Recruitment agencies: How you can use them for summer jobs and placements

Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash

By Bernadette Dooley, Careers Adviser

Looking for a summer job, work experience or a placement opportunity? Recruitment agencies can be one of the most effective ways to find work whilst studying. Here’s what you need to know.

What are recruitment agencies?

Recruitment agencies connect employers with job seekers. They work on behalf of companies to fill temporary, permanent, and contract roles.

Many agencies specialise in sectors like hospitality, finance, IT, or healthcare, so choosing one that matches your career interests is essential. They can be national or local, so check for ones based near you, because they often have strong links with businesses in the area.

How do recruitment agencies work?

Agencies maintain a database of candidates and match them to job openings based on skills and availability. They often have access to roles that aren’t advertised (the hidden job market) publicly, giving you an edge in a competitive job market.

They are paid by the employer so you should never be charged to register. Make sure they are a member of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) as a sign of credibility.

Why you should consider using recruitment agencies

• Summer jobs: Agencies can quickly place you in temporary roles during holiday periods
• Placements and internships: They often work with employers seeking candidates for short-term projects and/or year-long placements (nine to 12-month contracts)

When and how to approach them

The best time to register is early in the academic year for placements or a few months before summer for seasonal work.

How to register

• Research agencies that specialise in your field. As well as the REC website, check our career path pages for specific recruitment agencies and job boards
• Prepare a clear, tailored CV
• Contact them directly
• Respond quickly to calls and emails; agencies move fast

LinkedIn: Your secret weapon

Recruitment agencies increasingly use LinkedIn to find suitable candidates. Having an ‘All-Star’ profile makes you more visible. Think of LinkedIn as your online CV so optimised profiles rank higher in recruiter searches.

Final tips

• Sign up with multiple agencies for broader opportunities
• Keep your CV and LinkedIn updated
• Stay professional and responsive

Recruitment agencies can open doors to valuable experience and income during your studies. With the right approach and a strong online presence, you’ll be ready to land that summer job, work experience or placement.

Find out more about recruitment agencies on the Prospects website and view our list of sources of vacancies for graduate jobs and work experience opportunities. Our career path pages highlight specific vacancy sources for each job area covered.