Staffing Agencies & Recruiters: 5 Things to Consider When Choosing One

An employment agency can be a good source of employment opportunities if you find the right one to work for. Here are five questions to ask before deciding which one is right for you.

one. Does the staffing company specialize in a niche that employs your skills?

Well-run employment agencies will not want to waste your or their time. If they can’t help you, they should say so. Finding a company that successfully places people with your type of skills will be key to success. Asking what types of positions they hold or the types of openings they have will give you an idea of ​​whether it’s worth applying.

2. Does the employment agency have a reputation for placing quality talent? (Hint: You can tell from their selection process.)

Some temporary services ‘hire’ almost anyone who walks through the door. If it’s simply registering for the job, it’s a safe bet that the employment agency doesn’t have a reputation for quality work. You will suffer from association with such a company. It may seem like a lot of hassle to go through a rigorous selection process, but in the long run it’s in your best interest to partner with a reputable company.

3. How is the firm’s external talent treated?

When you make first contact, are you treated with courtesy and respect? Does someone take the time to have a real conversation with you? Or do you stay on hold for long periods of time with no one checking on you? The best company to work for is one that recognizes your potential value to them and treats you accordingly.

Four. Is communication honest and timely?

Work with a recruiter who communicates fully. That communication includes explaining your process and how you can facilitate your own success through it. It also includes timely feedback (in both directions) and phone calls that are returned within one business day.

5. Does the recruiter require an exclusive relationship?

Contract or temporary placement professionals will generally not expect an exclusive placement relationship with you. They are working with a talent pool that is actively seeking work.

On the other hand, it’s not unusual for an executive headhunter to require an exclusive relationship. He will want to know where he has already applied for him and will want assurances that he is not working with another recruiter. This may seem unreasonable until you realize that she tends to work with passive (working) candidates. The recruiter spends a lot of time and money vetting you for a particular opening, and all that effort is wasted if her application is already in the hands of her client. That being said, a smart recruiter will not look down on an active candidate with the right qualifications. The bottom line is: know what you’re getting into.

Knowing which staffing company or recruiter you want to work with and being a desirable candidate are two very different things. Staffing companies exist to find people for jobs, not jobs for people. For everyone to win, the agency must need you as much as you need them. The next article in this series focuses on 5 ways to attract a staffing company.