Today's job market is a maze of recruitment agencies and consultants. I've applied for several jobs in the past, thinking I was going straight to the company but was applying to a recruitment agency instead. Annoying.

However, there is something to be said for consultants taking the edge off your job hunt. They can be a real asset to your job search providing you eye them with a bit of caution.

Let me explain why.

"Qualified job hunters are to a recruitment consultant what a lottery winner is to a Ferrari dealer - a precious commodity. If they find you a job, they pick up a commission. Unfortunately, this means they do not necessarily have your best interests at heart." Harriet Marsh, Guardian Jobs

The key to dealing with recruitment consultants is understanding 'The Rules of Engagement'.

First thing to do in any decent job search is a little bit of research. Know the recruitment agencies that specialise in your area of work. Who do the companies use? Ring up some of the companies you work for and see if they have a preferred agent. A lot more companies are signing with one or two agencies so it pays to know who they are.

Signing with 3 or 4 agencies should be enough. However make sure they are the agencies for your industry. There's countless horror stories of candidates being pushed into travelling far and wide at their own expense by the recruitment consultant only to find out they weren't suitably qualified.

The moral here is that you should really check before you go and don't take the recruitment consultant at face value. Make sure you know what's expected before signing the infamous dotted line.

Agencies should go through a thorough interview with candidates. If they say they will put your name on a database then they could be wasting your time. Interviews are important because they help you sell yourself and gives you an opportunity to check out the company.

Sometimes agencies will send out your CV to a company without briefing candidates first. This is generally bad practise but it does happen. Do not sign with an agency unless they agree to run everything by you first.

"According to REC, the Recruitment and Employment Confederation and the industry body for consultants, it is now standard practice among its members to ensure candidates agree each application, so make sure the agency in the UK is a member of REC when you sign up." Harriet Marsh, Guardian Jobs

When the big day comes and the job offer is put on the table, make sure you are very clear about the terms of employment and feel it is the right job for you. Ask around. Get people's opinions. Don't be pushed into something by the consultant because they are ultimately out for commission so your happiness their first concern.

Finally, although this article has probably done enough to scare you into being weary of recruitment consultants, try to be open and friendly when you meet them because they can help. Recruitment consultants can ease the burden of job searches and give you the edge on upcoming jobs. You just need to make sure you are completely informed at every stage of the process and don't get pushed into something you don't want.

Goodluck and happy job hunting!