Top tips for choosing a recruitment agency, how to check them out and how to make sure they work for you...

Check for expertise in the area. The recruitment agency should know about local qualifications, the registration process for professional bodies and have some background for such operations.

Go personally to their headquarters. Meet the people, check their offices and their employees and make sure they are not just some guys working in their bedroom.

Meet the persons that will be working on your account. Try to be permanently in touch with them, as many agencies tend to pass their clients even to some inexperienced employees.

Contact existing clients for references. They are the most trustworthy sources in the matter but be careful on rushing to call immediately the number they gave you. It could be anyone. Research the company on the Internet and make sure it's a really credible source.

Talk to a credible placed candidate. Ask them about their job satisfaction and the agency treatment. Also look for the agency's attitude in the matter.

Ask about media coverage. If the company is as good as it claims, it has to be mentioned in the press.

Find out if they are members in their national recruitment organisations. Check if they have licences. A licence is required in order to have a recruiting agency.

Check to see if they charge the candidate fees. They will probably tell you NO, but this can be covered up by other taxes, such as overcharged flight tickets or arranged accommodation.

Check for offices in the EU accession countries. Many UK-established companies sell themselves as connoisseurs, but the truth is most of them have a subcontracted company in the aria. The best way however is to have an office established in the country you work with in order to have a well coordinated activity.

Investigate the kind of support they offer. The way they treat the candidates tells a lot about their services. See if they offer service at any time, look for work incentives for employees.