Posted By Paul Bellis Having posted my details several times looking for a position in the North West, I am unsure as to the value of agencies. Whilst one or two to thier credit have offered good advice, put me forward for relevant jobs and informed me of progress - others just badger with - we've got this and that on the books - put you forward for all sorts and bang off your CV and you NEVER get to hear whats happening leaving you totally confused. When others then ask you what you have been put in for - you havnt a clue. Writing this has clarified my mind a bit though - obviously I should stick with the ones who appear reliable and helpful. Or as other say in thier post - NO agencies. It would assist all us job seekers if the agencies could e-mail a confirmation of application for posts and PLEASE inform us of progress - If we didnt get put forward for the post TELL US.. were big boys ( and girls) now ... we can take it honest. By the way - I am still looking for posts in the North West /Wales areas - MIOSH RSP 11 years experience....etc etc ...agencies be careful!! Paul

Posted By TBC It is usually negotiable, but I am told that they can ask upwards of 10% of your first year’s salary, but you must usually stay in that position for at least 3 months.

Posted By Chris Matthews I have had considerable experience of agencies within the past 2 to 3 months, and have found that although very pleasant, you recieve call after call asking if you are still available, told were putting you forward for a position right up your street with an undisclosed company that will loooove your cv, blah blah blah, then you spend the 6 weeks phoning them for progress updates to no avail. One agency actually stated that an interview would be arranged for the following week, 2 weeks later when I contacted them having had heard nothing, I was informed that I would hear by the 15th, still not heard from them.... dont expect I will. Affraid I find agencies a total and complete waste of time...

Posted By Neville When I originally used the agencies, I too found them to be a complete waste of Oxygen and they failed to communicate with their charges, apart from the odd time. Obviously they are not meant to run like that but the truth is that they do, generally! Makes you wonder what they do with your CV. A recommendation would be to go down the speculative route of finding the H&S job and ring up companies (large enough to sustain a H&S post)to ask. Either that or mail drop them your CV with the accompanying letter. Yes, I too am currently looking for a H&S position, whilst currently serving out a month of redundancy notice. Will let you know what happens in the future. Neville

Posted By Neville Nice one Faye, my experience was 0 out of 12 agencies, but I take your point! I'll put you to the test to place some faith in the system. There are two weeks left of a redundancy notice to serve and then I will require a post in H&S. I can furnish you with an up to date CV and any other pre-requisites. Shall I e-mail you direct? Neville

Posted By Faye Stacey Thanks Neville. Please feel free to email me direct. My address is faye.stacey@syntaxtech.com Thanks again Faye

Posted By James M I have been emailed a job offer today from an agency that I have never heard of or applied to for any post. Needlees to say I don't know where they got my 'out of date' CV from or my email address. I am just the man they are looking for? Strange!!!!!!!!

Posted By David A Jones James, Well that's a new one getting a job OFFER without having spoken to the agency or attending an interview!!!

Posted By Dee I would have to agree wholeheartedly with Steve B as someone who is on both sides of the fence - i.e. using agencies for my own employment but also using agencies for positions within our Company. The CV is the key. You have to make yours leap out against the hundreds of others that the agencies deal with just as you would if you were applying directly to a Company for a job. You also have to keep in constant communication with them. Yes you will get those who say I'll put you forward for this, this and this and you never hear hide nor hair of them again but I have generally found you will find one or two who are worth sticking with. Depends type of agencies you are dealing with - specialist H&S or local ones, the last position I found that I am currently in came through a local engineering agency, just because they don't advertise themselves as H&S recruiters doesn't mean they don't have positions. I would also say in the agencies defence that it can be a nightmare getting a response from a Client as to what is happening with a position so they may be telling you the truth when they say they haven't heard anything back - I admit I am guilty as charged for doing that! Dee