Under the Bonnet – in this series, our MD, Simon Roderick, lifts the lid on the workings of a recruitment firm.

Today, most recruitment companies use specialist databases to manage assignments, client information, and candidate CVs. Indeed when I set up Fram, a high quality database was one of the most important things on my wish list. Not only does it ensure that assignments can be managed in a logical and process driven way, it also saves a lot of time. However, most initial “candidate ideas” for assignments come from the consultants’ heads and therefore it is essential that you build a relationship with your consultant.

I’ve always felt that one of the nicest things about working in recruitment is that we get to build long term and often quite personal relationships with the candidates we work with. Understanding someone’s frustrations, goals, and aspirations, is essential to what we do and ensuring we get the best possible match. An overreliance on technology could spoil this dynamic, and to the detriment of candidates. After an initial meeting, many candidates feel that they can’t call their consultant for updates, as they don’t want to bother them. However, it is essential to keep contact up and speak once a week, or once every couple of weeks on the phone. It keeps you in the consultant’s mind, it helps the consultant keep on top of any changes in your circumstances.

Therefore, if you are serious about making a move, invest time in building a relationship with your consultant and if you find a good one, it will be a lifelong relationship.