Hear ye, hear ye! If you work with a staffing agency to help you find a job, they will not take your money. I repeat: they will not take your money or shrink your salary. In other words, you personally pay nothing. In exchange for all that hiring expertise and a list of contacts that could possibly change the trajectory of your career. For the better. Here’s how a staffing agency works.
Know the industry
Staffing agencies and recruiters usually specialize in a few industries or fields, which means they understand what it takes to get hired at relevant companies. They can help you figure out what you should (and shouldn’t) put on your resume and which certifications and licensures are best for you to pursue.
Offer their expertise
Not only do they know the industry that you’re interested in, but they know the ins and outs of getting hired. Meaning that they can help you negotiate a salary and benefits and an employment contract. After all, they only get paid once you get paid, typically 25% to 100% of your wages. They each have different fee structures and methods and benchmarks for getting hired, but those are all paid by the employer, not the jobseeker.
Share their contacts
Recruiters make it their business to know everyone in the industries they specialize in. Which means that if there’s a job opening in your field or at a desirable company, they’ll know about it. When a hiring manager for your dream job won’t give you the time of day, you can bet they’ll pay attention to your recruiter or representative from a staffing agency. In fact, some hiring managers will only consider job applicants if they’re accompanied by the blessing of recruiter. If a recruiter is willing to vouch for you and your potential as an employee, go with it.
Move quickly
Companies don’t like positions to be vacant for long, which is perfect because jobseekers don’t like to be unemployed for long. Because staffing agencies often know about job openings before they’re even posted, they can help you get a foot in the door early. Their sole focus is getting people hired, and while you’re busy at your current job, they’re working hard to match you with the perfect fit. That way, you don’t have to skip a beat when it comes to receiving a paycheck.
Unique job structures
Sometimes you need a job, but the company of your dreams isn’t quite ready to hire you yet. Maybe they think you need a bit more experience or maybe they just don’t have a position that’s a great fit for you. In those cases, a recruiter can help you structure a temporary or a temp-to-hire position, meaning that you get a foot in the door, and you could prove yourself while you gain valuable skills and experience. Even if the company doesn’t end up hiring you in the end, you’ll have some great new bullet points for your resume. Plus a paycheck in the meantime.
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Blog written by: Erin Greenhalgh