Understand the service being offered
A recruitment agency may source candidates for a particular employer, manage temporary staffing or maintain a candidate database. Ask which service applies to you. Being on a database is different from being shortlisted for a live role.
Look for value you can identify
An agency can be useful when it understands your field, explains a vacancy clearly and helps coordinate the process. It may also share preparation guidance or employer feedback where available. Assess the actual communication rather than assuming all agencies provide the same level of support.
Clarify who pays for what
Recruitment placement, optional CV writing and paid training are different services. Ask for a written explanation of any proposed charge, who receives it and what it covers. Do not treat a payment request as proof that a job is secured; investigate unclear requests before paying or sending documents.
Ask what will happen to your CV
Find out whether the recruiter is discussing a specific vacancy and whether your details will be shared with an employer. State if you have already applied. Keep copies of the role details and your agreement about representation.
Recognise the limits
The employer normally determines its requirements and hiring decision. An agency cannot make unsuitable qualifications suitable or guarantee an offer. If there is no relevant mandate, silence may reflect limited matching work rather than a judgment about your entire career.
Check the source of unusual requests
Use the agency’s independently located website or contact details to verify a recruiter when needed. A familiar company name in a message is not enough. Be particularly careful with requests that are urgent, unexplained or unrelated to the stage of recruitment.
Decide whether to continue
Ask yourself whether the agency has clarified a suitable role, respected your information and explained next steps. Keep productive relationships and maintain other search channels. Treat an agency as one route to opportunities, supported by your own records and judgment.
Put your next step into practice.
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