How to choose the best employment agency for your next role

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Searching for a new job can be a very daunting and time consuming process. This is why many contractors opt to collaborate with a recruitment agency, enabling them to discover the ideal role tailored to their skills and aspirations.

There might even be scenarios where you've already secured a temporary contract role on a project, but the company requests that you engage a recruitment agency to assist with the HR facets of the recruitment procedure.

Much like the job itself, it's paramount to ensure that the agency you collaborate with aligns seamlessly with your needs and anticipations. Selecting a recruitment agency that prioritises your best interests and possesses the appropriate industry experience is critical to secure the role you desire.

Continue reading for our top recommendations on selecting the most fitting recruitment agency for your requirements.

Heritage and experience

While some recruitment firms cater to a broad spectrum of industries, many employment agencies specialise in providing recruitment solutions for individuals within a particular industry, level, or even specific roles.

Agencies with a niche focus typically possess a deeper understanding of the job market within that sector. They also demonstrate a clearer comprehension of the range of job opportunities available in the industry, and the skills most sought-after.

To gain a comprehensive view of the job market and sound guidance on achieving your job search objectives, opt for an agency boasting several years of experience in recruiting within your specific field. Their industry-specific insight can be invaluable in navigating your career path successfully.

Safety focus

In sectors like energy, process, and infrastructure, the prospect of operating in hazardous environments is not unheard of, thus rendering your safety a top priority. Opt for a recruitment agency that acknowledges this crucial factor and advocates for safe work practices.

Certain specialist recruitment agencies deploy an HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) management system. This mechanism ensures that the companies they collaborate with can manifest their capability to conduct smooth, safe operations, thereby bolstering your security in the workplace.

This might include the following:

• Provision of PPE when its required for jobs
• Policies and procedures to ensure that work is carried out safely
• Additional training if required
• Distribution of monthly safety topics
• Position as point of contact should you have any safety concerns
• Promotion of a safe and healthy work environment

Contractor experience

Working with a staffing agency should benefit you, so make sure you choose one that can help you get to where you want to be.

Ideally, you want to work with a recruitment consultant who is easy to work with, understands your industry, knows exactly what kind of role you want (and what you don’t want!) and has a genuine interest in helping you get a job that suits you. This means offering excellent communication and keeping in regular contact to inform you of any new job opportunities that arise, as well as being responsive when you reach out to them.

Some agencies also offer perks and value adds to create a unique candidate experience.

Benefits to look out for include:

• Dedicated service consultant - someone who will help you at every step of the job seeking process, including helping you relocate if you need to move elsewhere for a new role. It can be frustrating if there are communication issues within the recruitment process, so make sure you work with an agency that offers regular support and feedback on your applications.
• Referral bonuses - There may be perks such as bonus schemes in place for workers who refer friends or colleagues to the agency.
• Dedication to transitioning contractors into their next role - Make sure the agency you choose has a passion for helping candidates find their perfect job.

Compliance

If you’re looking for a role in a completely new location, there’s a lot to think about in terms of visa applications and immigration laws. Choose an agency that will help you when it comes to these challenges; this will take some of the pressure off you whilst you focus on preparing for your new role!

When you’ve found the job you want, it’s important to get the right support from your recruitment agency in the next stages. This is especially true for those relocating. Make sure you find a recruitment firm that can help with your needs when it comes to moving to a new location.

Global footprint and local knowledge

When considering a career shift to a different locale, it's crucial to engage a recruitment specialist possessing thorough knowledge about the prospective area of relocation. While numerous recruitment firms concentrate on a singular geographic area, a few maintain a more international scope.

To optimise your job hunting experience, it's recommended to partner with a recruitment agency boasting a well-grounded international presence in your respective field. Localised understanding of the region where your potential job is based can be instrumental in relocation decisions, as well as crucial legal aspects such as visa procurement.

It is critical to seek out agencies with a demonstrated history of active operations in the regions you're targeting for your career. An unfortunate number of recruitment firms lack a physical presence in the countries they serve, and this additional expertise and familiarity are indispensable for your seamless transition into a new role.

For more tips on finding a job, check out our jobseekers' guide.

Choose Airswift

Airswift stands as a leading global workforce solutions provider within the engineering and technology sectors. We offer staffing solutions and recruitment services for some of the world's most prominent companies, boasting over 40 years of dedicated service to the energy industry. Our expertise spans across various sectors including oil and gas, renewables, power, and fabrication.

Choosing to collaborate with us opens doors to the industry's most significant projects. We can connect you with positions within major organisations and are ideally situated to aid your quest for the next role.

Our unparalleled global reach provides the opportunity to discover job prospects worldwide. Our profound understanding of labour, immigration, payroll, and tax regulations across all countries equips us to support you throughout your journey.

We operate through over 60 fully interconnected offices spread across Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, North America, the Middle East, and the Caspian region. These offices are backed by super hubs situated in Houston, Manchester, and Singapore.

Ready to embark on your career journey? Register with our jobs board today to set up job alerts tailored to your career aspirations.