Recruitment agencies

Agencies can be a very important part of your job search, providing more eyes and ears to find work for you.

Here are some things to bear in mind. For more advice, you can contact the Employment and Skills Service on 0800 111 4013, or by filling out the form at the bottom of the page.

1. Shop around
   Agencies specialise in different types of jobs. Use websites like Agency Central, yell.com and even Google to find ones that cover your line of work and location. 
2. Make it personal
   Find a local branch and build a connection with them. Call them directly. 
3. Keep in touch
   Phone your consultant at least once a week to keep your name on their radar.
4. Be clear what you want
   Full-time, part-time, long-term, short-term, permanent or casual – agencies can cover all of these, so let them know exactly what you're looking for.
5. Be flexible
   A short-term or casual assignment could lead to a long-term job. Universal Credit is designed to make it easier to take shorter jobs these days, without having to sign off.