Tips for Calling a Recruitment Agency

Calling a recruitment agency may feel like you are only asking for advice on the job market, but don’t forget, they are there to provide valuable candidates to their clients. The recruitment agency is the first step of your application process whether it is online or over the phone. Recruitment agencies receive many phone calls on a day-to-day basis, so what’s the best way to stand out and convince the recruiter that YOU should be put forward to their clients? Here are a few key tips.

1) Introduce yourself. The first thing you should always do when calling someone is to introduce yourself. Give them your name and a brief background on what you are seeking.

2) Do your research. The worst thing to do is to call up an agency asking straight away “Do you have any jobs?” You have called an agency so obviously there are jobs available. If you are calling about a specific position, have the correct job title and reference number ready, if there is a recruiter’s name on the ad, note this and ask to speak to this person. Familiarise yourself with the requirements and make sure you fulfil them if the details state that you MUST have a certain licence or certificate, or make sure you are able to obtain these. If you are calling for a general job market enquiry, provide details of your experience, the type of work that you are looking for and your location. Have thought-out questions prepared and know the industry.

3) Keep a record. Note the person that you spoke to and clarify their name at the end of the conversation, spell it out if you have to. The worst thing is to call back and ask for someone who doesn’t exist! Remember that they may have hundreds of applicants to shortlist and get approvals or rejections from the client, so don’t be too demanding as this will put the recruiter off hiring you, politely follow up within a week or two, and they will call you when they are ready to interview you or to place you! Your time is valuable and so is the recruiter, be concise and ready to impress!

Remember you are selling yourself as a potential candidate right from the beginning of the phone call!