Headhunters and recruitment agencies can offer an additional route to a job. Whether working with one suits your search depends on the specific assignment, the profiles sought and the agreed terms. The label alone tells you little about these.
Three expectations to clarify first
1. “The agency is looking for a job for me.”
When an employer commissions a search, the agency looks for suitable people for that employer’s vacancy. This common situation differs from career advice you commission yourself. It does not describe every placement or payment model. Ask who commissioned the work, what service is offered and whether you could face any costs. Have the terms explained before agreeing to anything.
2. “A database entry automatically brings offers.”
A stored profile is not a promise of an introduction or a job. Current assignments, experience, location and availability may matter. A lack of response proves neither that you are unsuitable nor that only a complete match counts. Ask whether there are relevant searches now and when it makes sense to get in touch again.
3. “Every agency recruits for every role.”
Providers may specialise in industries, functions or experience levels. Check their actual focus. Also distinguish placement from staff leasing: placement brings job seekers and employers together; a staff-leasing business employs workers and assigns them to clients.
According to SECO, regularly placing people in jobs for payment requires a placement licence. The SECO page links to the directory of licensed businesses. A licence does not replace your assessment of a specific offer or guarantee a job offer.
Four questions for the first conversation
- Assignment: Is this about a specific vacancy or initially adding my profile to your database? Which roles and regions do you cover?
- Terms: Which services and possible costs concern me? Which agreements should I review?
- Documents: What information do you need? Who would receive my application documents, and how will we agree on that beforehand?
- Next step: Who will get in touch, and by when? When would a follow-up make sense?
Note the answers. Describe your target role, relevant experience and availability clearly. The CV layout article can help with presentation. Only use information that is true for you.
One route alongside others
You can combine agencies, direct applications and personal contacts. Choose a manageable approach for your situation. PARAT is a starting point for your application; check the content and recipients of each document yourself. No tool or agency can promise the outcome of a selection process.
