By Demi Fearn, Business Consultant
Registering your CV with a recruitment agency is often the first step people take when they are thinking about a career move. But many candidates are unclear on what happens next, which leads to uncertainty about whether anything is happening on their behalf at all.
Here is an honest account of what to expect after you register with Elevation.
When you register, your CV does not disappear into a database. At Elevation, each submission is reviewed by a consultant working in the relevant discipline. They are assessing whether your background matches the kinds of roles they are currently working on or likely to receive in the near term.
If your experience is a strong fit for active vacancies, you can expect to hear from a consultant quite quickly. If your background is more specialist, or if the timing does not align with current briefs, it may take a little longer before a relevant opportunity arises.
For most candidates, the next step is a call or meeting with a consultant. This is not a formal interview. It is a conversation to understand your situation more fully: what you are looking for, your salary expectations, your notice period, location preferences, and what your priorities are beyond pay.
This conversation matters. The more clearly you can articulate what you want and what you will not compromise on, the more effectively your consultant can represent you. Be honest about where you are in your search, including whether you are registered elsewhere or already in a process.
A good recruitment consultant does more than pass your CV to employers. They represent you. When they approach a client about you, they are making a case for why you are worth seeing. They know what the hiring manager is looking for, what the team dynamic is, and what the role genuinely involves beyond the job description.
They will prepare you for any interview they arrange, briefing you on the company, the format, and the likely questions. After the interview, they will gather feedback from the employer and pass it back to you, whether positive or constructive.
This two-way flow of information is one of the most valuable parts of working with a specialist consultant, particularly in sectors where the market is competitive and decisions are made quickly.
If a week or two has passed without contact, it is reasonable to follow up. A brief email or call to check in is professional and welcomed. It also keeps you at the front of a consultant's mind.
Be realistic about timescales. Recruitment does not always move at the pace candidates would like. Roles take time to come to market, hiring managers shift their priorities, and shortlisting involves multiple parties.
If your circumstances change, such as your notice period, salary expectations, or availability, let your consultant know promptly. Outdated information means missed opportunities.
Candidates who treat their recruitment consultant as a genuine professional partner consistently get better outcomes than those who engage passively. Share information openly, give honest feedback after interviews, and let your consultant know if you accept a role elsewhere.
A strong relationship with a specialist consultant in your sector is a long-term professional asset, even if the timing does not result in a placement immediately.
To register with Elevation and speak to a consultant in your specialist area, get in touch with the team. Contact us at https://www.elevationrecruitmentgroup.com/contact-us
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