Are recruiting agencies any good?

TwoGallants

I've two years experience in a major company based in Dublin. I'm currently living abroad but will probably move back to Ireland next year. In your experience, are recruiting agencies good for getting you work? Whats the best time to start job hunting?

tramoreman

march onwards

hillbloom

Recruiting Agencies here are terrible. They take your CV but thats the end of it. If you ring them they show great interest but you will be very lucky if they get you a job!!

Achtung Maybe

I own a recruitment firm so have a fair idea of the employment landscape at present.

To give you the answers to your questions

In your experience, are recruiting agencies good for getting you work? like any industry there are some very good recruitment firms out there but equally a number of shoddy quick-buck merchants.

When contacted by a recruiter or if you see a recruiters name on an ad -look at his / her LinkedIn Profile. Check out their level of experience and also if they have received any linkedin recommendations from relevant reputable senior figures such as HR Directors etc..


You dont mention the industry in which you work but if it is a niche sector you may be better approaching agencies that specialize in that markeplace over a generalist agency.


Whats the best time to start job hunting? Give yourself 2 months (so if planning to come home in June, then start getting CV out in April)

Best of luck with your search I hope all goes well

Ray Palmer

tramoreman wrote: »

march onwards

I have no idea why anybody would say this.

There are certain times in the year that can be better than others but you only need one job so anytime of the year works. I notice there is an increase in positions around each quarter. Effectively remaining budgets and extra money coming free increases jobs.

As already said some people are better at their job then others. Writing a whole section of employment off as good or bad is not reasonable or accurate. You may very well be talking to a great recruiter in a great company or a bad recruiter working for a bad company or any variation. When you are a junior the chance are you will have a junior recruitment agent.

I would track and rate every agent you deal with. I wouldn't write off an agent for one mistake/issue. A 3 strike rule is a good gauge but don't burn bridges. You never know who has the ideal job you want in the future.

Mr. Loverman

Agree with Ray. This is not a black and white issue.

If I were you I would use agencies to compliment your own applications.

You'll find it much easier to find a job when you are back in Ireland, however it depends on the industry. Obviously industries like retail need you to be here so they can meet you to see what you look like, etc., whereas if you're a highly skilled IT guy it is likely companies will be a lot more flexible with your start date, interview, etc.

micromary

From my own experience, a lot of recruitment agencies are not genuine. For example I had a large one bombard me with emails last night and a call promising to get in there this morning as there is a really good job coming up with prospects. I was in Cork yesterday but dropped everything today to get in there for the interview. I was promised a call back afterwards but it still has not come. The problem is that there are agents out there who promise you this, that and everything and then if you are unsuccessful they won't bother to even ring you. This is unfair to the genuine agents who are trying to get people work and will keep you up to date as promised.

Dathai

In my own experience of them, they're just sales people trying to make commission with absolutely no interest in your career or you as an individual. You're simply just someone who might tick off some check boxes for their client. I know at least 2 recruiters currently advertising a job that has been filled for months. I have no doubt it's just to garner interest and get CVs in so they can peddle them some other job they're not able to fill.

donkey balls

My experience of recruitment agencies is that the majority of them haven't a clue what they actually are recruiting for,I used to p*ss myself laughing when looking at the job specs posted they did not even use industry spec abbreviations for my industry.
Also what I have noticed since 2008 is the amount of agencies that have sprung up doing temping work,Which has lowered the pay on offer as they undercut each other to get the work,Which means temping staff get paid less with just a basic hourly rate regardless if they work nights weekends or bank holidays.

Malcolm.

Achtung Maybe wrote: »

I own a recruitment firm so have a fair idea of the employment landscape at present.

To give you the answers to your questions

In your experience, are recruiting agencies good for getting you work? like any industry there are some very good recruitment firms out there but equally a number of shoddy quick-buck merchants.

When contacted by a recruiter or if you see a recruiters name on an ad -look at his / her LinkedIn Profile. Check out their level of experience and also if they have received any linkedin recommendations from relevant reputable senior figures such as HR Directors etc..


You dont mention the industry in which you work but if it is a niche sector you may be better approaching agencies that specialize in that markeplace over a generalist agency.


Whats the best time to start job hunting? Give yourself 2 months (so if planning to come home in June, then start getting CV out in April)

Best of luck with your search I hope all goes well

LinkedIn ? lol

gambit83

here's a thread on recruiting agencies, personally I've never found them any good http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055011993

Eoin

Dathai wrote: »

You're simply just someone who might tick off some check boxes for their client.

Exactly - a lot of people don't seem to realise that the job seeker is not their customer. They're not paid to find jobs for people or look after their careers; they're paid to fill a vacancy. Sometimes those things can overlap, but their obligation is to their paying customers.

Some companies can be quite unprofessional, but some are very good. But even with the better ones, it's up to me to check in every now and again with them - and I totally understand that.

Anyway OP, check out the thread that gambit83 linked to - lots of information in there.

Malcolm. wrote: »

LinkedIn ? lol

??

Achtung Maybe

As per my previous post I own a recruitment firm and feel it important to make a few points here.

