Thursday, October 07, 2010

Should I use a Staffing or Recruitment Agency in my Job Search

by Beverly Morrison, SPHR   Edited Thursday, December 02, 2010

Q: Should I use a Staffing or Recruitment Agency in my Job search?

A: As any job seeker knows, looking for a job can be very time consuming and confusing. Where to look, whom to speak with, to which ad sdo I respond? One solution to this dilemma is to consider the use of a Staffing or Recruitment agency. Utilizing these resources should be seen as an additional tool in your job search toolbox. Typically, these agencies will have the following advantages for the job seeker:

  • Recruiters know what is happening in the marketplace. Such as: projects that are coming up, who the decision makers are, and jobs that aren’t publicly posted.
  • Recruiters have assessment tools readily available that can market your skill set in a more quantitative light.
  • The agency could open a new direction that you have not considered and encourage you to try other positions.
  • One of the biggest advantages to both candidates and employers in using an agency is time. By using an agency or recruiter, you would have people actively working for you to help you find a job.

It is important that you find a recruiter that you can trust to represent you well. You need to feel comfortable with them and view them as a consultant and advocate for you. A word of caution regarding registering with several different agencies, some agencies or recruiters desire to be exclusive in their representation of a candidate. Therefore, if it is learned you have registered with multiple agencies, there is the possibility you may not be as heavily marketed. However, the decision to register with one or multiple agencies is up to you. You will want to stay in contact with the agency you choose and provide good contact information. It is a fast moving industry and interviews can be scheduled at a moment’s notice. There are many positives to using a recruitment agency when searching for that dream job. Whether promoting a temporary or permanent position; recruiters can be great additions to your job search.