Choosing the Right Staffing Agency as a Job Seeker

Working with a staffing agency is often a great way to find a job, especially during difficult economic conditions. However, not every staffing agency will meet your needs, even if you are open to most work opportunities.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you search for work:

Look for a staffing agency that focuses on the industries or job types you are most interested in

Not every staffing agency will expose you to the kinds of jobs you are looking for, especially if you are looking to work in a specific role or industry.

Many staffing agencies specialize in certain job types, such as warehouse and shipping roles or creative professions. Larger, more generalized staffing agencies may also offer these roles, but that isn’t always the case.

Before applying to a staffing agency, find out what kinds of positions they typically have open. You may be able to look on a job board or contact a recruiter for more information.

If a staffing agency does not offer anything that meets your needs, you can usually find another staffing agency that does.

Ask About the Staffing Agency’s Job Placement Statistics

Some staffing agencies seek to recruit far more job candidates than they actually have positions for. Others may not do a good job of matching workers to employers who are looking for their skills.

If you are a highly qualified, experienced worker with decent interviewing skills, you may not need to worry about receiving placements. However, inexperienced or less qualified candidates may find that they aren’t offered opportunities.

Ask recruiters about their job placement statistics, including whether they think candidates like you have a good chance of placement. If you have had trouble getting work on your own and are looking for a more skilled role, you may also want to consider whether the staffing agency offers job or interview training that can help you improve your chances.