1. Yes unfortunately there are firms out there who take no pride in their work and are just interested in money, but to tarnish a whole sector is unfair.

2. The jobseeker pays no money whatsoever it is the client company who pay

3. Good recruiters an help the jobseeker in perpetration of cv, and provide interview coaching (for those who haven't had to interview in a long time)

4. Good recruitment firms can help widen your job search, eg you may have applied for one job but based on your interview the recruiter may have more jobs suited your skill-set

5. A good recruiter typically has a strong relationship with his/her clients (the companies who are hiring)so if they interview a good candidate ( the jobseeker ) they are able to pick up the phone and "sell" the candidate to the client.

My brief post may not influence your individual experiences but hopefully you understand that to taint a whole sector as being shoddy or unprofessional (not that anyone here as seriously implied that) is unfair

Pdiddy1604

I worked in the accounts section for a well known international recruitment agency for 4 years. This overlapped the Celtic Tiger and the crash. During the Celtic Tiger there weren't enough hours in the day for consultants. People need to be aware that recruitment consultants earn a pitiful basic salary (16-20k) and the vast majority of their income comes from commission. So the boom years were great for the sector. Incomes of over €100k were not uncommon for people who would need instructions on how to peel a banana!
From 2008 onwards it was a different story. People were being let go on a weekly basis. Head count dropped by half in 6 months.
I wouldn't have a lot of regard for people in this sector. As was mentioned previously they work for the employer and aren't really that concerned about the employee as long as they get the position filled and commission earned. 3 examples; I was once sent on a job interview for a secretary when I was told the company wanted an accountant. They told me the job spec "changed" while I was en route in the taxi! I once got offered a temping job with KPMG and was told by Recruitment Consultant that I would have my own car parking space! I asked him to check again as having worked in financial services I know how hard these are to get. And how a temp would never get one. He came back and said that I might have to wait "a few months" before I got the space but I should definitely take the job! Lastly I was once offered a job where I would have instant access to pension scheme - wrong, 2 year wait and instant access to VHI scheme, wrong, 6 months. I had to ring prospective employer as agency wouldn't return calls once I'd smelt the rat.
My brother wanted a change of career during boom and was prepared to wait for the right job, he specifically requested not to offered jobs in his previous field. He registered with 4 agencies and each rang him on a daily basis, offering jobs in his previous sector. "Hi Jim, I know you don't want to work in this area again but........" Sums it all up really.

Achtung Maybe

I realise I am fighting a losing battle in terms of defending recruitment firms but I do want to pick up on a few statements from Pdiddy



People need to be aware that recruitment consultants earn a pitiful basic salary (16-20k) This statement is complete nonsense, I am not doubting that wherever you worked that was the base salary but in fact 45 -60k is the typical base salary for an experienced recruiter, a recruiter with 1-2 years experience their salary would be nearer the 35 -40k region.

The reason there "wasnt enough hours in the day" is because in the celtic tiger era there were lots of jobs to fill which ultimately equated to much more money for a recruiter.


Incomes of over €100k were not uncommon for people who would need instructions on how to peel a banana! Maybe that is because they are not in the banana peeling industry:rolleyes:, just professionals who reputable companies trust to assist in roles they cannot fill themselves.


I wouldn't have a lot of regard for people in this sector. That is unfortunate as amongst the hundreds of recruiters across the country many are decent honourable professionals who do their best on a daily basis on behalf of client & candidate

_Kaiser_

Achtung Maybe wrote: »

I realise I am fighting a losing battle in terms of defending recruitment firms but I do want to pick up on a few statements from Pdiddy



People need to be aware that recruitment consultants earn a pitiful basic salary (16-20k) This statement is complete nonsense, I am not doubting that wherever you worked that was the base salary but in fact 45 -60k is the typical base salary for an experienced recruiter, a recruiter with 1-2 years experience their salary would be nearer the 35 -40k region.

The reason there "wasnt enough hours in the day" is because in the celtic tiger era there were lots of jobs to fill which ultimately equated to much more money for a recruiter.


Incomes of over €100k were not uncommon for people who would need instructions on how to peel a banana! Maybe that is because they are not in the banana peeling industry:rolleyes:, just professionals who reputable companies trust to assist in roles they cannot fill themselves.


I wouldn't have a lot of regard for people in this sector. That is unfortunate as amongst the hundreds of recruiters across the country many are decent honourable professionals who do their best on a daily basis on behalf of client & candidate

First off, fair play to you for coming on here attempting to provide some insight from your side of the desk - can't be easy given the negative impression most people have of recruitment agencies (much of it justified).

I myself have never gotten a job through an agency but unfortunately I've had plenty of time wasted by them. That said I'm now in a department management role in a BPO and am still bombarded with completely irrelevant/lower-grade jobs every week.. clearly the throw darts at the board and hope something sticks is the all too common approach!

But speaking for myself, I would actually pay for a service whereby I can hire the services of an established, proven agency, go through my CV/experience, tell them what I want, and the money/conditions I expect. The agency then go and tailor that to what they have and only come back when they have a fit. At that point, pending a successful interview/offer, they get paid.

