What are the greatest misconceptions candidates have about recruitment consultants?

Jobs that are advertised do not exist. Candidates can rest assured that all jobs advertised by HRMC really exist and that we utilse all resources necessary to ensure professionalism, transparency and objectivity is followed in the recruitment process.

Recruitment consultants do not care about placing candidates in the right job, we just care about placing them. Our aim, however, is to develop a repeat business relationship with the companies we deal with, and we can only do this through making the best job placements with well-suited candidates who stay in the role.

What service does a consultant provide for me? Who do they act for? Myself or a potential employer?

Your recruitment consultant aims for a "win win" situation between candidate and company. It is their role to ensure they provide an impressive shortlist of candidates who meet the criteria the vacancy requires.

It is, however, sometimes not possible to submit all suitable candidates, as the companies want a limited shortlist in order to save them time. The consultant must therefore determine the strongest candidates. Even though you may not be shortlisted for a given role, the consultant will consider you for all suitable future roles.

It is the consultant's role to ensure a candidate has all of the information about a role to enable them to decide whether they are interested in it. If they are, thorough details regarding both the position and the company are given to ensure you have the best chance of securing the role.

Whether you are the successful candidate or not, your recruitment consultant will give you feedback.

How confidential is my conversation with a consultant?

The consultant needs to be able to "tell your story" to potential companies, and will advise you of every role before your resume is submitted (unless you have agreed otherwise).

You can rest assured that your current employer will not find out about your job search through us. No reference check would be taken up with them until you advise us we are able to do so.

What can I do as a candidate to get everything possible out of my contact with a consultant?

Keep them informed on as to what jobs appeal or do not appeal to you. Never go on an interview to make the consultant happy - go on it because you are interested. Let them know if you are nearing final stages with another role.

What does a consultant expect from me?

Honesty, to fulfill any commitments you make, listen carefully to the details of a role so that you are able to explain the duties to the interviewer, to be a great ambassador for the recruitment consultancy (impressing the interviewer), and to keep them updated.