JOB SEARCH GUIDE
How to register with recruitment agencies
Choose recruiters who work in your field, explain the role you want and agree what happens next. Registering your interest is a useful first step, but it is different from applying for a particular job.
1. Choose agencies that recruit for your kind of work
Look at the agency's recent vacancies, industries, locations and recruitment types. A consultant recruiting temporary warehouse workers may not be the right contact for a permanent accounting role. Check the person's specialism as well as the agency name.
Use the recruitment agency directory to explore profiles, then read how to choose a recruiter. If you are looking overseas, be clear about where you can work and your existing work rights; a recruiter connection is not a visa or job offer.
2. Prepare a short, useful candidate profile
- Your target roles: name the work and level you are looking for.
- Relevant experience: highlight recent responsibilities and results you can explain.
- Location and working preferences: include where you can work and any essential constraints.
- Availability: state your notice period or when you could start.
- An up-to-date CV: check dates, contact details and links before sharing it.
You do not need to disclose every personal detail to start a conversation. Ask why additional documents are needed, who will receive them and how to provide them securely.
3. Send an introduction that makes it easy to respond
Keep the first message specific. Mention the recruiter's area of work, summarise your relevant experience and say what you are seeking. If there is a live vacancy, include its title or reference and follow the advertised application instructions.
Hi, I noticed you recruit accounting and finance roles in Melbourne. I have five years of financial accounting experience and am looking for a permanent role with month-end and reporting responsibilities. My notice period is four weeks. Do you handle this type of search, and what would you need from me to assess a fit?
Adapt this example to your own experience. Avoid sending the same vague request to dozens of unrelated consultants.
4. Confirm what registration actually means
Ask whether your details will be held for future roles or considered for a specific vacancy. Agree whether the recruiter will contact you before an introduction, and who would receive your information. Clarify the next step and a reasonable time to follow up.
Acknowledgement of your registration is not confirmation that you have been submitted to an employer. Likewise, a recruiter conversation does not guarantee an interview. Continue applying for suitable advertised jobs while building relevant contacts.
Can you register with more than one agency?
You can approach several agencies with relevant specialisms. Check any terms you agree to and be transparent about existing applications or introductions. The practical risk is losing track and being submitted to the same employer twice without realising it.
Keep a simple record of the agency, consultant, employer, role, date and next step. Before agreeing to a new submission, tell the recruiter if another agency may already be representing you for that vacancy. Ask them to clarify before sharing your CV again.
How TAP Jobseeker fits into your search
TAP Jobseeker lets you create a free candidate profile and choose your discovery and connection settings. Creating a profile does not register you with every agency or automatically send your CV to employers. Recruiter participation and available vacancies depend on the growing network.
Your contact details and CV require separate permission. Read what to share and when, or the confidential job search guide if you are currently employed.