Applying for a job these days usually means doing so via an employment agency (uitzendbureau). But there also exists the option to apply directly to the employer, bypassing the middleman altogether. As an applicant, it is important to be aware of the relative pros and cons of using either method when applying for a new job.
One of the advantages of using an employment/recruitment agency is simply that it gives you more options. One thing to bear in mind is that in the majority of cases, an in-house HR professional or talent acquisition specialist will be looking for a specific set of skills and experience to fulfil a role in their company. If you apply directly with the employer and do not quite match that list, then the odds are that you will not get the job. On the other hand, recruitment consultants are always looking out for new talent. If you use a recruitment agency, your CV will be kept for future reference if you have strong skills and experience that may be needed in a future job opening.
That being said, some direct employers keep a database of applicants, which means that you could receive a potential career opportunity at a later date from the same company. The main advantage of applying directly is that it cuts out the middleman, allowing you to deal directly with the employer. The downside of this method is that you need to make each and every new application yourself, and keep track of who you applied with. In addition, you only have access to the information about the job that is displayed on the company’s website or job board, and this is not always enough to know if you should apply for the job. However, a direct application can set you apart from the competition, particularly as your CV will face a lot of competition.
It is largely a matter of preference what method you use when applying for a job. Ultimately it will depend on the quality of your CV, because if your skills and experience are not up to scratch, it will not matter whether you apply directly or via an agency. There are distinct benefits in using one or the other, but it should be said that direct applicants must do much more work, and deal with much more uncertainty, than those who use an agency. This is because agencies can recommend other job openings that match your skills, can negotiate with the employer on your behalf, and will keep you in the loop on the progress of your application. These benefits can be very appealing for job seekers who want to increase the possibility of success as much as possible, and who want to do this in a stress free manner.
Adam Watson