All too often in today’s competitive market candidates fail to do themselves justice and as a result jeopardise their chances of finding their ideal position.

This can be for several reasons but often it is the result of not developing an effective relationship with one recruitment agency. Many candidates assume that it is enough to put a curriculum vitae together and send it out to several agencies with instructions to look for positions in their chosen areas.


If candidates choose to take this approach they run the risk of missing out on suitable opportunities through not fully understanding the recruitment process.


It is vital to remember that using an agency is a two-way process that requires input from both the candidate and the consultant. This is best achieved by dealing with one agent only.


Once a candidate has decided to move and wishes to do so with the help of an agency, it is advisable to make the choice as to which agent to use and to stick with them. Having initial discussions with several consultants is fine but the key is to choose one of them and to ensure it is a specialist in your area.


It is also helpful to have a good rapport with the individual you are dealing with. Once this decision has been made the next step is to be open and honest about what it is that you are looking for and why.


These discussions are in complete confidence but many people feel wary – and that is understandable. It should be realised that consultants have reputations and will not bite the hand that feeds them. Candidates who adhere to this procedure will be giving themselves every chance of success.


Candidates who opt for the multi-agency approach should be aware of the pitfalls; they will have to work much harder when dealing with several agents to know who has done what and where. It is all too easy to lose sight of this and once you do you are susceptible to missing out.


The classic scenario then unfolds. You cannot remember who sent your details where and so you instruct your agent to approach a firm that you are interested in. All of a sudden the recruiting partner has three copies of your CV from three different sources.


This reflects on the candidate and not the agent. It shows a lack of organisation and can also smack of desperation.


Not only that but when the partner gives feedback the agent will not be too impressed, especially if you have not said that you were dealing with other agencies. Honesty is the key to maintain the relationship – and most importantly maximise your chances of success.


This advice may sound like teaching my grandmother to suck eggs but it happens again and again. It can mean the difference between an interview and a rejection.


If you stick with one agent and take the time to build a relationship with it, you can avoid these pitfalls and give yourself every chance of securing the best position possible.



Adrian Berrisford is a consultant in the Manchester office of Lipson Lloyd-Jones