MYTHS DISPELLED

There are many stories about people’s experience with recruitment consultants – what they have done, how they have behaved etc. Here are a few definite myths:

They do NOT take a cut of your pay

Despite popular belief, recruitment agencies will not help themselves to a slice of your salary should you find permanent employment with one of their clients. All large companies budget for substantial recruitment costs. They pay agencies to find candidates just as they would pay a trade magazine to advertise their vacancies. Thus, just as you wouldn’t expect to pay a percentage to a magazine, you don’t have to give the agency a penny.

You are not obliged to use them

When you register, do not be concerned that you are in any way limiting your job search. Whether you apply for two jobs a day, or merely peruse the vacancies when suffering acute boredom attacks, is entirely your prerogative. There are no contracts you are required to honour. This document advises you to regularly keep in touch with your agent as that is the best way to be remembered, but if you are not happy with the service you are under no obligation to make any effort whatsoever.

You are not obliged to accept a job offer received through them

So everything is going according to plan. You liked the look of the job specification, the agency put you forward and the interview went really well. The problem is, so did the day at the assessment centre for the position you considered out of your league. Is it a requirement of the agency that you accept the position offered through them? Of course not. Relax, you are under no obligation to your agency at any stage of the recruitment process, or afterwards.