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contact with their candidates as often as they would like a local agency can have over 500 live candidates on their books at any one time!
Therefore, it is always advisable that candidates email or call the agency themselves once every one or two weeks. This keeps the agency aware that you are still looking and keeps you at the forefront of the consultants' minds.

It is always worthwhile checking the agency's website for vacancies in case there is an opportunity suitable for you that the consultant may have overlooked.
If you know of someone else who is looking for work or may be interested in a role that the agency is running, please refer them. This could earn you a referral fee! And get you a drink bought in the local bar by a grateful friend.

And finally: Temping
Pretty much all the rules above apply to those seeking temporary work, but remember: if you have worked for one agency and decide to sign on to a new one, the new agency will ask the previous agency for an employer's reference.
As candidates don't always take a temporary assignment seriously, a poor performance can affect your chances of being considered for any prospective temporary assignments you may be offered at the new agency or indeed any permanent roles for which you may be wish to be considered.
Do expect the agency to keep in regular touch whilst you're on assignment and to support you fully if you have any problems or accidents or suffer discrimination or bullying at your temporary workplace.
Don't expect the agency to have patience if you regularly miss days, leave early etc. A poor work ethic from a temporary employee impacts on the agency's reputation with the client company, and if necessary, they only need to give you one day's notice.

If you think that you have been mismanaged or treated unfairly by an agency, you can report them to the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (www.rec.uk.com), which is an industry body of which most reputable agencies will be a member. Their website is also a mine of information with regard to workers' rights, employment law, holiday and sick pay, industry initiatives and job seeking hints and tips.

Learn more about this author, Rachel Flynn.
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