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28th Mar 2024
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Choosing the right agency

by The Editor at 10:09 02/10/06 (News)
Some self-employed people in the construction industry source their contracts through a recruitment agency because they have a wide range of contacts and a bank of vacancies across a range of employers or clients.
The building press provides details of numerous specialist agencies, as well as the various the online job search sites.

Agencies are particularly useful because many employers or clients use them to reduce their own recruitment costs and it helps them to reach a wide database of contractors. The involvement of a recruitment agency also makes it easier for employers to prove that there is no employee relationship with the contractor, which has significant implications for tax and National Insurance purposes.

When you send your CV to an agency, they will enter your details onto their database and try to match your skills to any vacancies they know about. Although there is generally a high demand for qualified contractors, you may have to wait for the right position to come up.

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Most first timers start by putting their CVs out to a few selected agencies, but how do you pick the ones that will be right for you? You will need to find an agency which you feel comfortable with and will represent you in a professional manner. It is usually a good idea to try and meet with the agent so that you can explain exactly what you are looking for.

This way you can ensure that you do not get put forward for positions which you are not suitable for, or more importantly, are not right for you.

Setting out your boundaries
You need to know in advance what sort of contract you want so that you brief your consultant accurately. Be realistic - work out:

  • what rate you will accept

  • the hours you are prepared to work

  • the level of responsibility you are able/willing to handle

  • how far you will travel, including overseas where there are still some opportunities

Rates are dictated by the market and vary according to the supply and demand of the particular skills you possess. Your level of experience, the location of the contract, the client's needs and budget will also influence the rate of you pay you are offered.

What can you expect from your agency?
Some of the important questions you should get satisfactory answers to before registering with an agency.

  • What is their honest assessment of the current market, how much in demand are your skills and what sort of rate you should expect?

  • Will they guarantee discretion if they need to contact you at your current workplace?

  • Do they have experience in dealing with your skill set?

  • Will they show you any amendments that they make to your CV?

  • Will they ask your permission before submitting your CV to avoid a client receiving duplicates from different agencies?

  • Will interviews be confirmed in writing with a copy of the job description and CV that they sent?

  • Should you expect feedback on the interview?

  • What is the agency's payment cycle?

  • Will you have ongoing support from the agency after you have been placed?

What should your agency expect from you?
So, you know what to expect from your agency, but you also have to be prepared to offer them certain commitments in return. You represent the agency when you accept a contract through them, and it is therefore your duty to protect their good name. When you sign the contract, honour it! Stay in regular contact with your agency and keep them up to date with your availability and skills. Ask if there is anything further that they will expect from you so that you can be prepared.

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Susie Hughes © Hardhatter.com 2006
The Editor

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