Finding a job that matches your skills and desires is not an easy task, especially for undergraduate students or fresh graduates who do not have work experience and professional connections; however, by reaching out to an employment or recruitment agency you can set yourself on track for the future you are hoping for.

Ry Chansan, a 2006 graduate in accounting from Vanda Institute, is in the process of getting a job which he found through an employment agency. “I posted my CV on the HR Inc website (http://www.hrinc.com.kh/) and they asked me to come to their office today for an interview,” she said. “I decided to ask for help from HR Inc with the hopes that they could help me find my dream job,” she continued.

Recruitment agencies not only help you build up your skills and CV; they can also use their connections with employers to submit your application when jobs become available. There are around 10 employment agencies in Cambodia with the shared purpose of building a bridge between employee and employer ands providing consultation to job seekers.

In order to help graduates and young professionals connect with potential employers and prepare themselves for the workforce, a growing number of employment agencies have been established in Cambodia over the past decade. Employment and recruitment agencies provide job seekers with information about job opportunities and strategies to secure those jobs, as well as suggesting ideal candidates to employers looking for a certain type of employee.

“After we interview candidates and find out that they fill the employer’s requirements, we’ll recommend them to employers,” said Touch Phea, a recruitment consultant at HR Inc Cambodia, an independent employment agency established in 2002. “For those who don’t know exactly what job they want to do, we can also meet with them and guide them professionally,” he continued.

Though cooperating with an employment agency does not guarantee that you will find a job, tapping the knowledge and expertise offered by employment agencies certainly improves your chance to get a job that fits your skills. “Employers trust in us since we are performing in a professional way, so they believe that people we recommend to them are qualified to work for them”, said Virac Sisocheata, an acting manager at Great Alliances, another recruitment agency, established in 2007.

Chhun Sarorn, a 26-year-old Finance and Banking graduate from University of Cambodia (UC), has worked as accounting manager for Conical Hat Software Company for three years. He initially found the job through an employment agency. “HR Inc. recommended me to Conical Hat Software Company after interviewed me and I got a job,” he said.

Employment agencies do not only work with people seeking their first job, they also work with people who want to change the company or position they currently hold.

“Many people do not want to keep doing the same job, so we try to help them find another one,” said Virac Sisocheata. She said that some people don’t want to ask for help from employment agency because they are afraid their employer will find out. “Only the candidates and I will know that they are looking for a new job,” she said.

Most people think that they have to pay money to the employment agency if they use their service, but most agencies only charge the employers.

“Our goal is to provide job seekers with jobs that match to their desires, experience, and qualifications,” said Virac Sisocheata. “We think job seekers should come to employment agencies when they want to get a job or get information related to jobs … and all our service is totally free.”