Using a specialist recruitment agency can save you time and provide you with exposure to a greater range of marketing and sales jobs.
Their expertise and sector knowledge will often increase your chances of securing a first interview, and as they have existing client relationships, they may be able to introduce you to opportunities you may not otherwise hear about. Job hunting is a full-time process - preparing and ensuring your CV is up-to-date, identifying and selecting potential employers, completing application forms etc. all take time.
Enlisting the assistance and support of a recruitment consultant can greatly ease your workload in sourcing marketing jobs. The more proactive recruitment agencies will go above and beyond the call of duty and will actively target your top 10 potential employer list on your behalf, increasing your chances of working with your first-choice employers.
When choosing a recruitment agency, seek referrals and recommendations from your friends and colleagues. Ideally the agency you choose should have a national presence, particularly if you are flexible in terms of location. Even if you want to continue to work locally, many local offices of national blue-chip organisations have preferred supplier arrangements with established national recruitment businesses that service all their requirements.
Your consultant should:
It is advisable to meet your consultant in person as this will enable the agency to represent you more effectively. He or she will be able to gain a clearer understanding of your existing marketing skills and competencies and, importantly, your aims and aspirations following a meeting with you in person. You will also be able to gain valuable feedback about your CV and interview technique from your consultant - feedback that can often make the difference between success and failure at interview for your next marketing job.
The marketing recruitment environment is fast moving and competitive. If you register with too many agencies you could run the risk of several copies of your CV being sent to the same prospective employer and hence multiple copies for the same marketing jobs. At most, consider two or three agencies to represent you. Some recruitment companies may even send your CV to clients without seeking your permission. Establishing a personal relationship with just one or two consultants will help prevent this. Hays Marketing will involve you every step of the way and we will never send your CV to a client without your permission.
From a legislative standpoint, the recruitment agency has a legal obligation to ensure that you are eligible to work in the UK so you will be asked to prove your identity. Passports are usually taken as best proof and originals will be copied while you are at the agency. Make sure you take this with you at your first meeting; proof of academic or professional qualifications - such as CIM - will also save you time.
Once you have registered and met your consultant, agree next steps; this will ensure your consultant meets your expectations. If you decide to work exclusively with one consultant, make sure that both you and your consultant have a clear action plan and timescales regarding your search for marketing jobs.
Provide a list of the companies that you would like to work for as well as those you are not interested in. Agencies worth their salt will actively canvass these organisations and put you forward for any suitable positions that arise. If you receive an email or voice message about opportunities, or are called in person but cannot speak freely, then make sure you contact your consultant as soon as possible afterwards.
The marketplace is competitive and many clients only wish to see a limited number of candidates, so too long a delay in responding may mean that you lose the chance of an interview. It is a good idea to keep a record of the marketing jobs and companies you have been contacted about if you are working with more than one agency. Being well organised is essential if you are proactively searching for a new role.
Good agencies continually strive to improve their service. If you have any feedback or suggestions about any aspect of the service you received, notify the agency directly either via your consultant or through a customer satisfaction survey. Successful job searching is essentially down to a good working relationship between you and your consultant - good luck!
For comprehensive interview and recruitment information, visit our dedicated Careers Advice area.
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