Is it Better to Use a Recruitment Company or Apply to the Employer Directly?

Date Posted: 03/21/2017

Meron nga bang forever? Where do broken hearts go nga ba, tita Whitney? Ikaw na ba ang icing as ibabaw ng cupcake ko? These are only some of the questions that are probably impossible to answer. But for jobseekers, especially for those looking for a job abroad, one difficult (but not entirely unanswerable) question is: Do I employ the services of a recruitment company or apply directly?

The short answer to this question is “it depends on your situation,” but this isn’t entirely helpful, so perhaps it would be more useful to identify when one should resort to a recruitment company. Below are a few scenarios in which using a recruitment company is particularly beneficial:

1. When applying for a job abroad. In the past, we have written on the undeniable benefits of recruitment agencies for overseas jobseekers (Six Practical Ways on Finding a Job Abroad, How to Seek a Job While Currently Employed, There Are No Secrets to Getting a Job Abroad) but it is worth reiterating here: recruitment agencies make applying for a job abroad not only easier, but also more likely to succeed. Recruitment companies have years of experience and connections under their belt, which provide a crucial edge for any jobseeker. Kabisado na ng mga recruitment company ang mga pasikot-sikot ng overseas recruitment. Just think about it this way: are you having trouble keeping up with the taxing process of overseas application? Recruitment agencies have done that millions of times before, and they can do it again for you.

2. When competition is stiff. When competition is heavy, you need to take every opportunity to place all the odds in your favor, and using a reliable recruitment company like Ikon can help with this, especially if the recruitment company has a history of successfully placing candidates in the company you would like to work for.

3. When the application process is complicated. Sobrang lalim na ba ng eyebags mo kaka-aral ng application process? Some companies, especially large and multinational ones, have overly complicated process that people who are too busy with work are not able to fully devote their time to. This can cost you your application. If the process stresses you out and you feel like doing it yourself would prevent you from putting your best foot forward, ask for help. Specifically, ask help from recruitment companies who know what they’re doing.

4. Overseas employers prefer to work with recruitment companies. Although different employers have different preferences and practices in terms of recruitment, some companies actually prefer working with a recruitment company they trust, and it is important to know this on the get-go. Don’t be afraid to ask around. What is your target employer’s history with regards to working with recruitment agencies? Has it ever affected an applicant’s chance of getting hired? Ask, ask, ask.

Like any other tiring but worthy endeavor, applying for your dream job abroad could get way easier with the help of other people. Remember: recruitment companies are there to help you. Ultimately it is just your decision if such services are beneficial or even necessary for your job search. But what’s important is to be open to the idea of reaching out to a recruitment company. Malay mo, sila na pala ang icing sa ibabaw ng cupcake mo.