Hi guys,After 3 years with a big-4 full service consultancy I feel that the time is right for a change, to a smaller niche player or just to a different culture.I was recruited straight from university by my current firm, and have therefore never used a recruitment consultancy. I'd appreciate some advice (apologies if this is available elsewhere on top-consultant):1) How many recuitment consultancies do people typically approach at the same time?2) Should I be applying for some specific roles directly, or is it best to let the recruitment firm apply across the board?3) What is the best way to approach recruitment consultants? Blindly sending a CV to a 'catch-all' email address sounds a little impersonal.4) Will all decent recruitment consultants make themselves avialable for (or require) a face to face interview? Thanks a lot, any advice or comments gtatefully received.Dan.

Hi Dan.1) 1-2 is plenty 2) Direct is better 3) No, call for a chat or at least ID the right consultant4) Yes! The ones with the highest success rates will want to meet you Of course you can always apply to firms directly - your CV will be viewed in exactly the same way...Good luck!

DanMy advice is to work with only 1-2 recruitment firms. Apply direct where you have contacts to be able to do so or see roles advertised direct that are an exact match for your skills. Use recruitment firms to apply for roles that aren&#39;t being directly advertised and to get insights on organisations before you go to interview.As regards recruitment agencies, the more exclusivity they have representing you, the more effort they will go to on your behalf. So be selective - and also insist that your CV is not put forward to any employer without your prior consent. If you&#39;ve chosen a reputable agency then this will not be an issue anyway, but if you use dozens of agencies then you can expect your CV to start turning up with employers without your knowledge - not a situation you want to be in.It&#39;s certainly the case that not all roles get advertised and to be considered for all the best opportunities out there you should be working with a good agency as part of your strategy. Our readers vote on the best management consultancy recruitment agencies each year and you can find the list of the best firms to approach at: <a href=http://www.top-consultant.com/recruitment_report.asp>http://www.top-consultant.com/recruitment_report.asp</a>Hope this is helpful and good luck with your search - certainly a very good time to be a candidate with consulting experience!! Tony

Tony - thank you very much for getting back to me. Advice much appreciated.Dan