How to Get More Shifts from Your Recruitment Agency

If you rely on agency work for your income, getting consistent shifts is essential. The reality is that agencies have more candidates than shifts for popular roles, so the work goes to those who stand out. Here is how to be at the top of the call list.

Reliability Is Everything

This cannot be overstated. From an agency consultant's perspective, a worker who turns up every shift and does an adequate job is more valuable than a superstar who calls in sick twice a month.

• Never no-show without notice — this is the fastest way to stop getting calls
• If you genuinely cannot make a shift, call your consultant as early as possible
• Aim for 95%+ attendance — this puts you in the top tier of agency workers
• Be punctual — arriving 10 minutes early shows professionalism

Answer Your Phone

When a shift becomes available at short notice, consultants call down their list. The first person who answers and says yes gets the shift. It is that simple.

• Keep your phone on and charged
• Answer calls from your agency, even if you cannot take that particular shift — it keeps you in their mind
• Respond to text messages within the hour
• Let your consultant know if your number changes

Be Flexible

• Say yes to shifts that are not your first choice — covering a less popular shift builds goodwill
• Be open to different sites and roles if your preferred work is quiet
• Offer to stay late when overtime is available
• Be willing to work weekends and bank holidays — these are often the hardest shifts to fill and the best paid

Build the Relationship

Your agency consultant is not a faceless system — they are a person who allocates shifts based on trust and reliability.

• Check in regularly, even when you are working — a quick text asking about next week's shifts shows proactivity
• Provide feedback about placements — good and bad
• Be polite and professional in all interactions
• Remember: consultants have targets too. When you make them look good by performing well, they prioritise you

Perform Well on Site

Client feedback directly affects your shift allocation:

• Follow instructions and site rules
• Get along with permanent staff and other temps
• If you receive positive feedback, ask the site supervisor to let your agency know
• If there is a problem, raise it professionally rather than complaining to site staff