If you’re job hunting, you’ve likely encountered vacancies advertised by recruitment agencies. However, how exactly do they operate?
Do you work for the agency or the company? Is registration free? What happens after you submit your CV? And can an agency truly assist you in securing a permanent position?
For those unfamiliar with recruitment agencies, the process can feel bewildering. This guide from Kenect Recruitment explains how they function for jobseekers in the UK and outlines what to expect during registration.
What Is a Recruitment Agency?
A recruitment agency connects businesses seeking workers with those looking for jobs. Employers utilise agencies for various reasons such as urgent staffing needs, additional temporary workers during busy periods or assistance in finding permanent candidates. The agency serves as the intermediary between employers and potential candidates. For jobseekers, this means an agency can introduce you to suitable vacancies that align with your skills, experience, location and availability.
How Does a Recruitment Agency Work?
The exact process depends on the vacancy, but it will usually follow several stages.
1. An Employer Has a Vacancy
A business contacts a recruitment agency to fill a vacancy. This could range from a single permanent administrator to multiple warehouse operatives or HGV drivers. The employer then provides details about the role, including responsibilities, working hours, required experience, location and pay.
2. The Recruitment Agency Looks for Candidates
Recruiters then search for suitable candidates. This involves advertising the vacancy on job boards, reviewing existing databases and speaking to registered individuals. This is why registering with a recruitment agency can be beneficial even if you haven’t found the perfect role yet. A suitable opportunity might arise later.
3. You Apply or Register
You might find a specific vacancy online and apply directly, or you can register with a recruitment agency and discuss the type of work you’re looking for.
Your recruiter will normally want to understand things such as:
- Your previous experience
- Qualifications or licences
- Availability
- Preferred working hours
- Location and travel options
- Type of work you’re looking for
- Salary or pay expectations
Providing accurate information helps your recruiter identify opportunities that are genuinely suitable for you.
4. Your Eligibility and Documents Are Checked
Before starting a job, a recruitment agency might need to complete relevant checks and obtain documentation. This could involve confirming your right to work in the UK and verifying qualifications licences or other position-specific requirements. Some roles or sectors might necessitate additional checks. It’s important to provide accurate information and keep important documents handy when actively searching for work.
5. You’re Matched With a Vacancy
If the agency believes you’re suitable for a position, a recruiter will usually discuss the opportunity with you.
This is your chance to ask questions.
Make sure you understand:
- Where you’ll be working
- Your working hours
- Your pay rate or salary
- What the role involves
- Required clothing or PPE
- When you’re expected to start
- Whether the position is temporary or permanent
- Who you need to report to
Don’t be afraid to ask questions before accepting an assignment or progressing with an application.
6. You Start Work or Meet the Employer
The next steps depend on the type of recruitment. For a temporary assignment, you’ll likely receive a start date and instructions for your first shift. For a permanent position, the agency might submit your details to the employer before interviews or other hiring stages begin.
Do Recruitment Agencies Charge Jobseekers?
Standard recruitment services shouldn’t charge jobseekers a fee for finding or trying to find them work. Instead, recruitment agencies typically earn their income by charging employers for their services. However, there are some exceptions for specific services and sectors so candidates should always understand their agreement. For example, registering with Kenect Recruitment to find temporary or permanent employment doesn’t incur a recruitment fee.
What’s the Difference Between Temporary and Permanent Recruitment?
Recruitment agencies can help with both.
Temporary Agency Work
Temporary workers are recruited to work for a business for a particular period or assignment.
This might include:
- Seasonal work
- Holiday cover
- Sickness cover
- Short-term contracts
- Increased demand
- Temporary-to-permanent opportunities
Temporary work can provide flexibility and can also be a useful way to gain experience with different businesses.
Depending on the arrangement, an agency worker may have a contract with the recruitment agency while carrying out their day-to-day work at the hiring organisation.
