On first look, the role of a recruitment agency is relatively simple, and should be instantly effective - to act as the go-between to provide an employer with a suitable candidate for the role, and also to provide a jobseeker with that all important employment opportunity. However, it doesn't work out as simple as that, as there is naturally financial remuneration involved, and various different recruitment agencies constantly trying to reach targets, etc, and there is no guarantee that the agency you use will get you what you want.

I have used recruitment agencies a few times, but I think the key thing to remember is that, just because you have gone to see a recruitment agent and given your details, had a promise of them looking for a job for you and finding an employee or you, it does not mean that you should solely put the responsibility in their hands.

From the point of view of someone seeking employment, if you expect all the recruitment agency to do all the work for you, then you are less likely to find something suitable, whereas if you combine their skills and expertise with your own job seeking, then you are twice as likely to find something. Similarly, from the point of view of the employer, a recruitment agent might not be the best person to decide who is best for you, although going out and seeking for someone yourself may be defeating the object in the first place!

I have experienced the recruitment agency sector from both sides of the coin, and know from experience that relying solely on them doesn't always work. Sure, it depends a lot on which agency you use, as some are far better than others, and some have better and more accomplished staff working for them, or a differing reputation, but if you combine their efforts with your own, you are far more likely to achieve the end goal of employing the right person or finding the right job for you.

In conclusion, choose your recruitment agency carefully, or try more than one, but ultimately, do some leg work of your own as it will only give you a better chance in the short term and was as the long run.