When searching for a job, it can be tough to land an interview on your own, which is why many people turn to a staffing agency for assistance. As a bridge between employers looking for workers and potential employees looking for work, staffing agencies offer some significant benefits to those on both sides of the job market. Getting hired through one, however, can be a bit of a mystery. How do you use a temp agency to get your foot in the door? There are some things to keep in mind as you embark on your next job search.
How Staffing Agents Help
First, let’s discuss what staffing agencies actually do. These centers help jobseekers and employers connect with each other. Unlike recruitment companies, which focus on headhunting for permanent positions, staffing agencies take care of the paperwork and financial aspect of temporary workers. In other words, you’ll be paid through the temp agency rather than the company. The temp agency charges the hiring company a fee for their services. You won’t have to pay them to help you find work. If you’re being asked for a fee up front, then the business is probably not legitimate. When you visit one of these companies, which are also called temp agencies because they deal with temporary assignments, you’ll be interviewed to see what kind of skills you already possess and what kind of job you’re looking for. This process can take hours, and it’s best to come prepared as if you were already employed by a company.
Honesty Goes a Long Way
Staffing centers focus on pairing you with a company that could benefit from your existing skill set. In a traditional interview, you may be tempted to exaggerate your skills and accomplishments or present yourself in the best possible light. With staffing center interviews, you’ll want to avoid embellishments. The reason for this is because temp agency employees are trying to gauge your “soft skills.” Soft skills refer to things that can’t necessarily be tested, such as customer service skills or the ability to think clearly under pressure. If you lie or exaggerate your soft skills during a staffing center interview, then you may end up in a completely inappropriate work setting. The end result would be bad for you, the company you were placed with and the temp agency. Be honest during the initial interview so that you can secure an assignment that meets your needs.
No Guarantees
A staffing agency is a great place to start when you’re looking for a job but can’t find any solid leads. The downside is that temp agencies focus on temporary positions, which means that you’ll only have a job for a few months at best. Some people enjoy the flexibility and the chance to learn new skills for future assignments; others dislike the transitory nature of temporary assignments.
Using a temp agency to secure a job can be a great way to get your name and resume into the right hands, but it doesn’t always guarantee that you’ll find a job. In some cases, you may end up getting offered a full-time position, but you’re more likely to serve a limited term. When you work with a staffing agency to find a job, make sure that you’re ready and able to handle flexible scheduling and temporary assignments.
