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The Importance of Trust in Choosing Job Agents

A recent survey conducted by b&q, focusing on the human resources sector, has shed light on what influences job seekers when choosing a career agent. With the increasing diversity in job-hunting methods, ranging from job sites and scouting services to social media platforms, job agents remain a popular choice for those seeking to navigate their career paths. This study aimed to understand the reasons behind job seekers' choices, especially in the context of the increasing competitiveness in the job market.

Background of the Survey

With various platforms available for job seekers today, the significance of job agents as important support systems remains robust. However, there has been a lack of clarity on what drives candidates to trust certain agents over others. To address this gap, the survey aimed to uncover the decision-making process of job seekers regarding their choice of agents.

Survey Overview

• - Survey Name: Job Agent Utilization Survey
• - Methodology: Internet survey using Surveroid, provided by Marketing Applications.
• - Survey Period: October 15 - October 24, 2025
• - Participants: 153 individuals aged 23 to 49 who have used job agents.

Key Findings from the Survey

Reasons for Job Change

Out of the 153 respondents, a significant 58.8% reported dissatisfaction with their salary as a primary reason for pursuing new job opportunities. Other common reasons included workplace relationships (50.3%) and work-life balance issues (40.5%). These results indicate that candidates are actively seeking solutions to current challenges they face in their jobs.

Motivations for Choosing Job Agents

When asked why they sought the help of job agents, 36.6% of respondents mentioned they wanted to efficiently obtain job information, while 35.9% indicated a desire to discuss their career trajectory. Notably, 30.7% of participants cited a lack of understanding about the job change process as a motivation for reaching out to agents. Furthermore, 34.0% expressed interest in receiving interview preparation and advice, showing a clear need for tailored support in candidate preparation.

Sources of Information

Interestingly, 43.8% of the participants indicated that they discovered job agents through Google searches, followed by comparison sites (35.3%) and social media ads or reviews (29.4%). This emphasizes a trend where job seekers are proactive in researching agents online, showcasing a more engaged approach in their selection process. So, having a good reputation and positive reviews can significantly impact a job agent's ability to attract new clients.

Success Rate with Job Agents

Among the respondents who had used job agents, 69.3% successfully joined companies introduced by these agents. This high rate of match success highlights the effectiveness of job placement services, although it also points to the fact that about 30% did not end up in the positions that were recommended to them, indicating a need for improved agency support and guidance throughout the job search process.

Key Factors in Agent Selection

When it comes to the factors that drove participants to select specific job agents, 30.1% cited the number of available job listings and the continuity of support by a dedicated agent as key determinants. Other significant factors included the agent's industry knowledge (26.1%) and the quality of guidance provided (24.2%). This indicates that while job numbers are important, the quality of service and the establishment of a trusting relationship with agents hold more weight in candidates’ minds.

Trust and Ongoing Engagement

Ultimately, the most cited reason for continuing to work with their chosen job agent was the sense of trust in the agent, mentioned by 37.9% of respondents. Other noteworthy factors included job content (34.6%), response speed (34.6%), and specialized knowledge (33.3%). This underscores the essential role that trust plays, highlighting that candidates value a relationship grounded in understanding and expertise. They are looking for support that goes beyond mere information dissemination, seeking a partnership that assists with tangible results.

Concluding Insights

This survey reveals that candidates prioritize not only quantitative aspects, such as job volume and company prestige from their agents but also qualitative factors like trustworthiness, responsiveness, and overall support quality. Most job seekers appear to approach their career moves with insights driven by their current employment concerns, such as dissatisfaction with salary or workplace dynamics. Therefore, job agents must not only facilitate efficient information gathering but also foster an environment of trust and understanding.
Given that around 70% of job seekers successfully transitioned into new roles through agents, the data also highlights the continued effectiveness of these services. However, there is room for improvement to reduce mismatches and enhance the overall quality of the candidate experience in coming years.

About b&q

Founded on the mission to open up possibilities around the world through connections, b&q strives for a richer society via various HR and recruitment services. Currently, they operate the job agent service 'HitoCareer' and a consulting business, 'AchieveHR'.
For more information, visit b&q.