Working with agencies

Using a specialist recruitment agency can save you time and will provide you with exposure to a greater range of opportunities because they have expert sector knowledge and experience. In addition, they have existing client relationships and may be able to introduce opportunities which you may not otherwise hear about.

1. When choosing a recruitment agency, get referrals from 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 stay local, many local offices of national organisations have preferred supplier arrangements who service all their requirements. If you’re reading this, you came to Hays Retail so you are in good hands!
   
2. It is advisable to meet your consultant in person. This will enable the agency to represent you more effectively, as your consultant will clearly understand your aims and aspirations.
   
   You will be able to gain valuable feedback about your CV and interview technique that can make the difference between success and failure at a client interview.
   
3. The specialist retail recruitment marketplace 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 employers.
   
   At the 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 prevent this.
   
   You can rest assured that Hays Retail will involve you every step of the way and we will never send your CV to a client without your permission.
   
4. The 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. Usually a passport is the best proof of this, and the original will be required so that it can be copied whilst you are at the agency.
   
   So make sure you take this with you when you meet your consultant. It can save time later if you take proof of academic or professional qualifications with you to this first meeting.
   
5. Agree a ‘next step’ with your consultant once you have registered. 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 job search. Provide a list of the companies that you would like to work for as well as those you are not interested in.
   
6. 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.
   
7. It is a good idea to keep a record of the roles 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.
   
8. If an interview is arranged, your consultant should provide you with the name of the company, a company description, job specification, time of interview, location of interview and interviewer name. Research and plan fully for your interview.
   
   Your consultant will work with you to ensure that you have as much information as possible, but bear in mind that the consultant may sometimes be restricted by what information the client will allow to be disclosed.
   
9. Read the job specification carefully and consider the following: 

• What skills and experiences are being sought and how will I demonstrate that I have these at interview? Think about relevant examples from your experience to illustrate these.
• Does the role fulfil my requirements? (Industry sector, size, location) 
• Why did the client select me for interview? What feedback did he/she give my consultant? 
• Were there any parts on my CV that the client was particularly interested in?

Following any interview - be it positive or negative  call your consultant and exchange feedback. 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.