Myth #2: Sending your CV to as many agencies as possible will get you a job more quickly.

When the decision has been made to seek a new contract or permanent role, people often send their resume to as many agencies as possible, thinking it is the most effective way to secure their next role.

Submitting your resume to multiple agencies may seem like a good idea, but it can dramatically decrease your chance of getting employment. Too many times Clients receive the same resume from numerous agencies which begs the question, “Do you know where your resume is being sent?”

There are agencies who work on roles not released to them, often having seen the job advertised online or in the newspaper. Whilst this shows some initiative on their part, most concerning is that they often “flick” resumes to the Client without contacting the resume’s owner. If the agency doesn’t understand the actual scope of work required to fill the role in question, your resume may be submitted for a role that you do not have the skill set and/or experience to perform.

Alternatively, your resume can be submitted even when there is no role available in the hope the Client will be interested. Clients are frustrated by receiving hundreds of unsolicited resumes from agents, most of which the owners of the resumes are not aware their details have been released. The result is the Client sees the same resume from a variety of sources and/or receives resumes of people who do not have the appropriate experience for the roles they are currently recruiting. Without you knowing, your details could be rejected by a Client for existing and future work based upon the manner in which your resume was presented.  

So what can you do?

1. Be definite with your agency about what roles you want to be put forward for.
2. Limit the amount of agencies you use and inform them whom you have registered with and which jobs you have applied for. Ask people in your network to recommend agencies specific to your area of expertise (either industry or professionally based). Research the agency’s client base, specialities and industry presence.
3. Check in regularly with your agent. Whilst it is reasonable to expect the agency will call you, take the proactive approach to keep in contact with them.
4. Be specific with the agency, saying you do not authorise the release of your resume until you know all the details of the role/s. The worst examples we have heard are people who have had their resumes sent by agencies to their existing employers without their knowledge.