Emploment Agencies
The staffing industry in general can create some confusion and misunderstanding amongst job seekers. Regardless if what many people say or think of the staffing industry, the right recruitment firm can make a difference in your job search. If you do some research and ask the right questions, you'll find that utilizing a recruitment firm can be beneficial.
First, reputable staffing firms always pre-screen candidates for their agency and typically this is done over the phone. Recruiters need to verify that your skills and background is a match for their clients. They probably will delve into your professional experience; ask why you left positions, what your motivation is to seek a new opportunity and also what you are looking for in a salary. If you speak to a recruiter and they learn very little about your background and are eager to invite you in for an interview, you must be cautious. This could be a tactic used by the agency just to increase their candidate pool and meet their quotas.
Second, a good staffing firm will coach you on interviewing and will critique your resume when they see a need for improvements. Competent and successful recruiters realize that to make successful placements, candidates need to be prepared. Recruiters at reputable firms will provide adequate information regarding the company and position before a candidate goes on the interview and will give feedback regarding the interview in a timely manner. Also, reputable staffing firms offer their candidates an array of benefits such as computer training, health benefits, vacation pay and tuition assistance. When searching for a firm, ask the recruiter if some of these benefits are being offered.
Third, a good recruiting firm will be honest with their candidates. If they cannot assist you with your job search they need to convey that to you right away. It is always better to learn upfront that they cannot help then to bring you in and waste everyone's time. Also, if there is any testing, the candidate needs to know what areas their strengths and weaknesses lie in. And of course, candidates need to know if their references were positive or negative. This is essential since it could hinder them from receiving any offers of employment.
Lastly, good recruitment firms provide their recruiters and staff with ongoing training in the industry. This would entail not only enhancing sales techniques but improving interviewing skills, sourcing skills and updating and informing recruiters on employment laws and practices. Typically, the best recruiting firms invest a lot of time and money by having their staff regularly trained.
