What Are the Benefits of Working With a Staffing Agency?
It's no secret that finding a new job can be stressful and challenging, especially if the job market is highly competitive. It's also difficult to get an accurate depiction of what it's like working at a specific company if you don't already know someone working there. Working with a staffing agency to aid you with your job search can make the process easier. Here are just a few of the benefits of working with a staffing agency:
1. Access to unadvertised jobs
Staffing agency consultants are always networking and come in contact with many different companies. As a result, they often become privy to information that hasn't been made public. For example, if someone submits a resignation notice, HR or the hiring manager at that company might share this information with a staffing agency consultant before publicly advertising the position. Consultants are very often able to fill these vacancies before the company even gets around to posting the job on the internet. By working with a staffing agency, you'll gain access to these unpublicized jobs.
2. Professional representation
Our consultants have established long-lasting relationships and have earned the trust of hiring managers across our industries. When you are presented to a hiring manager, a consultant will sell your qualifications and make the case why you are the right candidate for the job. When you are recommended by one of our consultants, your resume will likely get placed on the top of the pile. Jobseekers that go it alone often get lost in the flood of applications.
3. Resume and interview preparation
When it comes to resumes, many jobseekers take a blanket approach and submit the same version of a resume to a variety of jobs. Our consultants review hundreds of these resumes every week and know when a resume will need to be tailored for specific jobs. By working with a staffing agency, you'll get feedback on the areas to highlight or emphasize to make you really stand out to employers.
If you've been submitted for a job and the employer expresses interest, a staffing agency consultant will help prepare you for your interview. You'll get coached on what parts of your experience you should focus on that are relevant for the position. They'll often know who your competition is and will be able to prepare you so that you stand out and are memorable.
4. Salary negotiation
So your interview with the hiring manager was a smashing success, and they now want to offer you the position. This is often the time when both parties will negotiate salary. The good news is that if a company really wants to hire you for the job, they'll likely be open to negotiating your compensation. Staffing agency consultants are knowledgeable about market rates. They know the value of your skills and experience and will know when an offer is too low or when an offer is great. If you're interviewing for jobs on your own, there's always a possibility you might end up selling yourself short and accept a low offer that you'll get locked into.
So what else can I expect from working with a staffing agency?
Once you've been placed in a new role, the relationship with your consultant doesn't end there. If you've been placed in a contract position, it's likely that your staffing agency will be handling your payroll, your tax documents, your medical benefits, and more. Your consultant will become your single point of contact for many of your needs.
You can also expect to receive periodic check-in calls. Use these opportunities to give your consultant honest feedback. Discuss what's going well for you at your new job or maybe what you don't like at your new job. Remember that your consultant is in your corner and will go to bat for you if you have issues in your new job.
