Etiquette/tips on going to job agency / recruitment consultant?

As discussed in my previous question, I want to go to an employment agency, and I am unsure what to say/do/take.

I have been to them before and they haven't really bothered with me, they havent found me work. I have rang them to see whats happening and they just say 'nothing at the moment' Which is demoralising as I have relevant experience.

What should I do?

Thanks

How often should I ring them for an update?
Maybe i'm not ringing them enough/too much??

It's always well worth enhancing your profile with agencies, as they are then more likely to remember you when a suitable job comes up (remember, they will have hundreds of people on their books - they will have search mechanisms on their databases, but there's nothing like being at the forefront of a consultant's mind for getting results).

Give them a call and say you would like to meet with them to discuss your skills in more detail. If you've met with them before, say you feel it's time for an update. If they are reluctant (which they may be if they've already seen you) ask them for just 10 minutes of their time rather than a full interview. Never just turn up without a pre-arranged appointment - consultants hate this - it means they have to drop everything to see you, which may mean missing out on filling one of their jobs, which they won't thank you for. Plus it just looks unprofessional - you wouldn't turn up to a company demanding a job interview, so you shouldn't do it with agencies either.

However long you get with them, treat it as a real job interview. Wear a suit, take evidence of qualifications, take your passport for ID purposes, and prepare for what kind of questions they will ask you. Like a real job interview you need to have lots of examples prepared of where you have shown different skills. Take a hard copy of your CV, but also email if to them, or take it on a memory stick so that they can get a copy. They'll thank you for not having to type up your CV again. It is a mistake to treat the agency interview as just a casual chit chat, because this won't come across well to the consultant, they will worry about sending you for interviews with clients and therefore are less likely to select you.

With regard to calling them, if you are looking for temp work, I'd say once a week is acceptable. Monday mornings may be a good time, as this is when a lot of temp jobs get called in. If you are looking for perm work, then you don't need to call as frequently - I'd make it about once a month.

What you should also do is keep an eye on the agencies website for what jobs they have at the moment. You may see a job you are interested in but that the agency didn't realise would be of interest to you, so give them a call and ask about the job. Even if the consultant decides you might not be suitable, it shows you are keen to secure work through them and it gives the consultant more info on what you will consider.

Keep trying and approach other agencies.

Some really do make you feel worthless whereas others can be really positive and helpfull.

I've spent so much time registering with agencies recently and yes it's increadably demoralising at times.

Keep your chin up, be confident, ask for advice on your CV and always be punctual and well presented.

Always dress smartly and take an up to date copy of your CV (not a screwed up one from last year!) If you have an appointment be on time. If you are going to be late ring them and let them know. I've applied to loads of agencies over the years and only one has ever found me work. Now I just register with them. So register with as many as you can and just stick with the ones who at least try and find you work. Good luck!

i was in similiar situation few months, to be honest there is nothing you can do i did go to most gaenices but eventually found that everyone was putting my details and it looked like i was desparate for job which doesnt look good when a potential employer is looking at your c.v, just remain faithfull its hard yes i know call agency once a week, have you tried to log onto monster job site? that is good so is totaljobs, good luck.

Agencies will not help you find work unless you are qualified for the position and have all the qualifications that the client is seeking. The agencies job is to screen out applicants who isn't qualified for the position. So, I would suggest that you be upbeat and very friendly and try as many as possible. Constantly call them until something comes along. Continue looking for a position on your own. They will not help you find the right position.

Hi, from past experiance here are some tips/advice

1. Contact and register with as many as you can (I have 10 I regularly use)
2. Always always remeber, they see and speak to possibly hundreds of poeple so they will NOT remember you when you ring. Accepting this fact makes dealing with them a whole lot easier.
3. Pester them, phoning them twice a week is not unreasonable. Ring on Monday morning and enquire if they have anything sutable that week. Also ring on Friday afternoon. This is when most or their clients ring them.
4. Be patient.

Thats the best advice I can give you because it works for me. Employment agencies are a great resource if you use them in this way. Good luck

Some consultants talk a lot of rubbish.
If you have relevant experience, and they are not calling you, then they don't have relevant jobs. Consultants get the candidates first and then approach employers which takes a long time.

I suggest that you speak to friends to find out what consultants they have used.
I regsiter on consultants websites for jobs by e-mail so that relevant jobs are e-mailed to me every day. Try gaapweb.com, totaljobs.com and hays.com. Then you can see which consultants have jobs.

Don't worry about calling too much - they get paid to find you a job. If a consultant doesn't return calls or speak to you at least once every 2 weeks, then I would find another one.

Good luck