10 Ways a Staffing Agency Can Improve Your Career
Dec 16, 2021
Job seekers are looking to staffing agencies more than ever before to assist them in their next career move and for good reason. Staffing recruiters are plugged into the industries with high demand for new employees. They know what industries are trending upwards and what moves you should make to establish a successful career. On top of professional advice, staffing agencies can be an endless resource throughout your career. You will gain access to an endless number of networking opportunities and get sound career advice. Here are just a few ways job seekers can benefit from partnering with an agency.
Job hunting is exhausting. You may go through 10 job postings a day, altering your resume and cover letter to be original for each. That is time-consuming, daunting, and sometimes disheartening. Working with a staffing agency takes the search off your shoulders. They do the heavy lifting of polishing your resume, researching employers, and identifying a good fit. You’ll have everything you need to be successful along with the recommendation of the staffing firm, which the employer clearly values.
They also put your job search front and center. Looking for work is often something people are doing part-time or in their spare time. It is the staffing agency’s full-time job to find a job that not only fits your experience but matches your values and career goals too. An agency takes the pressure off of you.
Working with a staffing agency can help you broaden your professional network. Nowadays, networking is everything. Tapping into the network a staffing agency has already built can be a great resource to you. Not only will you have access to various employers, but you will also connect with colleagues and other people in the industry. The job assignments you get access to through the agency will broaden your network exponentially.
On top of that, you’ll get to work with some of the best companies in your industry when you partner with a staffing agency. The recruiters do more than simply find you a job, they make sure you are being put in a position that will help you grow professionally.
Instead of applying to multiple separate positions, a staffing agency will submit your resume to its network of employers. If there is interest, they will contact you to schedule an interview or get more information. It makes the application process incredibly simple. They will also have you fill out paperwork ahead of time, complete onboarding, and any necessary training so you’re ready for your first day.
Many agencies have easy-apply options now that make it even easier. You are able to complete applications, assessments, and onboarding virtually. Once they receive your information, they’ll start moving forward in trying to place you with an employer.
Recruiters can really help improve your career by providing feedback. They are in touch on a regular basis, providing updates. When they reach out, you can ask for feedback on your resume and other hiring efforts. They can give you ideas about where you might be able to improve and what exactly employers are looking for.
A recruiter can also point you in the direction you need to go to reach your career goals, whether it be additional education, training, or entry-level position. Then they find a position that helps put you on the trajectory needed to reach your goals. Whatever the case may be, they can generate valuable feedback during your job search and throughout your career.
Staffing agencies are employed by companies to help them find candidates fast. So, your time-to-hire will be fast. If you are in need of a job immediately, this is helpful. It will also decrease your time spent between jobs, which will improve your chances of being hired.
Sometimes a staffing agency is the only recruiting resource a company uses. In some cases, it is the only way to get hired. You’ll also get access to more employers at once than you would during a traditional job search, making the time-to-hire quicker.
Agencies specialize in certain industries. For instance, some companies focus on light industrial recruiting. This means they are an expert in hiring for the industry, career opportunities, and what it takes to be successful.
When you work with a recruiter, you will get access to industry-specific knowledge to help you meet your goals. You will get information that helps you stand out among other applicants. Having this industry-specific knowledge will make sure you are truly a good fit for the position too, reducing the risk of you being put in a position where you would be unhappy.
Speaking of goals, recruiters are trained to provide career advice. Think of them as your own personal career coach. They put a lot of time into getting to know you, your skillset, and your aspirations. Then, the staffing agency takes this information and provides you with advice to help you reach your long-term goals.
In some cases, they may be able to outline a career pathway or steps you need to take to achieve your goals. Having this kind of guidance gives many candidates more confidence when they enter the recruiting and hiring process. It also helps provide them with some sort of direction in their career.
On top of sound career advice, recruiters will also help you polish your resume and prep for interviews. They know what employers are looking for so they can help you highlight the skills and experience that will make you stand out.
When it comes time to schedule your interview, chances are they’ve already worked with this employer. Your recruiter can give you an idea of what the employer may ask about, educate you about the company culture, and other pertinent information. They can help you to such a degree that any employer would be impressed with your answers.
Cultural fit is a large contributing factor to hiring decisions. The company’s values and expectations play a huge role in whether an applicant will be a good fit or not. Staffing agencies put a lot of effort into understanding both sides of every hire to avoid a bad placement. A bad hire can harm morale and put a strain on the relationship the agency has with the employer. Putting you, the candidate, in a position to succeed benefits everyone involved.
If you are looking for more flexibility, staffing agencies can provide you with opportunities that allow for the schedule you want. So, if you are hoping to work your own hours from home, the staffing agency can help you find a position that allows for that.
You’ll also get flexibility in the types of positions open to you. Temporary or temp-to-hire jobs will be available through the agency that you may not have had access to otherwise. This gives you flexibility in finding a job you truly enjoy. Think of it as a “try before you buy” approach with employers. You’ll do the job temporarily and, if all goes well, you can find a similar position or get hired on by that employer.
Flexibility isn’t the only perk professional staffing recruiters can help negotiate on your behalf. They will help you negotiate pay and benefits as well. Of course, if you are hired on as a temp or contract employee, you will receive pay and benefits through the staffing agency itself. When it comes to negotiating such things with employers, recruiters aren’t afraid to lay down your requests. They can help the employer see what you bring to the table and how providing these things will help incentivize you to join the team, taking all the stress of negotiation off you.
Your recruiter will also give you valuable information about what you need to do to receive your desired pay rate. For instance, if you could use some additional training or education to be more competitive in your field, they can let you know. You can then assess your asking rate or do what you need to be a more competitive candidate.
The staffing recruiters at HireLevel are ready to assist you with your career. Our professional recruiting services can help you polish your resume, highlight your experience, pursue jobs that help you meet career goals, and land interviews. That is why more job seekers than ever are turning to staffing agencies like HireLevel to help them excel in their careers. Learn more about how we can help with job hunting and beyond.