Looking for a job can be a daunting experience. Whether you want help securing long-term employment or are hoping to find a temporary job for the next few months, combing through job listings, making phone calls, sending emails, and networking with former colleagues can be exhausting and discouraging.
Which is why working with an employment agency can be such a time saver and confidence booster. Now, you have someone on your side, helping to promote your talent and skills directly to companies and hiring managers who need your talent and skills.
But with so many agencies out there, how do you find the one that will suit your needs the best?
Here are 7 quick things to consider when choosing an employment agency:
1. Do they specialize in the types of jobs I want?
Some employment agencies focus primarily on jobs in certain fields, like medical, warehouse/manufacturing, or construction. Others will be more generalized and have jobs in many different areas, but may not have anything that suits your background. Take a look at their job listings as well as their website to see if they will be a good fit for you.
2. What geographic region do they cover?
Many large, national employment agencies cover vast regions in their searches which may sound great: Maybe they’ll be able to provide you with lots of opportunities! But it may also mean you may get job offers with a 90+ minute commute, or you will hear about jobs that require relocation even if that is not part of your plan. If you want to work close to home, find a local agency and/or make sure the recruiter really understands all of the parameters of your job search, especially your commuting requirements.
3. Will the staffing specialist meet with me directly? Are they a senior person at the agency, with the ability to recommend me for prime jobs?
If you’ve been submitting your resume online to various job boards or websites for a long time, meeting face to face with a staffing specialist at the employment agency will give you the chance to sell yourself beyond your resume. But if that person has no real authority at the company, will a face-to-face meeting really help? Try to meet with decision makers.
Related: 6 Tips to Prepare for Your Next (or First!) Virtual Interview
4. How long have they been in business? What is their staff turnover rate?
New employment agencies are always starting up, and that is a good thing because it means the industry is growing. However, if the staff turns over quickly or if leadership seems lacking, that may be a red flag.
5. Testimonials
What do other candidates say about them? Ask to see some testimonials or check out online reviews to learn more about their success rate and satisfaction among past candidates. An occasional negative review is to be expected but if you see a pattern of potentially troubling issues, proceed carefully.
Related: South Shore Staffing Candidate Testimonials
6. What are your first impressions of the staff?
Either on the phone, during a virtual interview, or at an in-person meeting, how do you feel about the staff? Are they enthusiastic and eager to work with you? Proud of their work and confident that they can help you? You will be trusting this company to represent you to potential employers. Make sure they are the people you want on your side.
7. Is there a fee for their services?
An executive recruiter will typically charge candidates for their services, but an employment agency’s payment comes from the companies who hire them to find awesome candidates like you to come work for them! But confirm this is the case before you agree to work with an employment agency.
While a thorough job search will always involve a certain level of hustle from you, an employment agency can act as your human cover letter with direct access to actual hiring managers with real job opportunities. Just make sure you do your homework and choose the right employment agency for you.
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If you are looking for accounting, engineering, or administrative employment south of Boston, South Shore Staffing could be the right employment agency for you! Contact us for more information.