IT Recruitment - What should you expect from an Agency

There's no doubt London offers some of the best and most diverse IT job opportunities in the country but relocating to London can be a daunting prospect. The city is home to multiple company headquarters and has established Tech and Fintech Jobs.  However, finding and securing a role before you make the move is not always easy, especially if you're not familiar with the city at all.

 

When it comes to finding IT roles in London, you have two options. Apply for positions directly with a company or register with an IT Recruitment Agency and apply for roles through them. Applying for jobs through an agency has several benefits but to make the most of them, you need to know how an agency operates.

 

First of all, it's important to understand the role of an IT Recruitment Agency. While most people view them as an employment agency, they are more of an employment facilitation agency. They earn their money by presenting suitable candidates for vacant roles and receive a fee only if one of their candidates is hired for the position. As a result, an IT Recruitment Agency will be selective regarding how much time they invest in a candidate. Unfortunately, from a candidate's perspective, if your resume doesn't appear to match the position, it's unlikely a recruitment consultant will be willing to invest much time following up on your application. For this reason, you must tailor your resume and application email to every role you apply for. You need to highlight your relevance for the role, get the consultants attention and make them invest their time in you.

 

Secondly, it’s beneficial to register with more than one agency. One of the reasons companies use IT Recruitment Agencies is because they can present a shortlist of suitable candidates quickly, saving a company time and money. Companies usually deal with 4-5 different agencies and expect 2-3 resumes per agency. If one agency doesn't feel your skills are strong enough for the role, another might feel you're a perfect fit. Just be careful. Always ensure the agency asks your permission before submitting your resume. If two or more agencies submit your resume for the same role, the company will likely discount your application altogether.

 

Finally, IT Recruitment Agencies are specialists. They understand their local market, the skills and traits their clients look for and where the next skill shortages are likely to be. By building a relationship with different agencies, you can get feedback regarding your resume and any technical qualification that helps you secure a new role. As previously mentioned, IT Recruitment Agencies are not employment services and will not invest time if you don't have the skills or experience their clients are looking for.

 

However, if you are a good match for a role and an agency gets your permission to submit your resume, you can expect regular contact and assistance. In the event you secure an interview, your agency should help you prepare and provide some background information on the company. If you receive a job offer, don't be afraid to ask your agency for assistance looking for accommodation. They should be able to provide advice regarding commutable locations, rental prices,  travel costs etc. Some London IT Recruitment Agencies maintain a staff property and offer contractors 1 or 2 weeks of accommodation until they get themselves sorted, but this is not standard industry practice. For permanent roles, you will need to negotiate any relocation assistance with your future employer as part of your package.

 

If you are looking to start or advance your IT Career in London, then talk to the recruitment specialists at HW Select. We are a leading London IT RecruitmentAgency with clients across multiple industries. Contact us today on 02077 347 444 or register at HWSelect.com.