Permanent Recruitment
Permanent recruitment involves an agency assisting an employer in finding a direct employee. The agency might advertise the vacancy, identify suitable candidates and manage the recruitment process. Successfully securing a position typically means becoming an employee of the business rather than the agency.
Who Pays an Agency Worker?
This is a crucial distinction for jobseekers. If you’re a temporary agency worker, your recruitment agency will usually handle your payment, although the exact arrangement should be clearly outlined in your contract and assignment details. You’ll perform your work at the client business, but your pay will likely be processed through the agency. For a permanent position, once you’re directly employed by the company, your employer will typically pay your salary.
Do Agency Workers Have Employment Rights?
Yes.
Agency workers in the UK have legal rights. These rights begin on the first day of an assignment and include access to shared facilities and information about permanent vacancies at the hiring organisation. After 12 weeks in the same role with the same employer, qualifying agency workers generally receive equal treatment in key working conditions like pay, as if they’d been directly recruited. This is known as the 12-week qualifying period under the Agency Workers Regulations. Specific rules govern how this period is calculated, including situations where breaks can pause or reset it. If you’re unsure, check current GOV.UK guidance or speak to your recruitment agency.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Recruitment Agency?
Using an agency gives you another route into the job market.
Instead of relying entirely on applications you find yourself, you have recruiters actively speaking with employers about vacancies.
Some of the potential benefits include:
- Access to temporary and permanent vacancies
- Support finding roles matching your experience
- A recruiter who understands the local employment market
- Opportunities to gain experience
- Flexible temporary work
- Help understanding individual vacancies
- Potential introductions to employers you haven’t previously considered
A good recruiter should also be straightforward with you.
If a vacancy isn’t right for your experience or availability, knowing that early saves everyone time.
Does Registering With an Agency Guarantee Me a Job?
No.
Registering with a recruitment agency doesn’t guarantee a suitable vacancy will appear immediately. Job availability depends on various factors like your experience location availability the type of work you’re seeking and current employer demand. However, it does mean the recruitment team knows you’re looking for work and can consider you for relevant opportunities. Keeping your recruiter informed about changes in your availability or circumstances is also helpful.
Can I Register With More Than One Recruitment Agency?
In most circumstances, yes.
Jobseekers often register with several recruitment agencies while searching for work. This can make communication crucial. For instance, if you’ve accepted a job or become unavailable, inform the recruiters you’re speaking with. Similarly, if two agencies contact you about a similar permanent vacancy, clarify the situation before submitting your CV multiple times.
How Can I Get the Most From a Recruitment Agency?
Recruiters can help you more effectively when they know exactly what you’re looking for.
Be clear about your:
- Availability
- Experience
- Qualifications
- Licence requirements
- Preferred shifts
- Travel distance
- Salary expectations
- Long-term goals
Above all, maintain communication. Prompt responses to recruiter calls or messages are especially crucial for temporary or short-notice vacancies. Furthermore, if a job isn’t a good fit, be honest about it. This understanding helps recruiters find a better match.
What Types of Jobs Can Kenect Recruitment Help With?
At Kenect Recruitment, we work with candidates and employers across several key sectors.
These include:
Transport & Driving
From van and 7.5 tonne drivers to Class 1 and Class 2 HGV opportunities.
Warehouse & Industrial
Including warehouse operatives, pickers and packers, forklift drivers, production workers and other industrial roles.
Commercial
Including administration, customer service, sales, office support and other commercial opportunities.
Depending on your location, experience and availability, temporary and permanent vacancies may be available.
Looking for Work? Start With Kenect Recruitment
A recruitment agency should do more than simply take your CV.
The best recruitment relationships are built around understanding what you’re good at, what you’re looking for and where you want to go next.
Whether you’re searching for temporary work, looking for a permanent career move or simply want to see what opportunities are available, Kenect Recruitment can help connect you with employers looking for people like you.
Ready to start your job search? Explore the latest vacancies or contact your local Kenect team today.
