Apply direct or go through an agency?
Discussion
I know of a job opening in a new role that's slightly different to what I'm doing at the moment but my skills and experience transfer over well and I have had agencies approaching me to apply for similar roles but they have been too far away.
I'd like to apply for this new role but I'm unsure about whether to go direct or to speak to an agent who I have worked with in the past and know is well regarded, about putting me forward.
Part of me says to just send my CV and covering letter in, they can then make the decision/put it in a pile and forget about it and save the costs of an agency, possibly putting me in a better position for salary negotiation.
The other part is saying that the agency has already vetted the CV for relevance and is putting their reputation on the line, giving the firm a bit of a safety net to avoid wasting time.
What are the feelings of the PH collective?
I'd like to apply for this new role but I'm unsure about whether to go direct or to speak to an agent who I have worked with in the past and know is well regarded, about putting me forward.
Part of me says to just send my CV and covering letter in, they can then make the decision/put it in a pile and forget about it and save the costs of an agency, possibly putting me in a better position for salary negotiation.
The other part is saying that the agency has already vetted the CV for relevance and is putting their reputation on the line, giving the firm a bit of a safety net to avoid wasting time.
What are the feelings of the PH collective?
Definitely direct.
Think of it using the perspective of the hiring company - they get approached by an agent who they do not have a relationship with. A few things to think about:
1. Often companies won't deal with new recruiters as they are likely to be regularly approached by them as it is.
2. If a new recruiter can prove they are good then they need to get set up as a supplier which, depending on the company, may be a royal faff and not worth it to hire one person.
3. There may be exclusivity deals with another agency.
4. If the company do go to the trouble to set up another supplier, they may ask for other CV's
good luck!
Think of it using the perspective of the hiring company - they get approached by an agent who they do not have a relationship with. A few things to think about:
1. Often companies won't deal with new recruiters as they are likely to be regularly approached by them as it is.
2. If a new recruiter can prove they are good then they need to get set up as a supplier which, depending on the company, may be a royal faff and not worth it to hire one person.
3. There may be exclusivity deals with another agency.
4. If the company do go to the trouble to set up another supplier, they may ask for other CV's
good luck!
Thanks, I'll go with that then.
I get what you are saying unless they already deal with the agency I could be starting on the wrong foot.
I try to only deal with a couple that I know because I've been bombarded by agencies in the past and it's a bit of a pain so I guess they might get the same.
Time to put together a cover letter this evening!
I get what you are saying unless they already deal with the agency I could be starting on the wrong foot.
I try to only deal with a couple that I know because I've been bombarded by agencies in the past and it's a bit of a pain so I guess they might get the same.
Time to put together a cover letter this evening!
Gargamel said:
...Direct shows that you aren't looking for ANY job, but that you are specifically interested in the company and the role...
Absolutely. And so you need to ensure that comes across in both your CV and covering letter otherwise you may not get the most benefit from this approach. Good luck!Gassing Station | Jobs & Employment Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff