If you are struggling in your job search it may be time to consider using a recruitment agency to land a new role or even an interview? 

If you find the search is slow going and you can feel your motivation waning every day, fear not. You are not alone. Many hard-working and experienced professionals will go through employment slumps during their career… myself included!

Hopefully my story will provide you with comfort and motivation to keep on going and how switching up your approach might be the winning solution!

My Personal Experience

Hi there, you may not see a whole lot of me (I’m the one behind the camera!). I’m Danni and I look after the Marketing and Social Media requirements at TurnerFox Recruitment.

It was certainly an interesting, and albeit slightly long journey that got me to where I am now… in a job that I absolutely love!

I never envisaged myself working for a Recruitment company, this was a fun turn of events! As until recently I was on the outside of recruitment looking in. Having had several experience’s working with different agencies, I feel well qualified to share these experience’s in a non-biased way. To help anyone out there struggling to find a job or move into a new job!

I’ve been there, as I’m sure most of us have.

Without further ado, I’ll begin my interesting little tale of recruitment agencies.

My Story

I’d never used a recruitment agency before the age of 24. I was lucky enough to find employment directly with large companies such as; Center Parcs, Debenhams, Thomas Cook and Sports Direct up until this point.

My background is in design. I completed a Digital Design for Fashion degree at UCLan. Naturally, I was over the moon to land a job as a designer almost straight out of University. After 2 years of putting my new skills into practice, I took a huge leap… and packed up my entire life into one backpack and hopped on a one-way flight to Australia… this will be easy I thought! … How wrong was I!

Now, don’t get me wrong I spent 5 wonderful years living in Sydney, 5 of the best years of my life. But to begin with, there were many growing pains, tantrums and tears. Gone was the comfort of my parents’ roof, a steady salary and being surrounded by familiar faces.

After spending 3 amazing months travelling the sights. Money dried up and I NEEDED a job, desperately. So, I made my final stop Sydney, as it felt like a land of endless opportunities. Suddenly, I was an even tinier fish, in what felt like the world’s biggest pond!

I applied, and I applied, and I applied. Eventually I landed a job as a waitress, which was fine, at least I had money in the bank again. But I have no shame in admitting, I cried, every day.

I was living in paradise, and I was miserable. I had no friends, a terrible job and felt utterly lost. After 2 months I upped and left my job. Deciding to say goodbye to my dream of living in Australia.

One night, EVERYTHING CHANGED

A friend of mine I knew from when I lived in Turkey, was living in the city of Sydney. She invited me on a night out with her friends. She and another were talking about this new job they had in a call centre, that they had found through a recruitment agency.

A revolution I thought, a recruitment agency. This honestly wasn’t something I’d ever considered… you can do work in an office… temporarily? And get paid well for it? I was recommended to their recruitment agency, a week and a half later, I started the same job at the call centre.

My whole experience suddenly flipped on its head.

Sure, the job was super average. But it paid well, had normal hours, and I met an abundance of like-minded people. I had friends, hallelujah!

The next 7 months went by in a blissful blur of working, beaches, holidays, nights out, BBQ’s and hungover mornings in Sydney’s best Cafés.

The Call Centre contract ended in December, which was very convenient as I visited home for Christmas. On my return, I Instantly landed a temporary Receptionist role at a very reputable fashion house.

It was after this placement, that everything was about to change again.

My Story Part II

I’d gotten in touch with a small-time Northern Beaches recruitment agency (I discuss the pro’s and con’s of large and small recruitment agencies later in this post) and to cut a long story short. They found me a local Marketing Assistant position.

I had voiced that this wasn’t something I had experience in but was very keen to try. They had discussed with the employer my experience and willingness. Based on this, they decided to interview me. Even though I had a lot to learn, they took a chance on me as they thought I was a good ‘culture fit’ for the business. This is the great advantage of using recruitment agencies, they expand your horizons, and see a good fit where you may have not considered.

This business I had landed my new role with, was in the Medical Device Manufacturing Industry. I stayed there for 3 years, and I absolutely loved it. This stroke of luck transformed my career and gave me exposure to sides of a business I wouldn’t have dreamed of. This wouldn’t have happened without the support of a great recruitment agency backing me.

My Story Part III

At the 3 year mark everything went a little pear shaped and messy for a while. Due to unavoidable circumstances with my Australian Visa, I could no longer stay on a full working rights visa. Forcing me to leave my full-time employment and take up casual work and self-employment.

I enjoyed working for myself, it was an eye-opening experience, that taught me a lot. The downside to the whole thing was my lack of preparation. Making life VERY difficult. After 6 months of fighting to stay in Australia, I made the decision to return to the UK (Kiwi boyfriend in tow).

