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
Mechanical Maintenance Engineer
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Location: Stoke-on-Trent
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913716
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing manufacturing business based on the outskirts of Stoke-on-Trent to recruit a Mechanical Maintenance Engineer to join their long-standing team on a permanent basis.

The key purpose of this role is to provide a knowledgeable, safe, cost effective, efficient multi-skilled maintenance service to the site that adheres to all engineering/electrical standards and procedures for compliance with statutory and business requirements.

Key duties include:

  • Undertaking maintenance activities on all buildings, plant and services in a safe and cost-effective manner through effective maintenance programs, ensuring traceable and auditable records are maintained.
  • Ensuring the changes to plant and infrastructure are adequately managed via the Management of Change site procedure.
  • Ensuring that all engineering/maintenance work undertaken is compliant with relevant site and regulatory regulations.
  • Identifying, ordering and supporting the business in ordering parts or services required to satisfy the day-to-day engineering requirements of the business, and to manage/control the level of spares to be held on-site as deemed necessary.
  • Undertaking and supporting the coordination and implementation of any capital projects or site improvement works, including the installation and commissioning of new equipment.
  • Working with Site Management, Production and Technical teams to identify plant efficiency and minimise processing times, ensuring data is recorded to enable analysis to take place.
  • Utilising the computerised Maintenance System to work effectively, ensuring schedule adherence and updating all maintenance records in a timely manner.
  • Undertaking failure mode investigations to identify root cause failures and document.
  • Ensuring all engineering contractors meet the agreed standards and competencies required to carry out maintenance and engineering tasks on-site.
  • Performing all duties in compliance with all EHS, business conduct policies, guidelines, and local Life Saving Rules at all times.

Key requirements for the role:

  • Recognised apprenticeship or ONC/Level 3 in Mechanical Engineering.
  • 3 years’ experience in mechanical engineering.
  • 3 years’ experience working in manufacturing environments.
  • Experience in fault identification/repairing, and maintaining motors, instruments and control panels.
  • Undertake basic welding tasks.
  • Experience in repairing effluent/water pumps.
  • Broad knowledge of pneumatic, air logic, pressure and hydraulic systems.
  • Willingness to gain skills in electrical fault-finding and PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers).
  • Ability to read, interpret and understand technical documents and drawings.
  • Experience of working in Zoned Areas, and knowledge of ATEX Equipment.
  • IOSH trained in Working Safely.
  • Mobile boom and scissor lift trained.
  • Gas Safe / Gas qualification.

This is a full-time permanent role on a 2 shift rotating pattern:

  • Mon – 6.15 am – 2.00 pm, Tues - Thurs – 5.45 am – 2.00 pm, Fri – 5.45 am – 1.15 pm, each day with 2 x half-hour paid breaks, total 39.5 hours.
  • Mon – Thurs – 1.30 pm – 9.45 pm, Fri – 12.15 pm – 7.15 pm, each day with 2 x half hour paid breaks, total 40.5 hours.

This role offers a stable team environment, along with opportunities to progress and develop your skills.

 

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

 

Read more
Warehouse Operative
Sector: Warehouse
Salary: £12.25 - £13.07 per hour
Location: Snetterton
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913715
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing organisation, based near Snetterton, to recruit a Warehouse Operative on a permanent basis to their long-standing team.

The key purpose of this role is to ensure that all items are correctly received and packed to meet company requirements.

Duties include:

  • Operating MHE safely and effectively according to requirements
  • Unloading goods-in
  • Checking in goods
  • Putting away products, keeping the warehouse tidy
  • Picking products as per order requirements
  • Checking orders, ensuring accuracy
  • Packing orders to ensure safety in delivery
  • Loading deliveries
  • Undertaking any other duties as may be required
  • Using WMS

Key skills required:

  • Good level of numeracy and literacy
  • Basic PC skills
  • Knowledge of company's health and safety policy
  • Housekeeping awareness
  • Qualifications to operate Bendi/Flexi
  • Physically active

Please note that this is a very manual-based role; you will need to be able to lift heavy items safely.

Due to the company’s location, you must have access to your own transport.

This is a great opportunity to join a friendly team.

 

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 opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Brand Coordinator
Sector: Customer Service
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Braintree, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913714
About the role

Just Recruitment is supporting a well-regarded business based in Braintree who are recruiting for a Brand Coordinator to add to their team.

This role will involve working closely with Account Managers on new developments, handling samples of new products and sending them to the client for approval.

Duties will include:

  • Liaising with design to generate new artwork and amend existing artwork correctly
  • Liaising with purchasing at UK and international sites to obtain pricing and sampling quotations, and updating the CRM/Creator system accordingly
  • Handling customer enquiries and complaints efficiently and resolving them to a successful resolution
  • Producing periodic reports when required for the Account Manager and the client
  • Monitoring stock usage of certain products and taking ownership for ordering stock within company guidelines
  • Setting up brand manuals to include order forms, procedures, item references and prices
  • Keeping department code lists and size charts up-to-date
  • Liaising with the international sites regarding customer and retailer enquiries in regard to the production and dispatch of products
  • Keeping the CRM/Creator updated with all relevant artwork required for each brand
  • Assisting order processing as and when required, paying attention to detail

Working hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.00pm.

 

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

Read more
Counterbalance Forklift Driver
Sector: Production and Stock Control
Salary: £12.70 per hour
Location: Halstead, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Temporary to Permanent
Job ref: JT-HAL-CFD-0725
About the role

Just Temps seeks an experienced Counterbalance Forklift Driver looking for a fresh start with a company in Halstead, Essex, that values hard work and reliability. This could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

What’s in it for you?

This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to build a long-term career. Starting on a temporary basis, this role offers the genuine opportunity to go permanent. You'll be joining a close-knit team within a growing business where your efforts are recognised and rewarded.

About the role:

  • Operating a Counterbalance forklift safely and efficiently
  • Loading and unloading deliveries
  • Moving stock within the warehouse
  • Supporting the wider warehouse team with general duties
  • Maintaining a clean and safe working environment

Hours:

  • Monday to Friday
  • 6.00am to 2.00pm
  • Weekly pay
  • Ongoing support and progression opportunities

What we’re looking for:

  • A valid Counterbalance forklift licence
  • Previous warehouse or forklift experience
  • A strong work ethic and a team-player mindset
  • Punctuality, reliability, and attention to detail

This is a fantastic opportunity to secure stable, long-term work with the potential to grow within the company.

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more