Which Recruitment Agency Is Best

Choosing which recruitment agency to register with will depend on the type of job you are searching for. In the UK there are hundreds of agencies that cover jobs across all industries, and there are specialist IT recruitment agencies, who focus primarily on the tech sector, covering everything from software development Machine Learning, AI, Cloud technologies, Fintech and everything High-Tech.

Both agencies connect candidates with companies.

Although both work in exactly the same way, an IT recruitment agency will have technical savvy recruiters who understand the tech sector and the jobs they are promoting. Understanding the differences between them will help you choose the right recruiter for your job search.

General Recruitment Agency vs. IT Recruitment Agency: What's the Difference?

Their main difference lies in the type of jobs they promote.

• General Recruitment Agencies deal with a multitude of industries. They recruit for jobs in finance, retail, marketing, engineering, and so on. They might have a few IT positions but do not specialise in this sector.
• IT Recruitment Agencies focus on IT jobs exclusively. They hire for software development, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and data analysis jobs. These agencies know the IT industry and interact with clients who need technology specialists.

Why Use an IT Recruitment Agency?

If you are looking for a position in the IT jobs market, as an IT professional, we have listed several factors to take into consideration:

1. Specialised Knowledge

The hiring IT agencies are aware of the pitfalls and have specialist knowledge of the skills required to fill many of the vacancies they promote. They know how to match candidates against skills experience and expertise. If you're an AI, cloud computing, or software development expert, an IT agency will likely have a detailed understanding of the exact skills needed by employers for this position.

2. Access to Exclusive IT Jobs

IT recruitment agencies have good connections across the IT industry with technology firms and startups so there is a good chance they will have access to unadvertised, exclusive positions. Companies usually prefer employing the services of specialised agencies to fill their IT job openings since they believe in the ability of such agencies to deliver qualified, screened candidates promptly.

3. Understanding of IT Salary Expectations

The salaries in the technology sector can change quickly depending on the role, expertise and past experience of a candidate.  A specialist IT recruitment agency will be vary aware of the salary you can expect to receive for the job. They can also guide you in negotiating offers so that you receive the salary you deserve.

4. Tailored Career Advice

IT recruiters are experienced and can provide you with career advice according to your requirement. If you require advice on skill development, certifications to pursue, or cracking interviews for IT jobs, an IT recruitment agency is a great resource for career development.

5. Faster Placement

Since IT recruitment agencies specialise in technology, they know how urgent it is to fill tech jobs. By utilising their extensive network and experience in putting the right people in the right job, they can usually get you into an IT position quicker than a general recruitment agency.

Why Use a General Recruitment Company?

Although IT recruitment companies have many advantages, there are some reasons why you might be better suited for a normal recruitment company.

1. Broader Range of Roles

Should you be open to investigating prospects outside of the conventional IT sector, a generic recruitment agency could present a larger range of employment choices. This is especially helpful if you want to use your IT knowledge yet still wish to move into another sector or position. For instance, a general agency could assist you in locating jobs that combine IT with other business operations while you wish to enter a management or leadership post yet have IT knowledge.

2. Flexibility in Job Search

A generic recruitment agency could deal with companies who need IT experts but do not specialise just in IT. These positions might cover numerous industries, which could open up prospects in organisations that don’t exclusively focus on tech.  If you’re interested in widening your search and investigating positions in non-tech areas that nonetheless demand technical expertise, a general recruitment agency might present you with more possibilities.

3. Cross-Industry Experience

While IT recruitment companies have strong expertise in tech, generic recruitment agencies have experience across numerous industries.  If you have talents that overlap with other industries or are considering a career shift, a general agency can provide broader career assistance, potentially helping you locate transferable employment in other fields.

4. Comprehensive Job Search

If you are not looking exclusively for IT jobs and would accept work that engages both technical and non-technical expertise, for instance, IT project management, business analysis, or technical sales, a general staffing company can put you in a best-fit job for your expertise, in any industry.

Which Agency Should You Choose?

The selection of the agency should be based on your needs, skills, and background. Here is a simple guide to help you decide:

• Go with an IT recruitment agency if you want to:
  • Focus solely on IT positions in the tech industry.
  • Leverage their deep understanding of tech roles and salary expectations.
  • Access exclusive IT job listings that are not available through general agencies.
  • Receive career advice tailored to the tech sector.
• Go with a general recruitment agency if you want to:
  • Explore a wider range of job sectors and industries.
  • Consider IT roles in non-tech-focused companies or positions with mixed responsibilities.
  • Get a more flexible job search experience, especially if you are open to transitioning into a different field.

Conclusion

Your agency selection can significantly influence how effectively and efficiently you secure work.  For instance, an IT recruitment agency will be capable of delivering specialised expertise and employment vacancies suitable for your skill-Sets if you are an IT professional seeking IT employment vacancies.  Nonetheless, if you would wish to seek other, more overall employment or transition across sectors, a general recruitment agency would be ideal. In both instances, you should consider taking your career goals and the nature of support you need into deliberation to be able to make the best decision.