How to Use a Recruitment Agency Effectively in Your Job Search

Searching for your next role can feel exciting one minute and overwhelming the next. Between updating your CV, scanning job boards, preparing for interviews and negotiating offers, it’s easy to feel stretched.

That’s where a recruitment agency can add real value - if you know how to work with one effectively.

A strong recruiter doesn’t just send your CV to employers. They act as a career partner, advocate and market insider, helping you access roles you won’t always find advertised and guiding you through each stage of the hiring process.

Here’s how to get the most out of your relationship with a recruitment agency.

Here’s how to get the most out of your relationship with a recruitment agency.

What does a recruitment agency actually do?

At MAYDAY Recruitment, our role includes:

• Understanding your skills, experience and career goals
• Matching you with roles aligned to your strengths and values
• Providing CV and interview coaching
• Offering insight into salary benchmarks and market demand
• Supporting temporary, contract and permanent job searches
• Acting as your advocate during offer and negotiation stages

Recruiter Tip: 

Not all recruitment agencies specialise in the same areas. Working with an agency that understands your industry and local market makes a significant difference.

Get clear on your career goals (before your first conversation).

The more clarity you bring, the more targeted your job opportunities will be.

Before speaking with a recruiter, consider:



• The type of role you want (title, responsibilities, seniority)
• Preferred industries or sectors
• Salary expectations (and flexibility)
• Location, remote or hybrid preferences
• Company culture and team environment
• Contract, temporary or permanent work

Being upfront helps your consultant filter out roles that look good on paper but won’t suit you long-term.

Keep your CV & online profile up to date.

Recruiters rely on accurate, current information to represent you effectively to employers.

Make sure:

• Your CV reflects your most recent role and achievements
• Skills, certifications and systems are clearly listed
• Your LinkedIn profile aligns with your CV
• Contact details are correct

Focus on outcomes, not just responsibilities. Employers want to see impact.

Use job boards & job alerts strategically.

Recruitment agency websites are often the first place roles are advertised - sometimes before they appear elsewhere.

At MAYDAY Recruitment, candidates can:

• Browse current opportunities on our job board
• Register for job alerts tailored to their experience
• Apply quickly and express interest confidentially

Job alerts help you stay proactive without constantly checking listings.

Leverage your recruiter’s market knowledge.

A good recruitment consultant has a front row seat to the job market.

They can provide insight into:

• Current salary trends
• In-demand skills and experience
• Interview expectations and employer priorities
• Hiring timelines and internal processes
• How to position yourself against other candidates

Treat your recruiter as a trusted advisor, not just a job sender.

Stay open minded (without losing direction).

Not every role you’re presented with will be a perfect match, and that’s okay.

Sometimes opportunities that:

• Stretch your skill set
• Offer exposure to new industries
• Provide contract flexibility

can lead to long-term career growth or unexpected permanent roles.

Trust the process, ask questions and provide feedback so your recruiter can keep refining the search.

Working with MAYDAY Recruitment.

When you partner with the MAYDAY Recruitment team, you’re gaining a dedicated career partner.

We take the time to:

• Understand what matters to you
• Align opportunities with your goals
• Support you from application through to placement
• Offer honest advice and clear communication

Whether you’re entering the workforce, making a career change, returning after a break or exploring temporary roles, we’re here to help you navigate your job search with confidence.

We Are Hiring.