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So, what does a Recruitment agency (UK) do exactly?  by Scott Boyd

A recruitment agency in the UK will place candidates (jobseekers) in positions advertised by their clients (employers). 

Depending on the position offered, this may involve the recruitment agency sending the candidate for an interview at the clients offices, or supplying the client with the CV's of prospective candidates or choosing the candidate for the position themselves.

How does a recruitment agency UK make it's money then?

Recruitment agencies in the UK charge their clients for their services. 

Most UK recruitment agencies will charge a percentage of a candidates starting salary for passing that candidate on to the client.  For example, if a candidate is placed by a recruitment agency and starts on a salary of £10,000 per year, the agency may charge 10% of this, which is £1,000.

If a recruitment agency UK is placing a temporary worker, they charge an additional hourly rate and pay the temp themselves.  For example, a recruitment agency UK may charge £12 per hour for a temporary worker and then pay the temp £6 per hour.

How do I get work through a recruitment agency in the UK?

Firstly, you have to register with each recruitment agency, which involves sending you CV to them.

• More information on writing you CV

• General advice for writing you CV

• My article on web based recruitment agencies.

When you send your CV off, you will be asked to go in for an interview.  This enables the recruitment consultant to get an idea of what you are like as a person.

Note:  your CV and the following interview are your only opportunities to make an impression on the person who will (hopefully) find you work.  Don't waste the opportunity!

• Dealing with Interviews

• Questions to ask in interviews

The interview that you have will differ depending on the recruitment agency and the job types you are applying for.  It may involve:

• A one on one interview with a recruitment consultant who will be your contact in the agency.  Be sure to let this person know what your skills are and where you want to with your career!

• A test of some sorts (typing tests for admin, perhaps general IT knowledge tests for IT).

OK then, how soon until they find me a job?

It can be straight away, or it can be never!

Some tips:

• Don't limit your job hunting to one recruitment agency.  Register with as many as you can find, and also keep looking for jobs by other means as well.  Finding Jobs.

• Keep calling your contact at the agency on a weekly basis - recruitment consultants deal with many clients so you need to keep fresh in their memory, otherwise you'll just be a record on a computer!

• Remember to keep the recruitment agencies updated with your new skills and experience.  Getting Experience.

• Most important of all - don't give up!

• Recruitment agency uk

Good Luck!

Regards

Scott Boyd - Webmaster and Founder - Jobseekers Advice

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