FAQ > Candidates

Finance Staff

Q: I have been looking for the right financial job for ages. How can I be sure Brent Personnel will find it for me?
A: You may feel disheartened because you have approached other agencies and not found the right finance job. But are you highlighting your selling points? Do you have achievements to speak of? Have you implemented systems; improved efficiencies? We can help you identify and market these.

Q: Do I need to meet with you before I meet with the prospective employer?
A: Yes. Because Brent Personnel belongs to APSO, we conduct a face-to-face interview with every candidate before we send them to meet with our clients. In our meeting with you, we also help you to plan your career and ensure that we have all of the info we need to find the best possible career fit for you.

Q: What do I need to bring with me when I meet with you?
A: Please bring a certified copy of your ID, three recent payslips, copies of any certifications or qualifications, a copy of your CV and the details of two contactable references if they do not already appear on your CV.

Q: How will I be marketed as a Brent Personnel candidate?
A: Once we have screened you telephonically and met with you in person, we put together a customised, personalised ‘script’ for you – this helps us to ‘sell’ you to our client base. It is important, therefore, that you know and are able to describe your achievements and what makes you stand out from your peers.

Q: Why do I need to give you exclusivity, and for how long?
A: Brent Personnel needs you to give us exclusivity to market you for at least one month. In this time, we do everything we can to secure you at least three interviews with potential employers in the financial sector.

Q: I’ve heard of ‘Candidate Liability’ – what exactly does it entail?
A: ‘Candidate Liability’ protects you as a candidate and Brent Personnel as your recruiter. It is your proof that we are not wasting your time and it protects us against being used to solicit counter-offers from your current employer.

Q: How do I know what salary to ask the prospective employer for?
A: We prefer that you not discuss salary with the client, because we believe we have the background, knowledge and expertise required to negotiate the best market-related salary suitable to your experience and qualifications.

Q: What can I do when I meet a client to make sure I get the job?
A: Brent Personnel has some special advice on this. Read our Job-Hunting Tips.

Q: If I get an offer and don’t accept it, will you still work with me?
A: Yes. You are not obliged to accept any position you are offered. Provided that your reasons for refusing an offer are reasonable; for example, the company is too far for you to travel to, Brent will gladly re-work your application.

Q: If I accept an offer in writing but decide not to take it due to unforseen circumstances – like a death in the family or a relocation – will the Candidate Liability come into effect?
A: At Brent Personnel, we pride ourselves on customer service and on being a customer-centric company. We consider you a customer. So provided that you have valid reasons for being unable to start at the new company, we will understand and make the necesssary allowances for you, at our discretion.

    Executive Office Professional

Q: Do I have to pay a fee to register as a Brent Personnel candidate?
A: No. Because Brent Personnel belongs to APSO, we are not entitled to charge candidates a placement fee.

Q: How long will Brent Personnel take to find me the right position?
A: The turn-around depends ultimately on our base of clients and on the urgency of the position in question. But we always do our best for all candidates.

Q: Can I register with more than one recruitment or personnel agency?
A: Absolutely.

Q: What if I am ITC-listed?
A: This does not necessarily disqualify you from registering with Brent Personnel. An ITC listing may affect the success of your placement based on the type of position you are applying for, but as a rule: just ensure that any bad debt is being paid off and that you can supply formal proof of this.

Q: How long will my interview with Brent Personnel actually take?
A: All of the relevant documentation will be e-mailed to you prior to your interview. Please allow at least one hour for the interview.

Q: What should I wear for an interview with a prospective employer?
A: First impressions are everything. Wear your most professional and appropriate corporate attire and try to ensure that you feel confident.

Q: I don’t know where the client’s offices are. How do I get