Every agency shouts this, and it’s true—you don’t pay. But here’s the kicker: they’re paid by the company, which means they’re selling you to the client. So don’t be shy. Treat the interview with them like a job interview for you. Ask point-blank: “What’s the company culture really like? Is the boss a micro-manager? Will I cry in the car park after week two?” (Okay, maybe soften that last bit, but you get the idea).
Side note: I once had an agency ghost me for three weeks, then text with a “Hey! Still looking?” message at 11 PM. Avoid those. Trust your gut.
How to spot the good ones (hint: it’s in the questions they ask)
A decent High Wycombe recruiter won’t just ask, “What salary do you want?” They’ll ask, “What commute are you okay with? Do you need parking? Do you mind the M40 traffic?” Because they know the A404 roundabout at rush hour can break a person. If they understand that, they care.
Teach in Bucks Recruitment Fair, Buckinghamshire New University, High
Also, good ones give you honest prep. They’ll tell you the interview panel’s names, the type of questions, and even the building’s weird coffee machine. Bad ones send you in blind with a “Good luck!” email. You can guess which group I’ve worked with more often.
