Working with recruitment agencies

Agencies can be a very important part of your job search, providing more eyes and ears to find work for you.

Here are some things to bear in mind:

1. Shop around
   Agencies specialise in different types of jobs. Use websites like agencycentral.co.uk, yell.com and even Google to find ones that cover your line of work and location.
   
   
2. Make it personal
   Find a local branch and build a connection with them. Call them directly or visit in person.
   
   
3. Keep in touch
   Phone your consultant regularly – at least once a week – to keep your name on their radar.
   
   
4. Be clear what you want
   Full-time, part-time, long-term, short-term, permanent or casual – agencies can cover all of these, so let them know exactly what you're looking for.
   
   
5. Be flexible
   A short-term or casual assignment could lead to a long-term job. Universal Credit is designed to make it easier to take shorter jobs these days, without having to sign off.