Questions to Ask An IT Recruitment Agency

When choosing a Recruitment Agency, it's important to understand how they operate and that their methods meet your expectations. The best way to qualify this is by asking the right questions. Here are seven targeted questions to help you build an accurate picture of potential IT recruitment agencies.

 

1. Do you represent Clients that require my skillsets, and if so, who?

If you register with arecruitment agency that doesn't regularly deal with roles that match your skills, it is probably a pointless exercise. An IT recruitment agency might be reluctant to name its clients, but you should still be able to get a feel for how many IT Jobs in London they have to fill requiring your skills set. A quick check of their current vacant IT Jobs will also help build a picture of the roles they typically deal with. 

2. Are you part of any preferred supplier lists?

Many larger companies, now only recruit through a Preferred Supplier List (PSL) of recruitment agencies. Essentially it is a list of pre-approved recruitment agencies that receive all requirements direct from a company’s HR department. A PSL sets agency fees, and contract margins as well as ensuring only resumes for approved roles are submitted.

 

3. What process do you follow if you think I am suitable for a role? Do you call to discuss it or send my resume?

An honest IT recruitment company will always discuss a role with a candidate before submitting their resume. It is courteous and also prevents resume double-ups with other IT agencies. It also gives you a chance to tweak your resume for the specific role before it is submitted.

 

4. Do you provide interview support?

You should expect any recruitment agency to help you prepare for an interview. This may come as additional background information on the company or project or interview tips and advice. If you have any concerns or questions regarding your interview, you should feel comfortable approaching your IT recruiter to discuss them.

 

5. What process do you follow for providing feedback?

Failure to obtain prompt feedback is a regular complaint when it comes to IT Recruitment Agencies. Recruiters do often have difficulty getting timely feedback from clients, but if that's the case, they should let you know and not ignore you.

 

6. As my application progresses, will I deal directly with the client or through you?

Generally, most of your contact will be through the recruitment agency. They like to maintain contact with the client and justify the service they charge if your application is successful. However, this isn't always the case, and some clients will want to contact candidates directly when arranging 1st and 2nd interviews.

 

7. Will you send my resume to clients prospectively?

Submitting a prospective resume occurs when a recruiter knows a company is looking for the skillsets you possess and believes you might be a good fit even if no IT job is currently open. There is nothing wrong with your resume being sent prospectively as long as you know about it. Make surethe recruitment agency advises you every time they send your resume to track which companies have it, and has provided feedback.