Employment

I consider a recruitment or placement agency a factor of going for a job on your own. They don't necessarily hand out the jobs, but a lot of places that might not look twice at you submitting a resume or such on your own, might be more likely to consider you for their hiring process if it comes through a recruitment agency. This is because the agencies do screen applicants, and the quality of applications are more likely to be better because they've already been pre interviewed by the agency. I'm not saying that junk doesn't get through them either, but having that first screening already done does save a lot of time on their part, compared to just giving Joe Schmoe off the street a chance to waste their time. On top of that, agencies have connections to a lot more jobs and sometimes even if you are trying for one position, they might be able to find a position more suited for you, based on your skills and experience. Or maybe we just have better agencies where I'm from.