I wasn’t sure what the employment market was doing in the UK having been away for 5 years. The ups and downs of the last 6 months or more, meant yet again, I was keen to find a job as soon as possible to get back on my feet and in the swing of Mansfield life again!

I saw a job advertisement with a Recruitment Agency; TurnerFox Recruitment. The job specification looked perfect to what I wanted out of my next role! I had to apply. The rest, as they say, is history. Everything moved quicker than I could have anticipated, allowing me to go through the motions and adjustments of a new country again.

Almost 5 months later and going strong!

Final Thoughts

Recruitment agencies take a chance on you that companies often do not. It isn’t to say that the companies are in the wrong, it’s just the nature of business. I find comfort in using recruitment agencies as I can voice my concerns and they give you nice little confidence boosts along the way.

You always feel in the loop and you can get places you may have never even dreamed of, or places you might not be able to crack without someone else advocating you.

Overall, I strongly recommend using recruitment agencies. At every twist and turn along the way, they have made life and work, just that little bit better!

When is the right time to consider using a recruitment agency?

If like I have, you’re going through a bit of an employment ‘slump’, whatever that may look like for you. Have you considered mixing it up and sending your CV into a recruitment agency?

The beauty of this, is you don’t even need to technically ‘apply’ for a role. It’s certainly a good place to start knowing what you want to do, or the general direction you wish to go in. However, recruitment agencies can also look for any jobs you may be suitable for.

If you tick any of these boxes, maybe you should consider getting in touch?

1. Little to no success when it comes to applying for jobs
2. Unsure of the exact direction of your career
3. Want to team up with someone who has great industry contacts
4. Job application support
5. Looking for short term employment only

The last option can be an interesting one. If you have been out of the world of work for a little while, Temporary work can be a good step back in. Be mindful not to allow your career gap to get too large, temp work can be a great solution to this problem.

Or, you might just be curious. It can never hurt to put yourself out there and gain more valuable insight into employment opportunities!

Go big or small?

If you’re convinced there’s one last question. Who do I go to?? There’s a vast array of agencies for you to choose from. From large corporate recruitment agencies to smaller, independent agencies.

Is one better than the other?

I have found success through both, and as promised I will try to be as unbiased as I can. So I am able to offer solid advice based off my own experiences.

The large agencies tend to have more jobs available. It was through a large agency I found that life altering call centre role (not sure those words have all been placed in the same sentence before!).

However, the problem I found with this agency was the lack of communication. Naturally, along the way I had questions and a few issue’s here and there. I liked the girl I worked with there, but she wasn’t an easy person to get hold of.

After this assignment finished, she never put me into anything else. Despite me being (fairly) persistent with her.  

Another large agency I didn’t mention before as it was short lived, placed me into what was labelled up as an all singing, all dancing role. Unfortunately, the job didn’t fit me one bit. I had minimal support or help improving my situation and would resoundingly never use this agency again. I understand we’re all in business to make a living, but what I experienced with this agency was only about numbers and targets.

Onto a more positive note… 

My first marketing role was found by a local ‘smaller’ agency. They discussed several role opportunities with me and kept in contact regularly.

The placement began as a Temp role. I was contacted weekly to see how I was getting on and to ensure I was happy and didn’t have any issues.

Of course, I had a similar experience when starting at Turnerfox, and I have an insider view of recruitment here in our office, without being a recruiter myself! The guys in the office, work tirelessly to ensure everyone is happy, they keep clients and candidates in the loop and informed through the whole recruitment process.

As a side note, I have also been pulled in for internal interviews with other large-scale recruitment agencies, but never used. Despite me being in contact with them regularly.

As I know I have plenty of experience, it can’t just be down to my personal situation.

There is no right or wrong answer and depending on what you’re looking for, either could work for you. But from my own experience – go small! For that personal touch you just won’t ever get from a larger recruitment agency.

Guidance every step of the way

If you decide on getting in touch with us, you might be wondering exactly what to expect. Put in very simple layman’s terms, this is what we do for you:

• We register you to our agency
• Tailor your CV for every job we submit you forwards for
• Submit you for jobs that may be suitable
• Communicate with you every step of the way
• Provide insightful CV and Interview feedback

It is important to us as a small agency, that you; our candidates, are at the heart of our business. Your successes are our success’, we will advocate you the whole way!

Wrap up

Overall, I can’t sway you one way or another. No two people’s journey’s into employment are the same. But I hope my story has opened your eyes a little into what to expect from different recruitment agencies.

Don’t be second best and go with an agency that values you as a person and wants to genuinely see you succeed! There’s a reason some people build recruitment agencies, and it’s to help people just like you.

Gain access to some of the area’s best companies, and let us work hard, for you!

If I have persuaded you or even intrigued you just a little, then get in touch by phone 01623 656 303 or email recruit@turnerfox.co.uk.

Good luck on your job search and we hope to hear from you!