Partnering with a Staffing Firm to Find Your Next Job?

If you’re looking to find that next great job, you probably know it’s a lot of work, and there’s a lot of competition.  

To prove the point, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics it takes submitting 100–200 job applications to get one joboffer, with the average amount of time needed to land a job being 24 weeks.  

The good news is, as a job seeker, you don’t have to go it alone in your quest for new career opportunities. Partnering with a professional staffing agency (also known as a recruiter or search firmcan offer a wide variety of job opportunities not found in online job listings. Staffing agencies represent everyone from entry-level and temporary workers to executives and CEOs.  

Understanding how staffing agencies work can help you in your job search – and the right agency can work wonders. Here’s how: 

They Know Their Stuff 

Staffing agencies generally have a higher level of expertise related to job knowledge, employment trends and recruitment practices by virtue of continuous placement of employees. Well-connected recruiters often have deep industry contacts and knowledge of unadvertised job openings. 

They Do the Searching  

At most search firms, you’ll begin by submitting your resume and cover letter. Once the agency reviews and accepts these documents, you’ll be asked to take part in an interview with one of their recruitment experts so they can learn more about you.  Theyll then be able to represent you with more than your resume – they’ll have a full picture of your hard and soft skills, professional strengths, short-term employment objectives and long-term career goals.  

They Provide Feedback 

A good recruiter should offer feedback throughout the job application process. They can give you tips on how to revise your resumeprovide advice on how to successfully interview, and share post-interview comments. This kind of information is invaluable.  

Temporary or Fulltime? 

When meeting with the agency, clarify whether you want short-term, long-term, or temporary-to-permanent employment: 

  • Temporary  

Companies often look for temporary hires to help during an employee’s absence, or during a busy work period. Sometimes they hire temporary workers to complete a particular project. These temporary jobs range in length from a couple of weeks to many months. 

  • Temp-to-Hire  

These positions begin as temporary jobs so that the company can get to know the employee on a trial basis. Then, if the company is happy with the employee’s work, theyll likely hire them directly. When this happens, the company will then take over paying the employee when he or she becomes a full-time hire.  

  • Permanent 

Most staffing agencies represent candidates for permanent, long-term positions at companies. Unless otherwise specified, permanent positions – or “full-time” – typically means 40 hours per week, with company benefits such as healthcare, paid time off, paid holidays, etc.  

A Closing Thought 

By working with a staffing agency, you have the potential to make connections with multiple hiring managers and organizations – helping to locate opportunities you may not be able to find on your own.  But keep in mind that not every staffing agency is the same. Make sure it’s equipped to help further your professional goals. Doing your homework before you start your search will pay off in the end.  

Lanmark Staffing provides over 40 years of combined human resources, recruiting, temporary placement, sales and management, and temp-to-hire services. Visit our website and learn how our team of experienced professionals can help find the right job and prepare you for success.  

 

|

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *