How to Outsmart the Recruitment Agencies

So you want to work in the UK but you are scared because you've heard a lot of horror stories about the recruitment agencies? Good, because it will make you cautious. You know: it's better to be safe than sorry.

People usually turn to employment agencies because they don't know anyone in the UK. But there are some other options that will not only save you money, but will also save you from a nervous breakdown.

 

Take control of your job search 

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 Just imagine what would you do if you'd want a job in your hometown. You'd probably buy a couple of newspapers and you'd check out a few job boards, wouldn't you? But in this case you can't do that, because … Wait a minute! Why couldn't you do the same thing?!? Check out the latest job vacancies that match your skills and expectations. If you speak the language and you are from the EEA, I can't see why your situation would be different from the other UK citizens' who need to relocate. Write a smashing CV, make sure you have a few English references and apply for each job you can imagine yourself doing. Be honest about your situation and suggest a skype or phone interview at the end of your cover letter. It might take a little time, but at least you know it's unlikely you'll have to face unpleasant surprises after your arrival.

Find a job with the help of your friends

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In 2013 probably there is no one who has never heard about facebook and twitter. We use them every day to post funny videos, share what happened to us and to comment events/photos. But have you ever considered using your profile to find a job? Most probably you know someone who knows someone who might live in the UK. Why not ask around and see what you can find. Maybe you'll get only an English recommendation letter or you'll get acquainted with a UK citizen, but that's a good start. There is nothing wrong with building consciously a network of acquaintances within the industry you are interested in. (Read my previous post about how to make your facebook profile employer-friendly).

Couch surfing

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Couch surfing is a great way to travel around the world on a low budget. But why not customize it for your needs? Visit your favorite English city and while you're there look around to see if there's any job vacancy that would suite your needs. I'd suggest to have some interviews/meetings fixed via e-mail or or phone before arriving to the chosen city but you could also just walk into restaurants and shops where you see the help wanted sign. It's a bit risky and I wouldn't advise you to travel without money, but the worst case scenario is you'll have a nice holiday.

So your English could be better

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Of course, the better you speak the official language of a country, the easier is to make a career. But you don't have to be a native speaker to get a job. If you fall into this category, I'd suggest to ask your friends to help you find a job and you might want to consider the advantages of English courses. (There are FREE ways to learn a language.)

Recruitment Agencies

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I tried to show what are your alternatives. But in case you still wish to find a job through an employment or recruiting agency, here is a few pieces of advice inspired by the negative experiences I've read:

• Use an agency you've heard is reliable. Online comments are fine, but the best is if you know personally someone who find a job through that particular agency.
• Always double check the agency. Read customer reviews, surf on the net to see if there is any article about the agency (their site and the interviews made with company representatives are not the most reliable sources) AND check if the company is in liquidation. You can do that on the page of the Companies House, the UK Registar of Companies. Most of the information is for free and the rest of the documents like financial statements can be purchased for £ 1 per doc.
• Don't pay in advance. It's the company not the job seeker who should pay to the recruitment agency for finding suitable applicants. It's like on the online job sites. It is always free for you to upload your CV. They might ask money for plane tickets, accommodation, etc but I'd suggest you to be very cautious if they ask for money under any pretext.
• Read the small print. Never give in under the pressure to sign the contract before someone else does. Read carefully the job offer and make your own calculations. Just because they say you can save up to £ xx per week it doesn't mean you will.

Please feel free to share your experience with recruitment agencies.