EXPECTATIONS

Because recruitment consultants are paid to place individuals into jobs, they need people like you! Without relevant jobseekers they cannot fill their vacancies. In other words the relationship you have with your recruitment consultant should be an equal one.

As a general rule, you should only sign up with around 2-3 agencies. Any more and you will simply generate duplication - i.e. the agencies will have very similar vacancies. This can be infuriating as there is no benefit to be gained from your time investment.

What to expect from your agency on registration

Your agency application will usually be dealt with in one of three ways:

Method 1: Your CV is entered onto the agency's database.

The agency will then pass your CV onto several different companies, often without your consent. When a company expresses an interest, the agency will contact you. This is the least effective method of getting the best from agencies as 'consultants' have little idea of what you want, simply 'matching' you to companies based on the contents of your CV which, as a graduate, may disadvantage you against more experienced individuals. In addition you may not know they have actioned it, or who your CV is being sent to.

ADVANTAGES: It is easy and requires a minimum of effort.

DISADVANTAGES: You have little or no control as to what happens with your CV and application.

Method 2. The agency conduct a telephone interview with you.

After your CV has been entered onto the database, a consultant will call you to carry out what may be a very brief, or quite in depth interview. This will give the agency a better idea of the type of work in which you are interested. The consultant may then discuss specific opportunities with you or contact you again when they have something that is relevant to you.

ADVANTAGES: Again, initially easy, but you do have the opportunity to express your needs.

DISADVANTAGES: The telephone is often not the best medium for giving a good account of yourself. Also, with this method you are less likely to be remembered than if you have an office interview (see below).

Method 3. The agency invite you to an office interview.

This is the most thorough, and therefore most helpful, approach. Again, your CV will be entered onto the database. You will then be contacted and asked to attend a one-to-one interview with a consultant in one of the agency's offices. (For more details see '4. The Interview')

ADVANTAGES: This is your opportunity to impress. The consultant can see you for who you are and judge your drive and potential. He/she can also give advice on interview technique, etc. Attending an interview is also viewed by consultants as a sign of your commitment to finding a position.

DISADVANTAGES: A much tougher process, this method is more time consuming and potentially costly (i.e. travel to the interview as they very rarely pay expenses to see them, although you will usually have expenses reimbursed for interviews with the employers).

What the agency will expect from you on registration

Remember: the more time you spend with the agency, the better. This makes method 3 the most appealing, but only attend an interview if you feel confident the agency will provide you with the level of service you want. If you are using this approach (i.e. you are invited to interview) you will be expected to:

• Be on time
• It is a good idea to arrive five or ten minutes early.
• Be smart and professional looking
• Know what you want
• i.e. role, industry, salary expectations, are you prepared to relocate? to where?
• Be enthusiastic and motivated
• Smile!

What should you do after registration?

• Telephone them
• Once you have sent your CV, enquire what they plan to do with it (method 1, 2 or 3)? What will happen next?
• Keep in touch with them

Consultants interview 20-30 graduates a week, so it is extremely important that you are remembered. Be persistent without being a pest!

• Be ready for a telephone call
• Brush up on your telephone interview technique!
• Withdraw your application If you are not happy with the process, there's no need to hang around.

After registration you should expect them to:

• Keep in touch with you
• Return your calls
• Set up interviews for you
• Fully brief you prior to each interview
• Make sure you have details; where you are going, who you will be interviewed by, what the interview process is, etc.