Making a good impression with an employment agency can open many doors! Our advice on how to promote yourself to an employment agency.
The network of employment agencies in many cases provides opportunities to get a good job. Sometimes neglected, the relationship with your agency can be decisive. “Having a good understanding with your advisor is very important,” starts off Michael O’Leary, Quebec Regional Director of the Robert Half employment agency. Having worked 23 years in the recruitment field, he explains the few steps to be followed for effective collaboration between the candidate and the employment agency.
Choose your agency wisely
The first step to promote yourself to an employment agency is to choose your agency wisely. “You must seek to be represented at your best,” Michael O’Leary says. His first advice is to take the time to properly identify the companies that match you. “We must be able to count on them,” he says. The reputation, network, number of jobs posted on their website and the various recommendations on platforms such as LinkedIn are all things to check before contacting the agency. He also recommends asking what the company is capable of offering. For example, in addition to its role as an employment agency, can it offer activities in networking, counselling or training?
Be well prepared
Once two or three agencies have been identified – not more, which would be a waste of time – the first meeting with the recruiter remains crucial. To stand out from other candidates, preparation is decisive. Michael O’Leary advises browsing the website to have an idea of the jobs available, and also about the types of position being sought. A well-prepared CV must be in hand, as well as arriving with at least two references.
Facilitating communication
“The recruiter must be able to clearly understand what you are seeking – the more clearly, the faster things can go,” the regional director explains, adding that a lack of communication can lead to a significant waste of time.
After the first meeting, the applicant must keep in mind the steps and facilitate discussions as best as he can. Some agencies prefer emails, while others rather prefer meetings in person. The candidate must know which in order to act accordingly. “The candidate must be able to give the correct information and to respond quickly, since the market moves fast,” the recruiter notes. It is essential not to wait long to respond to a request, especially an offer of a job!
Michael O’Leary notes that some candidates consider agencies as Plan B. However, when well prepared, this approach can prove to be a winner from the outset for many job seekers!