Chris Eastwood Automotive Ltd

What do you expect from a Motor Car Trade Recruitment Consultancy?

Here are some of your questions answered:

Will my registration remain confidential?

Yes, provided you register with the right consultancy. Some operate on a ‘first past the post basis' whereby they maximise their fee earning potential by being quick off the mark and your CV may be sent forward to a client without your being told in advance. This is highly unethical not to mention unwise in a close knit business community like the Motor Trade where you're not sure who may get to see your details.

Yes, provided you don't register with too many consultancies, word gets around!

Will I have access to the best employers?

Always remember that the employers usually prefer to work in partnership with professional consultancies. Particularly the more blue-chip clients.

Will I receive informed advice?

Yes, provided you work with consultancies who have a good track record. You can only give advice if you have the experience.

Will I be informed of opportunities in advance of being put forward?

See above

Am I likely to get an interview?

If you are in the general pool of CVs circulating at any one time around the industry, you are less likely to be picked out for interview. If the client sees the same CV again and again without any relevant information or update as to the candidate's requirements, they may be inclined to ignore them. It's more difficult for a consultant to promote a candidate if they are appearing too often.

It's wise to selectively apply for positions in line with your skills and background rather than submit blanket applications for everything that takes your fancy, in the hope of getting lucky! You keep control!

Am I less likely to miss out on opportunities if I apply direct?

Recruitment is a free service to the candidate and one of the most over-riding reasons for using a consultancy, as opposed to doing the work yourself, is that you can leave the sourcing of opportunities in the hands of the professionals.

A professional consultancy won't want to miss getting your details over to a client when they think you have a good chance of getting interviewed. And they can add their recommendation to your application, maximising the opportunity for you.

If the consultancy is retained by my current employer, will they tell my boss I'm looking for a new job?

Absolutely not, if they are professional. However good the relationship between the consultancy and their client may be, they should never, never talk to their client about registrations. A good consultancy should never name their candidates to anyone, without the candidate's expressed permission! This is confidential information, and must be protected at all costs.

When you short-list the consultancies that you wish to be represented by, why not ask them these questions and make your choice according the quality of the responses!