During my job hunt, like many people, I sometimes felt discouraged, and looked to any avenue available to help me. I had never used an employment agency before this year. With so many out of work, employment agencies are very busy with new clients. Here are a few things to know about how they work and whether they might be helpful to you.
Not all employment agencies are equal. Each one tends to have a different specialty or area of focus as far as what kinds of jobs they staff. Almost all, however, staff financial positions like accountants, payroll or book-keeping, and general positions like receptionists, administrative assistants etc. After that, many have specialties such as IT, finance, trade or technical positions, or creative jobs. Some agencies will not even get back to you if you apply online, or email your resume. They are not reputable or worth the time. All the staffing companies expect a basic level of skill, such as a high school diploma or college degree, and computer skills.
The most reputable agencies will at least make an appointment with you, to get some basic information, a resume, and try to see what you are looking for. I learned, don’t bother applying online to the positions listed on most staffing agency sites as “open positions.” Most positions are not even advertised before they are filled.
After you visit an agency, unless your resume is just the most impressive they have ever seen, there is a time period of about 3-5 days, during which they are actually trying to locate a position for you. After that, they are no longer a help, they are so inundated with clients every day.
Tips:
Don’t consider an employment agency if you are looking for direct hire, or temp to hire, in other words, if you want to be hired permanently after a few months of good performance. Most are only offering temp positions of various lengths, and labeling them “temp to hire” even though the company isn’t considering that. Technically, they can say it because you can’t prove the company may not hire you permanently.
Don’t expect much information about the positions you are sent to for interviews. They won’t tell you the company, location or much about the actual position, until you agree to attend the interview. Then, you will still not get many more details until very close to the interview. I went to an interview for a medical filing position that sounded very different from the actual position, as described by the hiring manager. Also, I was told it was temp to hire, but found out the position was only for 2 weeks to one month.
Basically, temp agencies are a gamble. If you are willing to take temp positions, and are looking for something basic like a receptionist or administrative position, or have financial skills, you may find something. You will need resumes, references, a drivers’ license, social security card and ability to complete computer tests. If you do take temp positions, the temp agency pays you, and provides benefits etc. Most do not offer direct deposit.
Be wary, and be ready for disappointment. I once visited a seemingly reputable agency, where an acquaintance had found a receptionist position, (which they hated.) I even told the recruiter I had been recommended. During the interview, they acted like they were going to help me, and even asked for an altered copy of my resume. However, I never heard back from them, or received answers to my emails.
