How to Get a Job Through a Staffing Agency has been explained in this article; just read to the end to discover all you need to know.
Some job seekers do not want to hire an employment agency because they believe these agencies only offer temporary jobs for beginners. Others believe that agencies never offer benefits to workers. None of this is true.
A job seeker can use a staffing agency (also known as a placement agency or recruitment firm) to find a variety of jobs, including permanent jobs, in several industries. Employment agencies hire everyone from entry-level workers to CEOs. Find out what a recruitment agency is, and how to use it to find the right job for you.
Also Check: What is a Contingent Worker?
How does Staffing Agency Work?
At an employment agency, companies pay the agency to find employees for them. Job seekers can apply for specific jobs through the employment agency, or they can simply contact the employment agency that is looking for a job. The agency interviews job seekers and places them in suitable jobs. Usually, the agency then pays the selected candidate to work for the client company.
If the company decides to permanently hire the job seeker, the employment agency will not pay the job seeker. Instead, the company will pay the employee’s wages.
Benefits of a Staffing Agency
There are many benefits to using a recruitment agency to find a job. Some of the benefits include:
It’s free
Since the company (not the job seeker) is the customer, you don’t have to pay to get jobs at an agency.
They search for work on your behalf
When you sign up to work with an employment agency, they ask you about your skills and experiences and tell you if they have a job that might be a good fit for you. You can also search for jobs on their internal job site. Often, they know which vacancies are not available on other job sites. It is a great way to get help in finding job opportunities.
There is a variety
You can find employment agencies that specialize in almost any industry. You can also find different types of jobs within almost any employment agency. Jobs range from short term positions (less than two weeks) to permanent positions.
There are often benefits
Some employment agencies offer benefits after employees have worked for a certain number of days or hours. These benefits may include health insurance, a retirement plan, or even tuition payment (or all three).
Also check: How to start an HR Consulting Business
They give you notes
Most recruitment agencies provide you with feedback during the job application process. They may give you advice on how to review your resume or advise how to successfully conduct an interview. This kind of free feedback is invaluable.
Types of jobs available
Some people think that recruitment agencies only take secretarial and temporary administrative positions, but this is not the case. You can find a job in almost every industry through the Employment Agency.
Some recruitment agencies (including Kelly Services and Adecco) work with all types of companies, while others specialize in specific industries. Medical solutions, for example, focus on healthcare jobs. TEKsystems employs companies working in the IT field.
Agencies also offer jobs that last for varying lengths of time. These include:
Temporary jobs
Firms often seek temporary hires for assistance during an employee’s absence or vacation, or during a busy work period. Sometimes they hire temporary workers to complete a specific project. The duration of these temporary jobs ranges from two weeks to several months.
Temp-to-Hire Jobs
Also known as temp-to-perm jobs, these jobs start as temporary jobs so the company can get to know the employee on a trial basis. Then, if the company is satisfied with the employee’s work, they will likely hire him directly. While the recruitment agency will usually pay the worker during the interim phase, the company will then undertake to pay the employee’s salaries when he becomes a full-time employee.
Read Also: Facebook Nigeria Recruitment for Agency Partner
Permanent jobs
Some recruitment agencies hire candidates for permanent positions in companies. In these situations, the agency works more like a traditional recruiter, finding and interviewing candidates and selecting them for the company. In this case, the company pays an agency fee. If the company hires an employee, they pay for the employee.
Many agencies offer a variety of these three types of jobs, although some are specialists. For example, Frontline Source Group focuses on hiring temporary workers.
How to Get a Job Through a Staffing Agency
When you search for a recruitment agency to work with, make sure you know the types of industries the agency does business with, and whether they offer temporary, temporary, or permanent jobs – or all of them.
Check out the American Employment Association’s online directory to find reputable recruiters. You can search for companies in your area. You can also search by employment options (temporary, long-term, etc.) and by industry.
When you interview with a recruitment agency, do not hesitate to ask questions. Ask what benefits (if any) they offer, the types of jobs they typically hold, the industries they work in, and the average time it takes for a job seeker to get a job. The recruiter you work with is here to help, so don’t be afraid to gather all the information you need.
Check if the agency has any services or not, such as workshops to help you develop skills or advisors who will assist you with your CV and cover letter. If these are available, take advantage of them.
Also, keep in mind that you should never pay a job agency to help you find a job. Reputable recruitment agencies are paid by the companies, not by the job seekers.
Tips for getting a job through a staffing agency
Below are tips you can use to get a job through a staffing agency
Treat it like a real interview
The recruitment agency will likely interview you to get a better idea of your skills and experiences. Treat this interview just as you would a company interview. Dress appropriately and get on-time – early if possible. Listen carefully and use positive body language to express your interest. Introduce yourself with a firm handshake. Bring your CV and be prepared to answer common interview questions. You may also be required to complete a skills assessment to test your challenging skills, so be prepared for that as well.
Be honest
Be upfront about your goals, whether it’s getting a permanent job, maintaining flexibility, or developing some of the skills that make you an attractive candidate for your next full-time job. Also, be honest about your presence. If you are only available on weekdays, for example, tell the recruiter at the employment agency. Finally, be honest about your employment history. If you have a hiring gap, for example, tell the recruiter. He or she can help you figure out how to explain this to the employer.
Keep an open mind
Even if you want a full-time job, consider opening up to temporary jobs or contract work. These can help you develop skills that may come in handy when applying to your next full-time job. If you impress the employer, he may try to find you a full-time job at the company.
Read Also: Facebook Nigeria Recruitment for Agency Partner
Follow up
Send an e-mail or handwritten letter to thank the interviewers at the employment agency for their time and to enhance your interest in finding a job.
Be persistent and patient
If you have applied for a job through a recruitment agency and do not hear any response, follow up within a week. You might not be a good fit for this particular job, but a recruiter may be able to find something else that fits your skillset. Check out any recruitment company you called once a week to remind them of your interest and show your enthusiasm.
Use other resources
You don’t have to put all of your eggs in one basket. While you wait to receive a response from the agency, keep looking for a job on your own. Check job boards, job search engines, and connect with people in your industry. However, be open with your recruiter – tell him or her if she applies to many jobs on your own and if you work with a second employment agency. This way your recruiter will not offer you a job you have already applied for (in some cases, the employer will remove your application if they see it twice).
When you get a job, get ready
When you receive an assignment, the agency will provide you with information about who to report, dress code, hours, wages, and a description of the duties and duration of the job. You may also need a second interview with the company. If you do not receive all of this information, ask the agency to provide all of this information.
You can say no
If you feel the job is inappropriate – maybe your hours aren’t working for you, or the pay is much less than you need – be honest with the recruiter. Explain to him or her why you do not want the position. It will help the recruiter to find a job that suits you better in the future.
