Working with Altima: A Candidate Guide for 2026
Altima is a UK-based staffing agency specializing in the business services sector. They connect professionals with temporary and permanent roles across corporate functions. The most important thing to know is that Altima acts as a bridge to hiring managers, so your profile must be tailored to highlight specific business service competencies.
Who pays Altima
Paid by the employer, not by you.
Altima earns a fee from the company that hires you, usually a share of your first-year salary or a margin on your contract rate. Their client is that company.
What that means for you
Expect roles that fit their open vacancies before roles that fit your plan. Ask which company a role is for before your CV goes anywhere, and apply direct where you can.
1
Sectors we track
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Markets we track
Source: JobMentis Agency Directory, 29,247 agencies across 102 markets, 2026.
Their side
Sectors
Operates in
What sectors and roles does Altima focus on?
Altima concentrates on the business services sector, which encompasses a wide range of corporate support and operational roles. They typically place candidates in positions such as office management, administrative support, project coordination, and specialized business operations. Their focus is on matching professional skill sets with the specific operational needs of UK-based firms.
Where you meet
How does the staffing process work for a candidate?
The process begins with a review of your CV against current business services vacancies. If your profile aligns with a client requirement, a consultant will reach out for an initial screening call to discuss your experience and career goals. Following this, Altima will present your profile to the hiring manager and manage the interview scheduling and feedback loop on your behalf.
What should I expect once I engage with Altima?
Expect a professional, transactional relationship where communication is primarily driven by active job openings. Altima consultants will contact you when a role matches your background, but they may not provide constant updates if no suitable positions are currently available. The agency is paid by the hiring company, meaning there is no cost to you for their representation services.
Your side
How can I get on Altima's radar?
To stand out, ensure your CV explicitly lists keywords related to business services, such as process improvement, stakeholder management, or specific software proficiency. Register directly through their portal and follow up with a brief, professional email highlighting your availability and core strengths. Keep your profile updated with your most recent projects to ensure you appear in their internal talent searches.
Is Altima the right fit for my job search?
Altima is an excellent partner if you are looking for roles within the business services sector and value a streamlined, agency-led approach to job hunting. However, if you are seeking highly niche technical roles or executive-level positions outside of general business operations, you may find more success with specialized headhunting firms. Assess whether your current experience aligns with the operational and administrative focus of their client base.
How to work with Altima: candidate playbook
- Tailor your CV to emphasize business services keywords.
- Register directly on the Altima website portal.
- Keep your contact information and availability current.
- Track every role Altima submits your profile for.
- Follow up once per week on active applications.
Frequently asked questions
Should I register with multiple agencies at the same time?
Yes, it is standard practice in the UK market to register with several agencies that specialize in your sector. This broadens your exposure to the hidden job market, provided you keep track of which agency has submitted your CV to which employer to avoid duplication.
What happens to my data after I submit my CV?
Your data is stored in Altima's secure candidate database in compliance with UK data protection regulations. They use this information to match you against future roles, and they are required to obtain your explicit permission before submitting your details to any specific hiring client.
Should I apply for a role directly if I see it advertised elsewhere?
If you are already represented by Altima for that specific role, do not apply directly, as this can cause administrative confusion and potentially disqualify your application. If you have not yet spoken to Altima about that specific vacancy, it is usually better to let them handle the submission to ensure you have an advocate.
How should I follow up if I do not hear back?
Send a concise email one week after your initial submission to reiterate your interest and confirm your availability. If you do not receive a response, it is likely that your profile does not match their current active requirements, and you should continue your search through other channels.
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General guidance for candidates. JobMentis is not affiliated with the agencies listed.