Are you tired of scrolling through endless job postings, only to come up empty-handed? It might be time to consider reaching out to a recruitment agency. Recruitment agencies can be the secret weapon in your job search arsenal. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about submitting your CV to a recruitment agency, including what a recruitment agency is, why you should consider submitting your CV to one, and how to make the process as smooth as possible.
What is a Recruitment Agency?
A recruitment agency, also known as a staffing agency, matches job seekers with employers who are looking to fill positions. In short, we find people for jobs (not jobs for people). There is a difference.. Recruitment agencies offer applicants a variety of services, including job placement, interview preparation, and salary negotiation.
Why Submit Your CV to a Recruitment Agency?
Submitting your CV to a recruitment agency can be a game-changer in your job search. Here are just a few of the benefits:
- Access to exclusive job opportunities: Recruitment agencies often have access to job openings that aren’t advertised publicly. This means you could have a shot at landing your dream job before anyone else even knows it’s available.
- Personalised attention: Recruitment agencies work with a limited number of job seekers at a time, which means they can provide you with personalised attention and support throughout the job search process.
- Expert advice: Recruitment agencies have a wealth of knowledge and expertise when it comes to the job market. They can help you polish your CV, prepare for interviews, and negotiate salary.
- A foot in the door: Submitting your CV to a recruitment agency can be a great way to get your foot in the door at a company you’re interested in. If a company is working with a recruitment agency to fill a position, you may have a better chance of getting hired if you go through the agency rather than applying directly.
With all of these benefits, submitting your CV to a recruitment agency can be a smart move in your job search. But how do you actually do it?
How to Submit Your CV to a Recruitment Agency
Submitting your CV to a recruitment agency is a straightforward process, yet many applicants get it wrong. Here’s what you need to do:
- Do your research: Not all recruitment agencies are created equal. Hire Power concentrates in executive placements, management, and professional / specialist placements, making it a “Boutique” firm. Make sure you do your research and find an agency that specialises in the type of job you’re interested in. If you are skilled as a driver or operator, we will not be able to help you find a job in your field.
- Update your CV: Before you submit your CV to a recruitment agency, make sure it’s up-to-date and polished – 2-3 pages in length, tops! Take the time to tailor your CV to suit the vacancy you are applying to, and highlight the experiences and skills that are most relevant to the types of jobs they typically fill. There is no ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL CV. Include a concise Personal Profile, Keywords, and Skills, in the top 1/3 of your CV. This is vital because these are the fields that the search engines and AI software programmes scan for when matching a CV to a job advert. But more about this topic in a future article.
- Write a cover letter: A cover letter is a great opportunity to introduce yourself to the recruitment agency and explain why you’re interested in working with them. Make sure your cover letter is professional and concise.
- Submit your CV and cover letter: Once your CV and cover letter are ready to go, it’s time to submit them to the recruitment agency. This can typically be done through email or through the agency’s website. Remember to send it in PF format (unless otherwise requested. If you have an updated LinkedIn profile, it’s useful to include your profile link in your CV. Just remember that information on your LinkedIn profile must read as accurately and up to date as the contents of your CV. If your LinkedIn profile needs a dusting-off, then either update it, or leave the link off from your CV.
- Follow up: After you’ve submitted your CV and cover letter, it’s a good idea to follow up with the recruitment agency to make sure they received your materials and to inquire about the status of your application. This is usually done two weeks after the initial submission, giving the recruiter fair time to work through the advert response.
Tips for Making a Great Impression on a Recruitment Agency
Keep these tips in mind if you want to be a stand-out:
- Be professional: Make sure you approach the process of submitting your CV to a recruitment agency with a professional attitude. This includes using a professional email address, avoiding typos and grammatical errors, and being polite and courteous in all of your interactions with the agency.
- Be proactive: Don’t just sit back and wait for the recruitment agency to reach out to you. Take an active role in your job search by reaching out to the agency to follow up on your application, asking about the status of open job positions, and expressing your continued interest in working with them. Keep a spreadsheet of the vacancies that you have applied for (i.e., the recruitment agency’s name, the date you submitted your CV, the job title or job reference number etc. This avoids duplication and frustration on the part of both the recruiter and you).
- Show your enthusiasm: Let the recruitment agency know how excited you are to work with them. Express your passion for the industry or type of work you’re interested in, and make it clear that you’re eager to take the next step in your career.
- Be flexible: Be open to considering a variety of job opportunities, even if they’re not exactly what you were looking for. Sometimes the best job opportunities come from unexpected sources, and a recruitment agency may have a position that you wouldn’t have considered on your own.
By following these tips, you can make a great impression on a recruitment agency and increase your chances of landing your dream job.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few frequently asked questions to help you better understand the process of submitting your CV to a recruitment agency:
Your cover letter should introduce yourself, explain why you’re interested in applying for the vacancy that you are applying for (state the job title or job reference number in your Subject Field). Highlight your relevant skills and experiences as they pertain to the job advert. Keep your cover letter concise and professional.
It’s a good idea to follow up with the recruitment agency a week or two after submitting your CV and cover letter. If there’s a deadline mentioned in the job advert, then leave it for two weeks after that date. After that, you can reach out once a month to inquire about the status of your application and express your continued interest in working with the agency.
Yes, you can submit your CV to multiple recruitment agencies. Just make sure you tailor your CV and cover letter for each agency and be mindful of following up with each one to keep your job search organised. Enter the suggestion to keep an updated spreadsheet with your application information.
Many job adverts contain a standard clause stating that “if you have not had a response within two weeks from the date of submitting your application, it is fair to assume that your application was unsuccessful). If you don’t hear back from the recruitment agency, it’s okay to reach out and inquire about the status of your application. Be polite and professional, and express your continued interest in working with the agency. With these answers to common questions, you should have a better understanding of the process of submitting your CV to a recruitment agency.
Conclusion
Submitting your CV to a recruitment agency can be a game-changer in your job search. With access to exclusive job opportunities, personalized attention, and expert advice, a recruitment agency can help you find a job that has the potential to change your life.By following the steps outlined in this article, making a great impression on the agency, and being proactive in your job search, you can increase your chances of landing your ideal job. Good luck!