UPDATED 2/9/21
If you’re looking for temporary employment or permanent placement, you may be under the impression that submitting applications through online resume sites or sifting through help wanted ads are your only options. But in reality, there’s often a more tailor-made solution. Working with an employment agency can help both you and potential employers make coveted connections. But if you aren’t quite sure how these staffing companies work (or exactly why you should be working with one), we’ve compiled a beginners guide below.
What is an employment agency and how does it work?
Employment agencies are meant to help both job-seekers and employers who are searching for qualified candidates to fill open positions. A given job placement agency may focus on temp jobs, permanent placement, or both. They essentially help connect candidates with employers by having a roster of job-seekers with a variety of skills at their disposal. They can then match these qualified candidates with companies who are looking for someone with the skills they possess.
What are the benefits of working with a job placement agency?
For would-be employees, there are several advantages of working with recruiting agencies. One is that the employment agency will often have access to openings that you might not otherwise find on your own. Many companies will choose to work with an agency rather than posting their listing on a website like Indeed or Monster. That way, they can focus their efforts on finding truly viable candidates, rather than wasting their time on those who apply without having the proper qualifications. The benefit for you, the job-seeker, in these circumstances is that you’ll be considered for more exclusive listings.
Another advantage is that you’ll have someone working on your behalf. When you’re looking for jobs on your own, the process can seem incredibly daunting; you may not even be sure that you’re going about things in the correct way! But your staffing agency will be on the lookout for openings that fit your specific offerings. They can set up interviews for you and advise you on what to highlight while meeting with an employer. Having that extra help can be priceless, especially if you’re in a time crunch.
Do I have to pay to work with a staffing company?
No, job-seekers don’t have to pay for these services. It’s the business that pays. Staffing agencies may operate differently (some work on a contingency basis, meaning they aren’t paid until they fill a position, while others are paid no matter what), but the bottom line is that candidates don’t pay. That means you get all the access without the drawbacks.
What should I keep in mind if I want to work with a recruiting agency?
For starters, you should be honest and open with your recruiter. If you decide to work with multiple agencies (which you can technically do), be sure to let everyone know from the beginning. You should make sure your resume is looking its best — and err on the side of formality — before you submit it to a recruiter — but don’t be surprised if they ask you to make some edits. Recruiting agencies essentially make resumes their business and understand that they need to be tailored for certain positions. Be open to their suggestions and realize that they probably have access to more information about a given employer than you do. They’re here to help you and the businesses they work with, so approach any suggestions they make through that lens.
While it’s not possible or appropriate to work with a recruiting agency for every kind of job or industry, these companies can be an extremely valuable tool for job-seekers. To find out more about how recruiters may be able to help you in your search for employment, contact a reputable employment agency in your area.
The job market can be really tough to navigate. There are so many job listing sites out there with many of them pulling from the same pool of job openings. If you are hunting for a job you may want to try another option in addition to the job listing sites, you may want to try a staffing agency. Staffing agencies don’t just hire only temporary staff, many staffing companies offer employment services for permanent placement. These staffing agencies can provide digital recruitment solutions to companies big and small. There are local staffing agencies and some staffing agencies market themselves as a digital staffing agency. Even if they don’t have an office nearby they can still help you find employment in your area. Many of these staffing agencies focus on direct to hire staffing so you do not have to worry about finding new work in three to six months when the temporary contract would be up. These agencies can be a real resource for unemployed people who are burned out on the traditional job search tactics. Just search for direct hiring near me to find a staffing agency that can help.
Starting Your Own Employment Agency
If you are trying to start an excellent recruitment agency or executive hiring agency that will take care of all staffing needs, then you need to properly set out what your niche will be and assess your competitors. Nowadays, to become a leading agency that provides employment office jobs, you need to invest in advanced technological tools to save you a lot of time and money. Most employment services careers have disadvantages that are cost-related. You can find ways to improve the conventional business model that most agencies use. Other challenges associated with being an executive hiring agency are that recruiters are not familiar with the company’s perception of what makes an exceptional candidate, so it is always advisable to do extensive research on the companies that you want to partner with so that you will be able to deliver the best senior candidate that embodies their vision.
