What Can You Expect From A Recruitment Agency

If you are new to the idea of using a recruitment agency then you might not know what to expect from one. Simply put a recruitment agency has two sets of loyalties – first of all they promise to supply prospective employers with suitable staff, secondly they undertake to find work for the people who sign on to their books. A recruitment agency undertakes not to send an employee’s details to any employer without first notifying the prospective employee. If this is done without a person’s permission then the agency could find themselves in breach of the data protection act. If the recruitment agency is in the US or the UK then it should abide by the equal opportunities legislation in force in both these countries. A good agency should be able to tell whether your resume or CV is a good enough representation of your skills. Some agencies will provide help in updating your resume or CV – they may also want you to take a skills test before they put you on their books.

A good recruitment agency will only submit CVs if there is a genuine job opportunity waiting. Should you not be invited to an interview for that job then the agency should be able to provide you with a reason why this is the case. Should you obtain an interview then a good agency should be able to provide you with the correct information concerning the interview along with any tips to doing well in the interview process. A reputable agency should have obtained copies of any qualifications that you may have before they put your name forward for a job opportunity. If you are fortunate enough to secure a position then the recruitment agency should be there to help you negotiate a package with your new employer. The agency should also check that you are happy in your new job once you have started.

If you sign on as a temporary worker then the recruitment agency is liable to pay your wages and in the UK to deduct tax and national insurance contributions where appropriate. If a temporary worker is in continuous employment for thirteen weeks or more then agencies in the UK are bound to provide a certain amount of holiday pay along with statutory sick pay. In the UK a recruitment agency is bound to abide by a certain code of practice – where an agency is in breach of this code then prospective employers and employees should make their complaints to the relevant body. When a temporary worker leaves an agency to undertake permanent work then the agency is bound to provide a reference for the new employer.