When you are job hunting, there is a strong chance that you will need to have some form of interaction with a recruitment consultant. Many large companies and corporations use them to hire staff and it’s likely that you’ll end up using one to find you a job at some point. There are a lot of different consultancies around and it can be difficult to find the right one. You often have to sign up with them to get information on current vacancies, so choosing the one that’s best for you can be a daunting process. Follow these tips below to help you find the right recruitment consultant.

Where do you want to be?

This is one of the first questions you need to answer when looking for a new job. For some people it might be blindingly obvious. However, others may be looking to relocate somewhere new, or even to another country. Decide where you want to be based and if it is feasibly possible to relocate to your chosen destination. Dubai is proving to be a popular place for Brits to move to as it has lots of prospects. The idea of getting a large, tax-free salary is very tempting, as is moving to a hot, developing country.

If you are planning to go abroad, you will need to familiarise yourself with the laws in that country to ensure you know what you’re getting yourself into. In many circumstances, a recruitment consultancy that specialises in finding jobs for people wanting to move to that particular country is your best option. They will have the local knowledge that you’ll need to help you get a job.

What job do you want?

The type of job you want will also affect the consultancy you choose to go with. For example, if you are looking to go for a position as a director and to sit on a board, you’ll need to find a company that has lots of experience in finding these sorts of jobs. They are often heard about through word of mouth, so it’s worth making the right contacts if you’re after a high-end job. Similarly, there’s little point in going with one of these consultancies if you’re looking for an entry-level position. They may not have the knowledge and contacts you need, so pick a company that is used to dealing with jobs on the level you are looking for.

You also need to consider the industry you plan to work in. Many consultancies specialise in certain industries and choosing one that’s suited to your sector can save you time, money and effort in the long run. If they are already in contact with the companies that you wish to work for, then it can be a lot easier to get a job with them than if you’re relying on a company who is unfamiliar with what it is that you want to do.

When it comes to choosing the right consultancy, sometimes it can help to go with your gut instinct. You will probably have quite regular contact with your recruitment consultant so it’ll be nicer if it’s someone you get along well with. Building a strong professional relationship with them could even help you in the future if you choose to move onto another job in the industry. They may be more willing to help you if your previous interaction was a positive experience.