How Staffing Agencies Work

Having trouble finding a job that fits your experience and education? Guest blogger Jackie García writes about why you should consider boosting your efforts by using a headhunter.

The search for your next job doesn’t have to happen alone. Staffing agencies have teams of recruiters and account executives who share the same goal: finding you a job that’s the best fit for your career and the employers that hire them.

According to the American Staffing Association, around 3.2 million temporary and contract workers were employed by U.S. staffing companies per week in 2014, up 5.4% from 2013. Additionally, more and more companies are using one or more agencies to fill open positions that are never posted externally / publicly. Partnering with a staffing agency on your next job search can open up doors you may not have realized were there in the first place.

How to Find a Headhunter

With so many choices, making the first move toward finding a recruitment agency can be just as stressful as finding a job itself. How do you know which one is right for you? The answer really lies in what you are looking for. Before moving forward, start your list with agencies specific to your industry. There is a staffing agency for every field from creative to financial to technical. Creative Circle, for example, specializes in placing advertising, marketing, creative, and interactive professionals. This helps the agency focus its connections with hiring managers in that field.

Another testament to an agency’s connections is how long they have been in business. One that is more established will have accumulated loyal clients along the way. Established agencies have spent years developing relationships. Alternatively, a relatively young agency may have fewer candidates you are competing with for the same position. Either way, determine which factor is most important to you to get the most out of the agency you decide to work with.

The last factor to look at is the industry experience of the agency’s recruiters. Your recruiter will be your partner on the journey to a new job, so look for an agency staffed with professionals who have industry-specific experience. Experts in the field will be able to provide relevant feedback on your resume and portfolio. In addition, they know the technical terms around your work and will have no problem relaying to clients. A recruiter’s relationship to their client can help sell you as a candidate in a way that reflects you in the best light.

Applying Through a Staffing Agency

You’ll find that applying to be represented by a staffing agency starts much like applying to work directly for any company: with a resume. Because this is the first impression you get to make on a recruiter, include all relevant experience and skills. Be honest with your proficiency in each area of your work – your recruiter can’t help you they don’t have an accurate representation of who you are.

While the exact registration process varies, most agencies will ask that you sign up online and upload a resume and work samples or portfolio, if applicable. You may also be able to respond directly to the job posting. Once you are in the agency’s system, a recruiter will review your documents and may get in touch to schedule an interview if you are a good fit. The interview helps the recruiter gain a better understanding of your career goals and objectives. You will also get a chance to receive feedback on areas of improvement so that you can better your chances of getting placed.

Keep in mind that your first interview may not be for one specific job. Recruiters work on dozens of jobs at one time and after the interview, they may find that you are a better fit for another position. Interviewing with an agency is the first step to unlocking the connections that an agency’s experience and client relationships can bring you.

Benefits of Using an Employment Agency

The best part of applying with a staffing agency is being represented by a team who presents you to clients. After the interview, you can expect that your recruiter will share your resume, portfolio, and details of the interview with the rest of the team. Once a job order from a client comes in, they will begin to make calls to viable candidates to talk about the job specifics and determine availability and interest. The candidates who fall into these categories are submitted.

Since companies often work with more than one staffing agency, it is likely they are receiving several submissions to one job since each agency will present their top candidates for the position. If the client would like to learn more about you, your recruiter would set up an interview, communicate the expectations and make sure you are prepped to meet the client. At this point, your pay and other terms of employment would be negotiated on your behalf. Because this happens directly with the client, it is important to be upfront with your needs and expectations during your initial interview.

If the client thinks you are the perfect fit for them, you can expect competitive rates and the opportunity to enroll in benefits. Since most staffing agencies provide this service at no cost to the candidates, it is a smart way to expand the reach of your search while ensuring you have the help of industry experts along the way.

Preparing for the Job Search

Working with a staffing agency gives you one more resource in your job search toolbox. You’ll benefit from a recruiter’s experience and connections, and the client/employer benefits by getting vetted, qualified candidates. Good luck!

Need more resources in your hunt for a new job? Check out the CSU Global Career Center. Whether you want to move up in your current field or break into a new industry entirely, we’re here to help both alumni and current students.