It is not every day that one is looking for a job, and sometimes one may wonder, ‘where do I start?’
Before you start to look for a job, you really need to understand yourself and why you want to move.
1. Understand exactly what is motivating you
What are the motivating factors in your life? Be honest with yourself when you ask this question.
- Is it the money?
- Are you stagnating in your job?
- Are relationships strained in irretrievable for whatever reason?
- It could be that you are relocating. Is it personal or work related?
- Do you hope to make a career change in line with your experience?
- Did the company do you in, and have not met their promises?
- It is that you face unbearable hours and unrealistic expectations that are causing burnout, affecting your family life and your health?
- Is it that you just feel like a spare part, or part of the furniture, just a number, and no longer an asset?
- No freedom to add value, give input or make positive changes that no one will embrace?
- The company is suspicious of everyone, checking up on everything where you feel you are under continual surveillance…
Whatever the reason/s are that you may want to move, hold true to this and be totally honest about these reasons when discussing this with an agency. If you misrepresent yourself, and the motivating factors in your life, it could be VERY detrimental if one thing is discussed with an agency, and another thing comes out when being interviewed by the client.
Before you decide to work with an agency, make sure you are 100% certain about your situation. This does not mean that if a job is discussed with you, you have to take it or are obliged to go on an interview, but it does mean that consultants will be able to help you more effectively discussing the right career opportunity with you.
2. Do research
Do research on the Internet to see which agency/agencies you may like to work with if you do not feel comfortable putting your CV onto a job board. If you are in a very specialised field, chances are that you are going to be presented with better career options through and agency that specialise. They can realistically advise you on salaries and other expectations, where a generalist does not always know.
3. Do job searches on job boards.
If there is a particular position that you would like to apply to, call up the agency before submitting your CV. Why? You can get a good indication of their professionalism and whether they can help you, or if you will be wasting your time. Often times the agency with ask you just to send your CV depending on the position, or they may ask you specific questions in line with the job. This can drastically speed up the process for you if they feel you have are potentially right for the job
4. Does the agency give you the right information?
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When discussing a job position with you, do you know the salary of the position you are applying for if advertised as negotiable, and does the agency know what they are talking about? - Do they make the effort to find out about yourself and what really motivates you?
- Can they advise you on a realistic salary expectation and justify this to enable you to understand?
- Does the agency know what benefits you could receive?
- Are they able to describe the company and the company culture with you, so that you can make an informed decision as to whether you think you would enjoy it or not? In most situations, the agency will most likely not tell you the actual name of the company until they submit your CV, but they should be able to give you enough information for you to think about it. Some agencies just want to make a placement at any cost and are prepared to work with companies that do not necessarily treat their staff with respect. If the agency cannot offer you enough information on the company, you may want to rethink it. This is your life, and your career!
- Does the agency know where your CV is, what you have applied to, and if there are any companies that you would prefer not working with? This is important information that cannot be overlooked as it is up the agency to protect your best interests and also the interests of their clients.
These are just a few points to consider as to whether the agency understands the client and in turn will respect and have your best interests at heart. Unfortunately, many agencies see candidates as numbers, and will send your CV anywhere without your permission. They will also convince you of going for an interview to a company you know nothing about. Steer clear from these agencies.
You know when someone takes a personal interest in you and wants to get to know you before submitting your CV. Fortunately, at times, people are lucky to find a job that happens to work out and they are happy, even having gone through an agency that did not take wise steps with their application.
5. In going for an interview
Does the agency give you enough information and go through an interview preparation with you? This is very important. Some people are outstanding workers and great assets to the company that they work for, but when it comes to interviewing, their nervousness often becomes an obstacle. A reputable agency will always go through a full interview process with you before you go for the interview and advise you wherever possible.
6. Feedback
A professional agency treats their candidates with respect and takes the time to get back to them with feedback from submissions and interviews. The application process is a lengthy one in getting paperwork and going through the interview process. An agency that communicates and keeps you in the loop is one worth working with. Keep them in mind as you may need them again one day, and be sure to refer others to them when in need of their services.
7. Continued relationship
After you settle into your new job, it is good to keep relationship with your agency. They are there to make sure that you are happy and develop a long and successful career with their client. Sometimes, work may cause concerns or problems that you can always discuss with your agency. Sometimes they can be the go-between and speak with your boss if you have any concerns that you are not comfortable communicating. Your agency should have a good relationship with the company that they have placed you at and they will always try and do whatever they can to make sure that you and their client is happy.