Of course, it depends on what you want to do for a living (you may be a graduate, looking to grow or change your career, or seeking the pinnacle in your career to date). Whatever stage you are in your life and career, here are some great tips for how you can work with recruiters to make your experience a positive one.

With the proper support, you can get the results you want.

Why work with recruitment agencies? 

Agencies specialise in finding and supporting talent. Reputable agencies are experts at finding and placing candidates and liaising with the organisations seeking that talent. They have their fingers on the pulse of the job market in every specialist industry. Specialist recruiters use the latest technology and business intelligence, sourcing dream candidates in half the time. 

People working within these agencies are experts at what they do. It’s their job to ensure the people they put forward for employment are the right people, not just because their skills match the job description but also because they completely understand the industry they’re recruiting for. They know an organisation’s culture, values, ethos, and how they plan for the future of their business and their employees.

Recruiters must act as the conduit between the candidates and the organisation. We must support talent and hiring managers to find the right solutions for candidates and the business. People are at the heart of any organisation, which goes without saying when we bring job seekers and employers together.

What can candidates do to help themselves more?

What do you want?

Ask yourself – what do you want as a job? What do you want for your career? What stage are you at in your life? Get clear on what you want to do, then think about some questions you might like to ask a recruiter. Here are some tips for reference:

– Ask the right questions:

• What industries do you specialise in? Do you specialise in the industry I’m keen to work in?
• Do you often have jobs seeking the skills I offer?
• What kinds of organisations do you work with?
• What kind of support, training and development do you offer or give your candidates? Do you work with candidates throughout their careers?
• How would you advise I market myself to a potential employer?

– Be completely honest when working with a recruiter – never blag or fabricate any part of your career, skills and experience. Honesty is always the best policy! 

If you have concerns about how things have gone to date in your career or in a particular job or organisation – let them know. Recruiters are there to give honest, expert advice, and everything is confidential.

– Don’t be afraid to speak about your salary expectations. Be open to discussion about money versus what a role will offer you. If you need a position that provides flexibility and adaptable working hours to suit your needs, be open to discussing it. Good recruiters are committed to being completely honest about inclusivity and diversity, being flexible and advising on part-time and other roles out there. This also applies to people with mental and physical challenges, as well as those of us with children.

– Never expect recruiters to do all the work for you. They’re there to guide – not do the groundwork. It’s your career, so always take ownership of it.

– Always stay in touch with a recruiter – even when you land your dream job, especially when you’re new. This will ensure you gain the best support as you start with a new organisation. If you ever have any issues with a role or organisation, your recruiter will want to know so they can offer guidance and help with solutions.

– Ask your recruiter if they have a referral scheme – and spread the love! Any decent recruiter will want their work to be known, especially if they have supported you closely through your job-seeking process. You could be with each other throughout your careers, so see it as an opportunity to build a great relationship between your recruitment process and the people involved.

Where do you want to go?

We’ve touched on this – how your recruiter can be a guide and support throughout your career. It’s not unusual to hear about people starting as graduates with a recruitment agency and staying with them for very long periods, developing their skills and gaining qualifications as their careers continually grow.

Finding the right recruitment agency and team to help you is vital. However, once you’ve done your due diligence and research, there’s no reason why you can’t continue to build a fantastic relationship with people who know and understand what it is you want to achieve in your career – and your life.

How can we help you?

We count ourselves lucky that we can call ourselves experts in our field of recruitment. We’re genuinely and passionately committed to finding the right opportunities for you and your career, matching you with organisations with your values and goals at the centre of everything they do. 

Recruitment has been changing for the good – and we’d love you to get in touch and find out how we can best support you.

Come and visit us at www.melburywood.com/ or contact us at Contact | Melbury Wood to learn more about how we can help you with interview techniques, finding the job that fits you and who you are and other career development you’ll need throughout your working life.