How The Job Agency Works
The job agency performs a number of different functions:
They recruit employees for employers.
They help job seekers to find work.
They can evaluate the skills of job seekers by administering specific tests.
They can also screen prospective employees.
A reliable job agency will not guarantee that you will get a job, but they can work to help you find suitable employment. In the U.K. Agencies are regulated by the Employment Agencies Act of 1973, that governs the conduct of over 17000 agencies.
The law is meant to prohibit the majority of the agencies from charging upfront fees, and it makes it an offence to publish misleading advertising for non-existent jobs. There are also some guidelines that must be followed when the experience and ability of the prospective employee is assessed. The regulations were introduced after similar regulations were passed in Germany and France.
There are also some supporting regulations that govern the conduct of the job agency. They are prohibited from withholding pay or demanding fees from workers. They are also required to give workers a written statement of the expected pay and hours of work, and a statement of the status of the contractual obligations. Agencies can be international or international in scope, and they can be of tremendous benefit to help employers in saving money.
Employers readily acknowledge that the cost of finding good new employees can be very expensive. In a volatile market, retaining skilled and valued employees, becomes very competitive, and can cost up to 30% of the first year salary.
There are a few fees that the job agency is allowed to charge. They are allowed to charge the employers for services. They may also be allowed to charge individuals for some services that are not included as recruitment-related. In some case the employee may be charged for job skills training or resume preparation. This should be stipulated in separate agreements.
Both employers and job-seeker must recognize that all agencies are not the same, and operate under different conditions. Jobs seekers are continually entering the job market, which increases the competition, as the economy continues to struggle from the recent economic downturn.
Employers can use agencies effectively when needing employees. There are three steps that the agencies employ in the recruitment process.
The agency may already have employees on record that may be suitable for the vacancy, or they may post the vacancy to make it available to a larger audience.
Applicants are interviewed and screened with appropriate tests such as background checks and drug testing to determine employment suitability.
The successful candidate is hired by the agency, not the employer, except in the case of a direct hire. The salary and applicable benefits are issued from the agency while the employer determines the length and conditions of your employment.
There are advantages to the use of agencies for employers who are freed from the sometimes onerous tasks of sorting through hundreds of applicant, many of whom may be unsuitable. The agencies can ensure that only the best candidates are sent to the employer.
For job seekers, it is important to know whether, the
job agency has your interests at heart. Employers should also be assured that the
job agency is concerned with sending the right candidates.
by: ador talukdar