When I start working with new clients in my career coaching business, one of the first questions I ask them is, “have you connected with any staffing agencies?”. Usually, I’m met with a confused face and a skeptical, “no…?”.
I get it! Staffing agencies don’t always get the best rap, but if you’re a job seeker, they should be your best friend. Here’s why:
Industry Knowledge: Staffing agency recruiters often specialize in specific industries or fields. This means they have a deep understanding of the job market, the skills and qualifications required, and the specific needs of their clients (employers). This knowledge can be invaluable for jobseekers as it ensures they are matched with positions that are a good fit for their skills and career goals.
Access to Hidden Job Opportunities: Many job openings are not advertised publicly. Employers often rely on staffing agencies to find qualified candidates for these "hidden" positions. By working with a staffing agency, jobseekers gain access to job opportunities that they might not find on their own.
Networking and Industry Connections: Recruiters have extensive networks within their respective industries. They can connect jobseekers with potential employers and decision-makers. This networking can help jobseekers not only find job opportunities but also gain insights into the company culture and the expectations of employers.
Resume and Interview Guidance: Recruiters can provide valuable guidance on crafting a strong resume and preparing for interviews. They know what employers are looking for and can help jobseekers tailor their applications to make a better impression. At the agency I worked for, we actually hand-edited every single one of our candidates’ resumes!
Time and Effort: Job hunting can be time-consuming and frustrating. Staffing agencies can streamline the process by matching jobseekers with relevant opportunities, handling the application and interview scheduling, and providing feedback, all of which saves the jobseeker time and effort. They’re also not afraid to hound the hiring team for feedback :) so your process will likely move faster!
Negotiation Assistance: Recruiters can often negotiate on behalf of jobseekers to secure competitive compensation packages, benefits, and other terms of employment. As mentioned in my other post, “Behind the Curtain: How Staffing Agency Recruiters Are Motivated”, recruiters are financially motivated to help you get the highest salary possible and have you accept the role! As experienced negotiators, they know how to get you what you deserve.
Career Advice: Staffing agency recruiters can offer advice on career development, skill enhancement, and market trends. They may be able to provide guidance on the skills or certifications that are in high demand in a particular field. If you ask for advice, they’ll probably be willing to give it to you! Recruiters are expected to conduct a certain number of calls and/or spend a certain amount of minutes on the phone per day, so you might even be doing them a favor by asking for advice.
Support and Feedback: Jobseekers can receive feedback from recruiters throughout the job search process. Whether it's about the interview performance or the quality of applications, this feedback can help jobseekers improve their approach. They’re motivated to get you hired, so they’ll be more blunt about feedback than companies would be directly.
No Cost to Jobseekers: As explained in my other post, in most cases, staffing agencies are paid by the employers who hire their candidates (some executive/niche firms work differently - watch out for this).
Are you convinced yet? I hope so! If you need help finding the right agencies or figuring out how to best reach out or partner with them, feel free to book time with me.
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