​When looking for roles, particularly in Education, joining an agency is definitely a good option so that you can have professionals help you with the leg work of applying for jobs for you! But with all the agencies out there, how do you filter through them and choose the right one for your needs? In this month’s blog, I’ll be listing 3 points to look out for when signing up with an agency:

Where is this agency based?

This is one of the first questions to ask when thinking about joining an agency. Find out where this agency is located, and find out a little bit more about which geographical areas they cover. This way, you’re able to shortlist those that are within a commutable distance to you.

What’s my preferred school type?

There are so many different school types, so it’s important to know whether an agency is able to assist you in finding a role within a particular setting. Some agencies cater to Nurseries, Primary / Secondary / SEN schools, independent schools or Post 16 Colleges (or some are able to help with all school types). So whether it’s Nurseries or , mainstream settings or Post 16 further education that you’d like to work in, it’s worth asking the question!

Does this agency specialise in long-term or short-term supply?

Depending on your circumstances, you might be ready to work a full-time role and be looking for a school you can settle in for a long-term period. Or, you might have other commitments which only allow you to be available on a part-time or ad-hoc basis. This is important to take into account when joining agencies so that they are able to cater to your availability. Some agencies focus on long-term roles in one school, and others can offer you daily or short-term supply – so again, it is worth asking!

There may be a number of different things you might have questions about when signing up with an agency, so if you need further help, feel free to give us a call on 020 3771 1138 and we’ll be happy to support you!