How agencies work
- The employer pays the agency a fee (commonly a percentage of first-year salary for permanent roles, or a margin on the hourly rate for temp and contract work). You never pay to be placed.
- The consultant's job is to fill vacancies fast with strong candidates. Their client is the employer.
- Agencies handle permanent, contract and temp work. In the contract/temp model you may be employed by the agency and placed with a client company.
- Some roles are only advertised through agencies, which is a reason to register.
Who's out there (generic, verify)
Names change, merge and relocate, so check each agency's website for the current office and specialisations.
| Type | Examples (verify current) | Typical fields |
|---|---|---|
| Large generalist / specialist | Hays, Randstad, Robert Walters, Michael Page, Madison, Frog Recruitment, Talent International, Beyond Recruitment, Adecco | Accounting and finance, IT, office support, HR, legal, engineering, executive |
| Trades and labour hire | Kelly Services and local labour-hire firms | Warehouse, manufacturing, construction, seasonal |
| Health and aged care | Specialised healthcare agencies | Nursing, caregiving, allied health |
| Government temp | Specialist public-sector recruiters | Admin, policy, contact centre |
| Regional | Local independent recruiters | General roles in your region |
Registering well
- Pick 2-4 agencies that actually recruit in your field and region. Search SEEK for who posts jobs like yours.
- Apply to a live job first if you can. It starts a real conversation.
- Register online with your CV, then ring the consultant to ask who handles your sector.
- Be clear on: target role, minimum pay, availability, preferred location and visa/work rights.
- Be easy to place: respond to calls quickly, have a professional voicemail, and send your CV in the format they ask for.
- Keep in touch every 2-3 weeks with a short update (new availability, new certificate).
First email to a consultant
Subject: [Job title] looking for work in [region] Kia ora [Name], I saw you're recruiting for [role/type]. I'm an experienced [job title] ([X] years in [industry]) available [immediately / from date]. I'm looking for [permanent / contract / temporary] work paying around $[range] in [area]. My CV is attached. Could we have a short call this week to see if there's a fit with your current or upcoming roles? Ngā mihi, [Name] | [mobile]
Getting the most out of agencies
- Ask: 'What are the typical timelines for this client?' and 'What feedback can you share if I'm not shortlisted?'
- Don't apply to the same employer by two routes: check which agency holds the role first. Duplicate submissions annoy employers.
- You don't have to accept a salary that is far below your range just because the consultant suggests it.
- Be honest about other interviews so they can help you time offers.
- Ask for a written job description and pay details (hourly rate, whether it's inclusive of holiday pay) before you accept a temp or contract role.
- If you hear nothing, it usually means no suitable role at the moment, not that you were rejected. Follow up politely every few weeks.
Sources
- Tahatū Career Navigator: Looking for a job (opens in a new tab)
- Employment NZ: Hiring (opens in a new tab)
General information only. Confirm with the agency for your situation. Spotted something out of date? Email help@unemployed.nz.