Not using agencies anymore

lukin

I'm looking for a new job at the moment and I have decided not to use agencies anymore. They have just messed me about too many times so I now only look for jobs where the company is advertising directly.
I don't want this thread to turn into an agency-bashing party as that is not the point (there is another thread for that already in any case).
Has anyone else here done the same and if so, how has it worked out for you?
Since I started looking three months ago I have been called for four interviews (I wasn't successful) so I suppose that proves you can still get interviews without using them.

sebcity

I only applied directly to companies, either through their adverts on jobs.ie etc, through linkedin or through their websites directly. It took about 9 months but I eventually got a new position. There was no bullsh!t, I was dealing directly with either their HR or hiring managers, I wasn't getting random calls to go forward for jobs which had nothing to do with me or my skillset etc.

Keep it up, something will come eventually.

Mr. Loverman

You are limiting your opportunities by avoiding agencies, but of course you can get a job without using them.

My advice would be to continue using agencies.

I'd say about half my previous jobs came via agencies.

lukin

One for and one against so far

Eoin

Not what you're asking - but I get very annoyed dealing with agencies too, but the fact is that you are drastically reducing the number of opportunities by cutting them out of the loop, plus you don't get the benefit of a heads up into what they're looking for. And you're probably as likely to get messed around by a hiring company.

lukin

I have kind of made up my mind not to use them anymore so I'm not posting hoping to be convinced to change my mind, just to know have others tried it and how they have got on. Agency reps still call and email me, I don't answer though.

Mr. Loverman

lukin wrote: »

I have kind of made up my mind not to use them anymore so I'm not posting hoping to be convinced to change my mind, just to know have others tried it and how they have got on. Agency reps still call and email me, I don't answer though.

I think you already know the answer to your question.

You have less stress because you don't have to deal with agencies, but you have a more limited job selection.

Of course you can find a job without agencies; there are just less jobs.

I'm confident you will still be able to find a job.

inforfun

I fear they are a necessary evil when you are sitting at home on the couch.

If you are in a job and want another job instead of needing one, avoid them like the plague.

fitzer1982

I've yet to find any agency with the exception of contract work who have roles that aren't available through job boards or company website. Might be different for other industries but not mine.

Eoin

Many IT companies do not post vacancies on the jobs sites themselves. They might post it on their own site, but checking a whole bunch of company websites on a regular basis for vacancies is not very practical.

inforfun wrote:

If you are in a job and want another job instead of needing one, avoid them like the plague.

As Mr. Loverman already said, of course you can find a job without using an agency. But you are cutting out a lot of options (and probably some great companies to work for) by being that dogmatic about avoiding them.

I'm not a huge fan of them, but I honestly can't see how they cause that much stress. I've found the in-company HR people to have the same (lack of) basic courtesy as external agencies.

Berserker

Eoin wrote: »

I'm not a huge fan of them, but I honestly can't see how they cause that much stress. I've found the in-company HR people to have the same (lack of) basic courtesy as external agencies.

They can be a pain to deal with, as they tend to exaggerate your suitability for jobs and send you on interviews for positions that you are not really suited for but as you say, the in-house HR tends to be less courteous. They are far less likely to return a call than the agency, for example, as the agency is relying on getting a hire to make money. Also, the agent will get you a better deal salary wise, if you are unsure about the going rate for the position etc.

mozattack

Recruitment "consultants", not my favourite category of people so agreed OP

mozattack

Recruitment "consultants", not my favourite category of people so agreed OP

lukin

The overall verdict seems to be that you can get a job without using an agency, you will just have less choice. I can live with that.