Getting a Job Through a Staffing Agency

When you’re looking for work, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. There are dozens of job-hunting strategies out there, but it’s hard to know which one will get you the job you want. That’s why many job seekers turn to a recruitment agency to help them out.

Recruitment agencies match qualified job seekers with employment opportunities. They find the right candidates, link them with jobs they’re well suited for and help them with the application process. Recruiters are compensated in many different ways, depending on how their agency works and what industry they specialize in.

However, while that may sound great to you, recruitment agencies are actually a source of contention for a lot of people looking for jobs, and for employers, as well.

So, why do people disagree about recruitment agencies? Are they worth the money? How do you know if this strategy is right for you?

It isn’t always easy to figure out the answers to these questions when you’re busy looking for the job of your dreams.

Keep reading to find out the most important pros and cons of working with a recruitment agency.

The Pros of a Recruitment Agency

You’re Never on Your Own

Job hunting can be a frustrating and lonely task. Recruitment agencies alleviate that negativity by making sure you never feel like you’re on your own when you’re looking for work.

Recruitment agencies work alongside you to find you a job that suits your qualifications, experience, and personality. The best agencies will even set up to work one-on-one with a recruiter who works with you from start to finish in your search.

You’re never on your own when you work with a recruitment agency. They provide you with constant support and encouragement. After all, your career success is in their own best interest.

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Meet the Right Employers Faster

You’ve probably noticed that there are countless employers looking for the perfect candidate. But it’s just as crucial for you to find the perfect employer. There needs to be a partnership between the employer and employee to ensure long-term career success.

With so many employers out there, it can be hard to know where to start. Recruitment agencies help you weed through potential placements and find the ones that fit you and your hard and soft skill sets.

Discover Unlisted Jobs

Many job positions are filled before they’re ever listed on a job posting website or board like Resume.com’s job board. That’s because a lot of employers will hire based on word of mouth references, through their professional network via LinkedIn or promote from within their own business.

Pairing up with a recruiter often means access to exclusive jobs that you wouldn’t find anywhere else, or find out about them faster than other job seekers.

This insider track exists because recruiters spend a lot of their time making connections so that they can find these unlisted openings. Plus, some employers would rather work through a recruitment agency, as it can save them significant time and resources in the hiring process.

Never Worry about Negotiating

Trying to negotiate your salary is a source of stress for many job seekers. Naming the wrong price can be difficult, and could even make or break your application.

One of the benefits of working with a recruitment agency is that you don’t have to worry about figuring out fair pay that you and your potential employer will be happy with. Recruitment agencies normally have salaries settled before they ever look for candidates.

The Cons of a Recruitment Agency

You Could Do It On Your Own

Though there are many, many benefits of working with a recruitment agency, there are also a lot of potential disadvantages.

The fact is that you’re smart, capable and full of potential. You’re capable of finding fantastic employers, going through the application process, acing your interview and getting the job of your dreams, with or without a recruiter backing you along the way. If you have an outstanding resume, an amazing personal brand, and a great LinkedIn profile, you’re already several steps ahead!

You may not need a recruitment agency, so it may not be worth it for you to undergo the cost and possible decrease in your starting salary from their service fee.

You’re in the Dark

Recruitment agencies may lock you into a legal contract that could restrict your future options. In fact, you may be in the dark about the contractual clauses until it’s too late.

For example, you may be asked to sign a non-compete clause, which stops you from working in a similar position for a length of time after you leave your position. Or you could be asked to adhere to a cash bond, which stops you from breaking your employment contract before your services have been rendered.

Choose Wisely

It’s essential that you know all the pros and cons of working with a recruitment agency before you start. But no matter which option you choose, make sure your resume stands out.

Learn More

Check out Resume.com’s free resume templates to learn more about how you can give yourself the best job-hunting advantage.