Not all recruiters are created equal. Some are better organised than others, and some are more relevant to your search than others. So to avoid wasting your time, you need to work with the best ones.

The biggest ones have the most posts. But they may not be relevant, you might be better with a small personal agency particularly if you work in a specialist field.

On the other hand don’t confine yourself to one agency. Try to find the 3 or 4 that produce the best results for you and concentrate on them.

If there are any that are local to you, arrange to meet them. Treat it as an interview, dress appropriately, research them. Once they have met you and been through your CV with you, they are much more likely to be able to find you work.

Set Up Alerts

Set Up Alerts from a few jobsites, and eliminate the ones that don’t work well for you, until you have the 3 or 4 that work best for you.

You can also set up Google alerts for jobs and locations that interest you

Beware of casting your net too wide

This will waste time and effort. Make a list of the specific goals you want to achieve and use it to help you select the most relevant recruiters for you.

Check what facilities are available on recruiter’s sites, and use them. Some offer CV appraisal, surgeries, and online chats

Recruiters need clients too

Remember recruiters are looking for fantastic clients that they can place. That’s how they make their money.

You can build a relationship with an agency who can help you develop your career by always keeping your career progress in mind, and contacting you when they have a position they feel is right for you.

This can be extremely effective, but normally only works with smaller agencies who know you personally.

But imagine the power of having a recruiter looking out for the next suitable position for you while you are in a job, and contacting and headhunting you for the position. Works for you, works for them!