Singapore Job Agencies: How to Use Recruitment Agencies to Maximise Your Job Search

Looking for a job?

Have you tried asking your friends and family (and even your extended family) for lobangs?

And have you gone online to try your luck with job search sites and job portals?

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Still no luck?

Well… have you tried using a job recruitment agency yet?

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TL;DR: Best Job Recruitment Agencies in Singapore for Your Next Career Move

Pro-tip: if you’re looking for jobs in a particular industry, check out the job recruitment agencies which only specialise in a few industries and happen to focus on the industry which you want to get into.

These agencies are more likely to have built close ties with companies and businesses in the particular industry or sector you’re interested in.

And they’ll be able to better help you get the job you want.

That’s not to say that the generalists can’t help.

But hey, you’ve only limited hours a day, right?

So it’s best to prioritise your job search!

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Have questions about your career or your job search?

Why not ask the friendly SeedlyCommunity?

There’re community members there from all walks of life who’re more than willing to share career-related tips and personal experiences to help you make a better decision!

I Have A Career-Related Question!

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What Is A Job Recruitment Agency?

A job agency is an agency that matches you with jobs listed by various companies.

Different agencies have different kinds of matching services so before you register your profile with one.

It’s a good idea to find out whether they are focused on placing jobseekers in short-term or temporary jobs.

Or are they placing jobseekers in long-term or permanent jobs.

Some agencies also focus on matching people to jobs in very specific fields and roles like a data analyst or an IT engineer.

So you’ll also want to find out if the agency you’re working with is able to match you with jobs in the field which you’re interested in.

So… Should I Use a Job Recruitment Agency?

Here are a couple of reasons why you should try using a job recruitment agency.

I mean, no harm, right?

It’s Free (Most of the Time)

In my experience, most job recruitment agencies are free to use.

It’s usually the employers who will have to pay the agency a commission when they make a successful hire.

So before you decide to go with any recruitment agency.

Check if they charge any “extra fees” or “commissions” to avoid any unexpected surprises.

I mean, it would really suck if you were successfully hired and realise that you have to pay 50 per cent of your salary for the first 3 months to the agency right?

Note: always read the terms and conditions before signing anything!

And if your recruiter insists that you have to pay something for their services.

You can simply take your resume and cover letter with you and try another job recruitment agency instead since there’re so many out there.

Variety of Jobs Available

While you might be only interested in jobs in a particular industry or sector.

Companies or businesses might not be hiring — for a myriad of reasons.

If you’re working with a job recruitment agency, your recruiter can offer you a variety of jobs which match your profile.

Granted, it might not necessarily be in the field you want to work in.

But this gives you more options.

Some of which you might not have even thought of.

And sometimes, it’s not a bad idea to accept a job and build skills or experience while looking out for your ideal career.

First Dibs and the Inside Scoop

Since recruitment agencies work very closely with their clients (aka the employers who are hiring).

There’s a high probability that the job recruitment agency will be the first to know of any job openings these companies have.

In fact, some of these openings might only be made available via the job recruitment agency.

Because these companies use the agency to cut through the noise and find talent that is worth their time.

This way, they don’t have to deal with every Tom, Dick, and Harry who applies through say… their company job portal or LinkedIn page.

So if you’re a mid-career jobseeker looking to switch industries or find better opportunities.

Some of the more senior or highly-paid positions which you’re interested in might only be available through a job recruitment agency.

Since companies will be highly selective about the candidates applying for these coveted jobs.

Experience and Feedback

If you’re a fresh graduate applying for your first job, you might not have the most illustrious background or tonnes of relevant experience.

Heck, you wouldn’t even know how to craft your resume.

Or what kind of information you should provide in your job application.

But a recruitment agency can do stuff like help you tidy up your resume and tailor it to what a potential employer wants.

Just think about it.

While you’ve only just entered the job market and are just starting your job search.

These job recruiters are pros who’ve been searching and matching people to jobs, full-time.

They can highlight your relevant skill sets, give you interview and presentation tips.

And most importantly, they can prepare and give you an edge over other applicants because they already know what employers are looking for.

These kinds of free feedback is invaluable.

And like I mentioned earlier, most of these recruiters only earn the commission if you are hired.

So it’s definitely in their interest that you successfully get the job…

Support After You Get a Job

Some recruitment agencies (and job recruiters) will also support you if you have any HR-related questions or concerns.

This support will usually be extended to you while you transition into your job with your new employer.

But you really should be talking to your direct manager of the human resources department of your new company to get the most accurate information.

How Do I Use a Job Recruitment Agency To Get the Best Results?

Once you’ve decided on which job recruitment agency to work with.

You’ll usually need to create a profile, which includes your personal details, highest level of education, certifications, and work experience.

You’ll also have to choose the industries or jobs which you are interested in.

Next, you’ll need to upload a resume — some of the better agencies will have resume vetting services or will offer to optimise your resume for industry-specific keywords.

The agencies will usually link you up with a recruiter who will take care of your profile.

While you wait to hear back from the agency (or recruiter), continue the job search on your own by checking out job portals or job search websites.

If your recruiter doesn’t proactively reach out (read: red flag here), or maybe you haven’t received an email notification of any available positions.

It’ll be good to check-in often with your recruiter to see if there’re any job openings which match your profile.

Or jobs which you might potentially consider as well.

Once you do land an interview, the agency will provide you with information like:

• Who to report to
• What’s the dress code
• What’re the hours and wages like
• What is the job description

If you feel that the position is not a good fit, it’s okay to say no.

It’s important to be honest with the recruiter and explain why you feel otherwise.

This way, he or she will be able to find a job that better meets your expectations.