None of ye seem to offer such a service though and yet I think it'd make vastly more sense than wasting your client's time, the jobseeker's and the agents time.

Why is this?

whatnext

Kaiser2000 wrote: »

First off, fair play to you for coming on here attempting to provide some insight from your side of the desk - can't be easy given the negative impression most people have of recruitment agencies (much of it justified).

I myself have never gotten a job through an agency but unfortunately I've had plenty of time wasted by them. That said I'm now in a department management role in a BPO and am still bombarded with completely irrelevant/lower-grade jobs every week.. clearly the throw darts at the board and hope something sticks is the all too common approach!

But speaking for myself, I would actually pay for a service whereby I can hire the services of an established, proven agency, go through my CV/experience, tell them what I want, and the money/conditions I expect. The agency then go and tailor that to what they have and only come back when they have a fit. At that point, pending a successful interview/offer, they get paid.

None of ye seem to offer such a service though and yet I think it'd make vastly more sense than wasting your client's time, the jobseeker's and the agents time.

Why is this?

Because it's illegal under the Employment Agency Act, 1971 and the Employment Agency Regulation Bill 2009 for a employment agency to charge candidates.

FURET

I get a lot of spam from Ireland-based recruiters regarding roles for which I'm not qualified. Just because I have "technical" in my job title, it doesn't mean that I can do every job that also has the word "technical" in it! (ComputerFutures, I'm looking at you!)

That said, my experiences with around six Ireland-based recruiters has been extremely positive. One guy in Harvey Nash is really good. He even bought me dinner after I interviewed for one of his clients. I didn't take the job in the end, but we stay in touch regarding opportunities.

mr_edge_to_you

Have worked with 5 different companies in my 11 years out of college. 4 of those were through agencies.

2 of the four were roles where the employer went to specific agencies with a job spec and asked them to shortlist a list of suitable candidates. Many companies operate like this.

the other 2 were roles that were advertised publically but i wasn't overly keen on and the agency got me an interview. I went to keep them happy. The second one (my current role) has been a hugely positive experience.

personally i don't understand if a company has a dedicated HR function why they cant review CVs and shortlist candidates themselves.

I've found agencies reasonably good, certainly some are very good in helping with interview techniques and making changes to my CV. However, if you do get a job offer they become very pushy and impatient. You need to be strong when dealing with them. All of a sudden they become sales people who want their hands on a substantial wad of cash. As soon as an offer comes in they expect you take it, they get upset if you ask for day to think it over.

BUNK1982

mr_edge_to_you wrote: »

personally i don't understand if a company has a dedicated HR function why they cant review CVs and shortlist candidates themselves.

I've found agencies reasonably good, certainly some are very good in helping with interview techniques and making changes to my CV. However, if you do get a job offer they become very pushy and impatient. You need to be strong when dealing with them. All of a sudden they become sales people who want their hands on a substantial wad of cash. As soon as an offer comes in they expect you take it, they get upset if you ask for day to think it over.

There's more to a dedicated HR function than recruitment (comp & bens, industrial relations etc.).

Recruitment can take up a lot of time and money especially when you factor in the cost of advertising for the role, reviewing applications (99% of which might be of absolutely no relevance), interviewing candidates (3 or 4 rounds), negotiating terms and finally getting someone in the door and trained up.

If the fee charged by the agency is less than the all of the associated costs above then it makes perfect sense to use a recruiter.

I think you hit the nail on the head though when you say that you need to be strong when dealing with them. They're only paid by their client if they find the right person for the right role so it's understandable they promote their clients interests.

There are good and bad like any line of work but to me it doesn't make sense to treat candidates poorly when could be suitable for another role or might someday be hiring managers themselves.

Tabitharose

In my experience, you can get a good consultant in either a good or a bad recruitment agency, and you can get a bad one in either as well.

I've had both positive and negative experiences with them, from one who found a job for me that I loved and followed up with me a couple of times after I'd started to see how it was going, and on the other side, a consultant who did not give me the correct job description when sending me for an interview (beacuse she knew it was not the kind of job I was interested in) who went bat **** crazy when I refused the job offer....

It's pot luck IMHO - good luck with the search

the_syco

Dathai wrote: »

In my own experience of them, they're just sales people trying to make commission with absolutely no interest in your career or you as an individual. You're simply just someone who might tick off some check boxes for their client.

This. They work for the company, and not for you, so they don't care about about your career, but only for the companies health.

Malcolm. wrote: »

LinkedIn ? lol

Considering people have been offered jobs through it, I wouldn't laugh at it. It can be a good tool if used correctly.

=-=

In the last six or seven years, I've had two jobs, both through recruitment agencies. The first got me the job, and rang 6 months later to check if I was happy with the job, as they had another one that I may be interested in I was happy with it, so I stayed. The second was a company that was a client to a larger company, but would be my HR. Interesting setup, but so far so good.

compo1

TwoGallants wrote: »

I've two years experience in a major company based in Dublin. I'm currently living abroad but will probably move back to Ireland next year. In your experience, are recruiting agencies good for getting you work? Whats the best time to start job hunting?

In answer to your first question; NO!!!!!