Is This Recruitment Agency Real?
Hi everyone, I’m new here. I recently relocated to Manchester from Australia and got a job interview through a recruitment agency called Childcare Heroes (CH) for one of their clients, Thrive Childcare. I had a virtual interview with Thrive’s Head of People, and the following day, CH informed me that I got the job. Exciting, right?
However, I noticed something odd: CH doesn’t have a website or a LinkedIn page. When I looked up the agent’s name on LinkedIn, I found an inactive profile, which is unusual for a recruitment agency (I’ve been in recruitment for several years). On the other hand, Thrive appears to be a legitimate organization, and the person I interviewed with matches their LinkedIn profile as the Head of People.
I’m set to start next week, but I still haven’t received any contracts or paperwork to sign. I reached out to my contact at CH, and here’s their response:
“You will need to sign your contract, which will be issued via the onboarding system. In order to do this, we need to input your details into the system, but since the role has been filled upon your acceptance, we can’t do this through the normal link. To proceed, could you please enter your details against the role below, and then Thrive will adjust it internally.”
This doesn’t quite add up—why do I have to enter my information for another job posting? Is it normal for a recruitment agency to lack a LinkedIn presence or a website? Is this something specific to the childcare sector?
Am I being overly cautious here? I’d appreciate any thoughts or advice on how to proceed. Thanks!
RCadmin
It’s great that you’re being cautious, especially when dealing with recruitment agencies and job offers. Here are a few thoughts:
Legitimacy of the Agency: It’s unusual for a recruitment agency not to have a website or a LinkedIn presence, especially if they are actively recruiting. This could be a red flag, as legitimate agencies typically have a way to showcase their services and provide credibility.
Communication from the Agency: The message you received about needing to enter your details on another job posting sounds a bit odd. Typically, once a candidate is hired, the agency would have a straightforward process for onboarding rather than requiring you to apply again. Clarifying this with them is important.
Verify Thrive Childcare: Since Thrive Childcare appears to be a legitimate company, consider reaching out to them directly to confirm your job offer. They may be able to provide insight about their relationship with Childcare Heroes.
Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, it’s important to trust your gut. It’s better to take the time to verify than to rush into a situation that may not be legitimate.
Ask Around: You can ask in forums related to recruitment or the childcare sector in the UK to see if anyone else has experience with Childcare Heroes. Online communities can provide valuable insights.
Search for Reviews: Look for any reviews or discussions regarding Childcare Heroes online. Sometimes, recruitment agencies may have a presence on job review sites.
Overall, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Make sure you feel secure in your employment situation before signing anything. Good luck!