Your First Agency Interview: What to Expect and How to Prepare
Walking into a recruitment agency for the first time can feel daunting. In reality, it is a straightforward process designed to match you with suitable work as quickly as possible. Here is exactly what to expect.
What to Bring
Come prepared with the following documents — missing ID is the number one reason registrations get delayed:
- Proof of identity: valid passport, OR birth certificate plus proof of National Insurance number
- Proof of address: utility bill, bank statement, or council tax bill dated within the last 3 months
- National Insurance number: your NI card, a payslip showing it, or a letter from HMRC
- Bank details: for payroll setup
- Driving licence: if applying for driving roles
- Certificates: forklift licence, CPC card, CSCS card, food hygiene — anything relevant
The Registration Meeting
This typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes and covers:
- Your experience — what roles you have done, what machinery or systems you have used
- Your availability — which shifts you can work, start date, transport arrangements
- Your preferences — what type of work you want, geographical area, minimum pay rate
- Skills assessment — basic maths and English tests (simple stuff, do not panic)
- Health questionnaire — to ensure roles are safe and suitable for you
- Compliance paperwork — contract, tax forms, privacy consent
What They Are Looking For
Agency consultants are assessing:
- Can they place you? (Do you have the right documents and basic skills?)
- Will you turn up? (Reliability is everything in temporary staffing)
- Are you presentable and communicative? (You represent the agency to clients)
- Are you flexible? (More flexibility = more work available)
How to Make a Good Impression
- Arrive on time — if you cannot be punctual for registration, they will worry about shifts
- Be honest about your experience — overselling leads to bad placements
- Show enthusiasm and flexibility
- Ask questions about the types of work available
- Follow up with a phone call or text the next day
After Registration
Once registered, the agency will match you with available roles. Some agencies text available shifts daily; others call when something suitable comes up. Stay responsive — the fastest reply often gets the shift. Keep your phone on, check messages regularly, and let your consultant know if your availability changes.