As a job candidate considering working with a recruiting agency, you likely have a lot of questions about what to look for from a staffing firm. You want to make sure you work with recruiters who have your best interests at heart, and who know where you will be able to put your skills and experience to good use. But where do you start?
The truth is not all recruiting agencies are alike, and doing your homework will help ensure your long-term success in pursuing your career goals. Here are a few things to keep in mind before you sign on with a random agency.
Industry Experience
Pick a staffing firm with a good reputation and experience filling positions in the particular industry you want to work in. The professional network of a staffing firm is likely the single best asset a recruiter can offer you as a candidate. Their knowledge of job openings, skills, requirements, and corporate culture can help direct you to the type of position that will really be able to meet your needs. Industry experience and insider knowledge are the most valuable tools a recruiting agency has to offer. That’s good for you as the candidate, but also good for their clients because companies are desperate for the type of workers they can count on, the ones who are good at their job and happy to work for their company.
Local Accessibility
Whether you choose to go with a large scale corporate recruiting agency, or a smaller localized one, make sure that the recruiters have offices in or nearby the areas and cities where you want to work. There’s no point in working with a recruiter who will find you a job in Denver if you’re unable or unwilling to relocate from New Jersey.
Reputation versus Marketing
As a candidate, it can be difficult to discern what information you hear about a staffing firm is an accurate reflection of their reputation and what is simple marketing. Again, we encourage you to do your homework. Research the agency online, dig into their LinkedIn page, even their Yelp reviews (if there are any). What do other candidates have to say about the firm? Look for good and bad reviews, because both will tell you important information about the successes and failures of a recruiting agency from the perspective of a candidate.
Professional Presentation
Evaluate how the recruiting agency presents itself online and in person. If you can, have a brief chat with a recruiter to gauge whether they would be a good fit to represent you in your job search. Is their website well designed? Is their social media presence professional? Do they come across as pushy or aggressive over the phone or by email? Keep in mind, how they come across to you as a candidate is likely very similar to how they will come across when they are working with their clients.
If you need help finding your next employment opportunity, contact All-Star Personnel and our recruiting team will go to work on finding you a great fit for your skill set.
