How do you choose the best recruitment agency for you?

How do you choose the best recruitment agency for you

Hint: Don't just cross your fingers and hope for the best!

By Peter Foy

The job market is a fiercely competitive one. Your best friend in finding the right career opportunity and ensuring that you secure it could be a Recruitment Agency. But not all Agencies are the same.

...you shouldn't place your trust in just any old agency...  

According to the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC), there are nearly 24,000 Recruitment agencies in the UK! They range in size from one person operating out of a back bedroom to publicly quoted multi-national enterprises. Given the number of agencies available, it is no surprise that the service they offer varies.

This means that you shouldn't place your trust in just any old agency, cross your fingers and hope for the best outcome.

When choosing an agency, you should ask these questions

Are they approachable and enthusiastic?

Do the consultants sound genuinely interested in learning about your strengths, needs and goals? Consultants should have a high level of emotional intelligence; meaning they are able to build relationships with job seekers, to determine their true career goals. Bridie James, Business Manager of Just Recruitment’s Witham branch explains how Just Recruitment goes the extra mile for its candidates.

How long has the agency been operating?

Are they established in the local area? Do they have long-lasting relationships with their clients? This could be the difference between you getting an interview with a company, or being snubbed for candidates from a more established agency which the client trusts more.

How do you choose the best recruitment agency for youDo they understand you and your aspirations? 

It would be naïve to expect a Recruitment Consultant to be an expert in every field. You will have far more domain knowledge of professional roles than they do. What you should expect is that the consultant takes time to listen to your story to date and your goals for the future.

The Consultant’s expertise lies in understanding you and in matching you to the most appropriate employers. If they suggest that your CV is put forward to a specific company they should be able to give you chapter and verse on that company because they should have invested the time to understand exactly what that company is looking for.

Do they act as mentors?

Does your consultant give you advice on how to improve your CV, discuss what your Social Media presence says about you and do they coach you when you are preparing for an interview? Additionally, a good consultant should act as your mentor, and should be willing to help as you settle into a new role.

I’m very proud that Just ticks all these boxes. We have been operating for 40 years, and many of our clients have been with us throughout our entire journey. This means that we know the roles we are hiring for inside-out, and we have a great level of trust amongst our clients and candidates alike.

Our mission has always been to place people first. This means we endeavour to create an experience for each candidate we place; considering their needs, motivations and desires. We never treat a candidate as a number.

Our consultants are passionate about people - it's a minimum requirement for all employees. This means you always know that Just has your best interests at heart.

 

If you are actively looking for a new role and would like one of our consultants to get in touch with you just follow the link:
Register your interest with Just Recruitment

 

Published: 16 June 2025
© Copyright Just Recruitment Group Ltd 2025

Jobs currently available

New job
Sales Negotiator (9-month contract)
Sector: Sales
Location: Earls Colne, Colchester, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC29
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a well-regarded, market-leading business on the outskirts of Colchester that is seeking a Sales Negotiator to join its stable team.

The key purpose of this role is to achieve and exceed sales conversion targets from quotations, whilst maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction and engagement.

You will be responsible for the accurate updating of CRM and pricing systems too.

Key duties include:

  • Contacting clients by phone or email to follow up on quotations with a view to securing orders for the business.
  • Ensuring internal systems are updated accordingly with accurate and current information.
  • Negotiating with customers — listen to objections, understand requirements, and provide appropriate solutions.
  • Developing relationships with key customers, influencers, and decision-makers within the industry.
  • Using the bespoke pricing software to review and amend quotations in line with company processes.
  • Performing other tasks and duties as reasonably requested by the Sales Office Manager.

Role requirements include:

  • Professional and confident communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Diligent and proactive in following up on quotations and capturing feedback.
  • Positive, “can-do” attitude and solution-oriented mindset.
  • Reliable, self-motivated, and able to work methodically under pressure.
  • Reasonable level of computer literacy, including Microsoft Office Suite; training provided for in-house systems.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritise and remain organised.

Please note that, due to the company location, you must have access to your own transport.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Sales Negotiator
Sector: Sales
Location: Earls Colne, Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC28
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a well-regarded, market-leading business on the outskirts of Colchester that is seeking a Sales Negotiator to join its stable team on a full-time, permanent basis.

The key purpose of this role is to achieve and exceed sales conversion targets from quotations, whilst maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction and engagement.

You will be responsible for the accurate updating of CRM and pricing systems too.

