Referral vs recruitment agency: what's different

Both routes can lead to an interview. They work differently, and many people use both. Neither is better in every case.

A referral

• You deal with an employee who works at the company.
• They vouch for your CV to the company's own recruiters, usually through the company's referral system.
• The employee may receive a bonus from their employer if you are hired. During early access Doorstep is free for candidates.

A recruitment agency

• You deal with a recruiter who works for the agency.
• The agency is usually paid by the hiring company, and may represent you for several roles.
• Agencies often work with employers on a specific list of vacancies.

How to choose

If you know which company you want, a referral can be a direct route. If you are open to many employers, an agency may show you roles you had not seen. Whichever you choose, check who is acting for whom, and never pay a fee to be put forward for a job.