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
Production Operative
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: £26,800 per annum
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913737
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing global organisation, based on the outskirts of Sudbury - they are looking for a skilled Production Operator to join their team.

You must be willing to learn new skills and to work in a state-of-the-art, purpose-built facility, including undertaking comprehensive training to enable you to take part in tasting panels. Full training on the use of specialist equipment will be provided.

Key duties in this role include:

  • Handle ingredients on an industrial scale
  • Operate lines as required by the business
  • Undertake packaging, storage and distribution tasks
  • Maintaining accurate records in line with the required standards and customer requirements
  • Maintaining high standards of hygiene
  • Working closely with Operational, Logistics and other business teams to maximise production quality and efficiency
  • Uphold exceptional Health and Safety standards
  • Build a comprehensive knowledge of ingredients and processes to ensure production meets customer requirements

Skills required for this role:

  • The ability to follow written instructions and perform basic calculations
  • Previous experience of working to robust quality standards and following procedures
  • The ability to communicate with colleagues at all levels and confident to escalate any issues to ensure quality and safety
  • Strong computer literacy – e.g. able to input data, confirm settings on machinery and produce reports with training
  • Conscientious with strong attention to detail

Working hours for this role are:

3 Rotating Shifts (14.00 – 22.00; 06.00 – 14.00; 22.00 – 06.00; Monday – Friday, rotating weekly)

Free parking is available onsite and due to the company location, you must have access to your own transport.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Quality Supervisor
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Competitive
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913738
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing manufacturing business based on the outskirts of Sudbury - they are recruiting for a 'Quality Supervisor' to join their team on a permanent basis.

The key purpose of this role is to support the ongoing growth of the QA Lab and team, and to own the processes that ensure the needs of both internal stakeholders and customers are met, while maintaining the highest standards of safety at all times.

You will be working closely with the Quality Manager in a state-of-the-art facility that produces the highest quality products for customers throughout the UK and Ireland.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Direct management of a team of 6 QA Technicians working across 3 shifts, supporting their development, motivation and performance/attendance management
  • Ensuring that standards are followed through verification of certificates of analysis, internal audits, control system checks and audits
  • Supporting the QA Manager to ensure the company's compliance with regulatory bodies and customer standards
  • Maintaining an up-to-date knowledge of safety standards and legislation by tracking changes and industry updates and events
  • Ensuring changes required to maintain compliance with safety standards, legislation and customer requirements are highlighted to the QA Manager
  • Working with the QA Manager to implement updated policies and procedures and train them out to the wider business
  • Carrying out analysis of micro-environmental controls and providing regular reports to the business
  • Ensuring that any identified issues or non-conformances are discussed with the QA Manager and that the relevant teams identify and implement the actions to remedy them, through root cause analysis
  • Supporting the successful running of the QA Lab by carrying out verification and training activities
  • Analysing the certificates of analysis of raw materials and finished goods and releasing them to be used in production or released to the customers
  • Undertaking internal audits relating to QMS and finished product requirements
  • Maintain traceability, hygiene, quality, and process records with validation of results, identification of trends, root cause analysis where applicable and instigation of corrective actions
  • Work closely with third-party certification bodies for sustainability, religious and ethical obligations
  • Carry out sampling and investigations for microbiological, allergen, nutritional or customer requirements
  • Working with essential service providers such as Pest Control, Hygiene and workwear providers to ensure delivery of these services to a high standard
  • Managing the equipment calibration schedule
  • Assist with new product/process trials

Role requirements include:

  • Minimum 5 years of experience, preferably in a QA or Technical role
  • Proficient in BRC, HACCP and legislative food safety requirements
  • Internal auditing experience
  • Competent in Microsoft applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel. PowerPoint etc.
  • Strong skills in Microsoft SharePoint / Excel – able to automate processes, create templates and systems of record
  • Experience in delivering training in face-to-face and online settings
  • Experience of working in a food manufacturing environment
  • People Management skills – you have experience managing a small team in a manufacturing environment. You are able to delegate and distribute tasks/workload across a small team effectively to ensure tasks are delivered to the standard required

Working hours for this role are Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm.

Free parking is available on-site and due to the working 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
Mechanical Maintenance Engineer
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: £38,000 - £40,000 per annum
Location: Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB20
About the role

Just Recruitment is recruiting for a Mechanical Maintenance Engineer for their client based in Bury St. Edmunds.

The purpose of this role is to proactively prevent equipment failures and ensure that scheduled preventive maintenance (PM) is completed as planned. The role also involves maintaining quality, reducing waste, and meeting efficiency and KPI targets by working collaboratively as part of the team, while always following Health & Safety procedures.

Working hours: Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 4.30pm.
20 days holiday rising to 25 days for every year worked plus bank holidays.
The company operates a 1:3 call-out system.

Qualifications and job skills required:

  • Previous manufacturing/processing/warehouse/cold store industry experience.
  • Mechanical bias, qualifications/time served apprenticeship.
  • 4 years’ experience.
  • A good standard of both written and oral English.
  • Basic health & safety.
  • Data and analytical skills.
  • Computer literate. (Word/Excel/Windows-based packages).

Desirable skills:

  • Experience with PLC, hydraulics, temperature control, instrumentation, and welding.
  • FLT/MEWP licence.
  • Proficient in using power tools, including drills, grinders, cutting equipment, saws, files, and presses.
  • Proactive, can-do attitude with drive and ambition to achieve maintenance excellence.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Electrical Maintenance Engineer
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: £38,000 - £40,000 per annum
Location: Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB21
About the role

Just Recruitment is recruiting for an Electrical Maintenance Engineer for their client based in Bury St. Edmunds.

The purpose of this role is to proactively prevent equipment failures and ensure that scheduled preventive maintenance (PM) is completed as planned. The role also involves maintaining quality, reducing waste, and meeting efficiency and KPI targets by working collaboratively as part of the team, while always following Health & Safety procedures.

Working hours: Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 4.30pm.20 days holiday rising to 25 days for every year worked, plus bank holidays.The company operates a 1:3 call-out system.

Qualifications and job skills required:

  • Previous manufacturing / processing / warehouse / cold store industry experience.
  • Electrical bias, electrical qualifications/time served apprenticeship.
  • 4 years’ experience.
  • A good standard of both written and oral English.
  • Basic health & safety.
  • Data and analytical skills.
  • Computer literate. (Word/Excel/Windows-based packages).

Desirable skills:

  • Experience with PLC, hydraulics, temperature control, instrumentation, and welding.
  • Possession of a FLT/MEWP licence.
  • Proactive, can-do attitude with drive and ambition to achieve maintenance excellence.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more