Key duties include:

  • Contacting clients by phone or email to follow up on quotations with a view to securing orders for the business.
  • Ensuring internal systems are updated accordingly with accurate and current information.
  • Negotiating with customers — listen to objections, understand requirements, and provide appropriate solutions.
  • Developing relationships with key customers, influencers, and decision-makers within the industry.
  • Using the bespoke pricing software to review and amend quotations in line with company processes.
  • Performing other tasks and duties as reasonably requested by the Sales Office Manager.

Role requirements include:

  • Professional and confident communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Diligent and proactive in following up on quotations and capturing feedback.
  • Positive, “can-do” attitude and solution-oriented mindset.
  • Reliable, self-motivated, and able to work methodically under pressure.
  • Reasonable level of computer literacy, including Microsoft Office Suite; training provided for in-house systems.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritise and remain organised.

Please note that, due to the company location, you must have access to your own transport.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Accounts Assistant (1 year contract)
Sector: Accountancy, Banking and Finance
Location: Braintree
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC8
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing business in Braintree, looking to add an Accounts Assistant to their team.

You will be responsible for maintaining all records required for the accurate operation of the sales and purchase ledgers, including the daily entry and reconciliation of cash.

Duties include:

  • Entering daily cash from multiple bank accounts and reconciling on a daily basis.
  • Processing daily sales invoices in a timely and accurate manner.
  • Dealing with the despatch team to reconcile any discrepancies.
  • Processing of Purchase Ledger Invoices, ensuring they are accurate, matched to the delivery notes, and as per the terms agreed.
  • Ensuring the invoices are coded correctly and in line with company policy.
  • Reconciling all supplier statements and agreeing the Creditors Report monthly, correcting any discrepancies with suppliers, and in line with company policy.
  • Raising and processing monthly payment runs for Purchase Ledger invoices, both in domestic and foreign currencies.
  • Working closely with Customer Service and Warehouse departments to ensure excellent communication is adhered to at all times and a high level of
  • Customer Service is given at all times.
  • Assisting the Accounts Manager and CFO with any other tasks to ensure the smooth running of the accounts department within the company.

Hours: Monday – Friday, 9.00am - 5.30pm.

Please note the company can offer full or part-time hours!

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Field Service Engineer (South)
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Location: South
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913747
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing business, at the forefront of their sector, looking to add a Field Service Engineer to their team - covering a patch in the South - you can be based anywhere in the South of the UK.

The key purpose of this role is to be responsible for the Installation, Commissioning, service, repair, breakdown, and maintenance of the company’s range of capital equipment in a variety of environments, located in the South of the UK.

Duties include:

  • Duties include installing, commissioning, maintaining, and fault‐finding a wide range of both manufactured and third‐party equipment.
  • Providing user training to end clients when required.
  • Providing feedback to customers on any issues identified during commissioning, maintenance, or fault‐finding visits.

To be considered for this exciting role, you must be able to demonstrate a background working in a field service or technical support role, gained within a capital equipment environment. You should be qualified to a minimum of level 3 or above in electrical installation/engineering/maintenance or another relevant technical discipline with 3 years’ experience. Alternatively, a gold card electrician would be considered along with 2391 testing and inspection.

Applicants are welcome from a wide range of equipment backgrounds.

You must have impeccable customer service skills and a confident and professional manner in customer-facing environments.

Key requirements include:

  • Previous experience of performing in a technical field service team
  • Clear and concise written and spoken communication skills
  • Ability to present information in a structured and balanced way
  • Good working knowledge of Word and Excel
  • Ability to work as part of a team
  • Positive ‘can‐do’ attitude
  • Problem solver ‐ ability to engineer solutions on the job
  • Ability to work and manage in a high‐pressure environment
  • Work autonomously, taking initiative to resolve customer issues
  • Willing to travel and work unsociable hours when needed
  • Some overnight stays are required

This is an excellent opportunity to join a world-class organisation.

You will be joining a national team of Field Service personnel who take great pride in their work and who aim to build upon long-term relationships with customers.

You will be continually challenged as you are exposed to new technologies. You will receive constant support and guidance from senior management, and your technical knowledge will be furthered through training courses.

For those with the desire, there are opportunities to progress your career within the department and into the wider company.

In return, you will receive ongoing, industry-recognised product training as new products are introduced. You will also enjoy a generous remuneration package, including a competitive salary, company healthcare, a contributory pension scheme, a phone, and a laptop, as well as excellent opportunities for career progression within a market-leading organisation.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more