Your Full Guide to Finding a Job Through a Staffing Agency - Margaret Buj - Interview Coach

Your Full Guide to Finding a Job Through a Staffing Agency - Margaret Buj - Interview Coach In the age of looking for work online, a traditional staffing agency may seem like a foreign concept.   Many people decide to forgo this path and apply for jobs without any help.   Applying on your own doesnt hurt. But, contacting a staffing agency can align you with a job that perfectly fits your specifications.   In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of finding a job through a staffing agency. Curious yet? Lets get into it. You’re about to find out how an agency can help you score the perfect job. 1. Prepare for the Meeting Like a Job Interview When you arrange a meeting with an agency, plan for it in advance. Essentially, you should treat it as a job interview.   When its time for the interview,” arrive in professional clothing with a resume in your hand.   To pair you with the right jobs, theyll need to know about your past positions. Theyll also want to know about the skills you can bring to the table. Have a clear idea of what you want. The more they know about the type of job you’re seeking, the easier it’ll be for them to pair you with the perfect job. Whether youre looking for a temporary position or a long-term job, let them know. Be prepared to discuss your current schedule. If there are days and times youre not available, be upfront about them. The last thing you want is for your agency to set you up with a job that doesn’t fit into your schedule! 2. Look Over the Legal Aspects   Many assume that staffing agencies have the legal stuff all ironed out. And while thats mostly the case, its still wise to make sure. Find out if they set up payroll taxes and working classification. As for temp work, the staffing agency should be the official employer tax-wise. So, make sure your agency confirms that youre an employee and not an independent contractor.   Before signing any contracts, check for a mutual indemnity clause. This clause protects both parties from a lawsuit if anything goes wrong. If anything seems suspicious, consult with a lawyer. Its better to cover your bases now than to get caught up in something illegal without even realizing it.   3. Don’t Be Afraid to Try Temp Jobs   Getting a temporary job may not be top on your list, but you shouldnt say no to temp jobs right away. Why? Well, temp jobs can help you enhance your current skills. And, you can learn how to work with different people in a new industry (if youre looking to change professions).   As a matter of fact, if you do want to change professions, a temp job is a smart choice. It can help you build skills and assist you in deciding whether thats the right industry for you.   You may discover that your new job isnt what you thought it was. If that happens, youll thank your lucky stars that you didnt take a full-time position! So, go into a staffing agency with an open mind. Before turning down a temp job, think about your career goals. If you want to improve your skill set and work with new people, then give a few temp gigs a shot.   If you end up loving the position, the company may offer you a full-time job. Now that would be incredible!   4. Be Patient   If you applied for an agency-recommended job over a week ago but haven’t heard back, reach out to your recruiter. They’ll either touch base with the company or recommend some new positions. Either way, checking in with your staffing agency once a week is a good idea. It’ll keep your name fresh in their minds and will encourage them to stay on the lookout for new work.   Remember that finding a job, even a temp gig, takes time. So be patient and stay positive! If, after a while, you do not hear back at all, it may be time to switch to a different agency.   Don’t throw in the towel because one agency doesn’t work out. There’s no shortage of great ones out there! 5. Learn From the Staffing Agency   Believe it or not, you can learn quite a bit by working with a staffing agency. You won’t be working with them forever, so use this time to get the lay of the job land.   Your recruiter has likely met with a lot of people. They know what type of skills you need to land the job you want. Plus, they can be open and honest in regards to what type of work is a good fit for you.   For example, if you want to apply for a job that doesn’t align with your skills, they’ll point out where you need improvement. Ultimately, you know yourself best, and nothing is stopping you from applying for whatever jobs you want. But if you’re moving into a new industry, it doesn’t hurt to pick the agent’s brain.   You never know, they could help you land a fulfilling job that aligns perfectly with your skills and goals. In Conclusion If you haven’t had much success looking for work on your own, find a staffing agency.   Look for an agency with an excellent track record of pairing people with the right work. If all goes well, you’ll find the right job too. If you don’t find a full-time job through an agency right away, don’t get discouraged. Instead, try a few temp jobs to enhance your skills.   And, be willing to test out different types of jobs that have fewer strings attached.   There’s no doubt you have an incredible skill set. With the help of an agency, you should be able to find your dream job in no time! Author Bio: Jei Horca oversees operations for Alvista at the Bridge and works hard to make the apartment complex better every day.