Job Discussion Forums

nwtefl · Joined: 20 May 2015 Posts: 148 Location: England

I posted a few weeks ago about the frustration of teaching agencies - as I used to work as a recruiter a long time ago, the boot is now on the other foot (and has been for a while).

But is there a "list" of any "good" recruiters people have had dealings with (good meaning they have responded to you when you've emailed to follow up an application; good meaning they may have phoned you too; good meaning they kept you updated etc etc). For example. I look at the jobs board on this site and there are always jobs for Saudi from loads of different agencies . I know that some institutions will either choose to work with one agency, and then spread the jobs around if they don't get a good response, while others will give the jobs out to one and all. That makes it difficult for the applicant to know which recruiters actually have the "ear" of the institution and which are just fishing.

So, rather than a debate on the positives and negatives of recruiters, are there any good recruiters to recommend when looking for a job?

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Other than Saudi Arabia, which uses lots of recruiters ranging from OK to total crooks - and Oman that uses a limited number of in-country recruiter/contractors, the Middle East isn't a place where teachers use recruiters.

I've been on these boards for years, and other than Teachaway (mainly for certified teachers in Abu Dhabi), I can't recall any recommended recruiters. If one can't find a job using direct applications to employer ads and/or websites, a recruiter won't be any help. Apparently one's credentials do not meet the employers' required standards.

VS

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

Gamajorba · Joined: 03 May 2015 Posts: 357

nwtefl I believe I messaged you about the recruiter in Riyadh who hired me (albeit they got me via a South African agency who were a pile of cack when it came to visa refunds). And from what I've been led to believe, it was one of the best places in KSA for reliable employment (the KSA recruiter not the SA one)

nwtefl · Joined: 20 May 2015 Posts: 148 Location: England

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

When it comes to KSA, be aware the recruiters posting the job ads aren't always the employer. Many contracting companies use third-party recruitment agencies, so you'll need to ask who the actual employer is during interviews and do your research from there. Once you accept an offer, that recruiting agent is out of the picture. Additionally, some recruiters represent more than one contracting company.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

And note the distinction between Recruiter and Contractor

The first acts like a go-between, a matchmaker. He gets you a job and then disappears.

The second hires you and then pimps you out - for a cut that is sometimes bigger than your salary.

If you can - go direct hire. Pm me and I can tell you more.