What You Need to Know About Finding Work Through Recruitment Agencies

Workplace changes and massive retrenchments caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have left numerous Malaysian workers seeking new employment opportunities. In fact, the August 2020 JobStreet report reveals that 54% of the employees surveyed are actively looking for jobs.

With the increase in the number of competitors, you might be considering seeking help from recruitment agencies in Malaysia. Read on to help you decide if it is the right option for you.

What is a recruitment agency?

Recruiting agencies act as the middleman between jobseekers and employers. Their goal is to help their clients—the employers—find suitable candidates for their job vacancies.

When employers need additional workforce, they will send job descriptions to the recruitment agency they hired. The agency will then search through their CV database for available candidates who match the qualifications. After that, they will conduct interviews and create a shortlist, which they will then forward to their clients.

Do you have to pay recruitment agencies?

No, you do not. Employers pay them when the job vacancies have been filled. If a recruiting agency asks for a fee, then it might be better to consider other options to move forward in your job search.

What are the advantages of seeking jobs through recruitment agencies?

• You get access to jobs that are not always advertised

Recruitment agencies work for different companies, and most of their clients entrust the whole staffing process to them. This means that jobseekers under these agencies have the privilege of being shortlisted for job vacancies that are not posted elsewhere. When recruiters fail to find a suitable candidate from their database, that is when they post job advertisements on mainstream job boards.

• You can secure a job that perfectly matches your skills

There are companies known as niche recruitment agencies that focus on certain industry sectors. They are well-versed on the ins and outs of a particular market, so they know exactly what type of roles are perfect for your skill sets. This is favourable for you, especially if you are an entry-level jobseeker who is looking to get your foot in the door.

Specialist recruitment agencies can also give you expert advice on how you can effectively present yourself to potential employers. Since they are well-connected with the companies in the industry, they know what employers expect from candidates.

• You can get expert advice on your career development and jobseeking journey

Recruiting agencies are paid for their services, and their main responsibility is to provide their clients with the best candidates. To uphold their credibility as reliable recruiters, they need to ensure that jobseekers under their agency always have their best foot forward.

Recruiters provide various resources, such as career guides, to help you with your jobseeking efforts and career growth. If you are unsuccessful in securing a job, some agencies will also give you constructive feedback on your interview performance. This will help you gain knowledge and confidence for your future jobseeking journey.

What are the disadvantages of seeking jobs through recruitment agencies?

• You need to compete with numerous jobseekers before being shortlisted

Recruitment agencies have thousands of resumes in their database where they pick candidates for shortlisting. Unless you have stellar qualifications, your resume could be pushed to the back burner. This means you can be eliminated even before potential employers see your application and credentials.

If you choose to register with an agency, make sure that your resume uses the right keywords to highlight your relevant skills. Doing so will help increase your chances of matching the required qualifications based on the job descriptions.

• You have limited employment opportunities

Available job opportunities in recruitment agencies depend on the needs of their clients. If the employers they represent only have a few openings at a time, then your options are limited to those. Before signing up with a recruiting agency, make sure they work with a substantial number of companies so you have more employment options.

• You do not have control over where your resume goes

Joining an agency means giving them the freedom to send your resume to potential employers, which may include companies that do not share the same values as yours. If you are particular about a company’s culture, philosophy, and brand, then registering with an agency might not be the right choice for you.

Relevant information regarding an employment opportunity might also be unavailable to jobseekers like you. Unlike online job advertisements, the agency can forward your resume to employers even if you are not aware of important details such as the salary range and the role’s responsibilities.

Signing up with recruitment agencies is a great way to increase your chances of getting hired. They can guide you throughout your jobseeking journey and help you break into the industry you are interested in. However, you should not solely rely on them when looking for job opportunities. You can also explore your options from other available platforms like online job boards.

JobStreet has thousands of employment opportunities in various industries. Each job advertisement contains all the necessary information (i.e., job description, salary range, and company overview) you need when considering a role. The best part? You have the freedom to choose the companies you want to work for.

Let us help you find #JobsThatMatter to you. Update your profile today to reflect your preferences and professional strengths. Remember to add #WorkNow to the “Additional Info” tab to let employers know that you are available for immediate hiring.

When you are done, start exploring job opportunities through our database. The more you search, the more JobStreet understands your needs. This will help us match you with jobs that will bring you professional and personal fulfilment. You may also visit the Career Resources Hub for expert advice on how you can improve yourself and develop a rewarding career.

At JobStreet, we believe in bringing you #JobsThatMatter. As a Career Partner, we are committed to helping all jobseekers find passion and purpose in every career choice. And as the number 1 Talent Partner in Asia, we connect employers with the right candidates who truly make a positive and lasting impact on the organisation.

Discover Jobs That Matter. Visit JobStreet today.

About SEEK Asia

SEEK Asia , a combination of two leading brands JobStreet and JobsDB , is the leading job portal and Asia's preferred destination for candidates and hirers. SEEK Asia’s presence span across 7 countries namely Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines and Vietnam. SEEK Asia is part of the Australian Securities Exchange-listed SEEK Limited Company, the world's largest job portal by marketcapitalisation. SEEK Asia attracts over 400 million visits a year.

About SEEK Limited

SEEK is a diverse group of companies, comprising a strong portfolio of online employment, educational, commercial and volunteer businesses. SEEK has a global presence (including Australia, New Zealand, China, Hong Kong, South-East Asia, Brazil and Mexico), with exposure to over 2.9 billion people and approximately 27 per cent of global GDP. SEEK makes a positive contribution to people’s lives on a global scale. SEEK is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, where it is a top 100 company and has been listed in the Top 20 Most Innovative Companies by Forbes.