Choosing The Right Staffing Agency As a Job Seeker

August 29, 2024 –

By Brianna Genteman

The process of job searching can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re not sure where to begin. Research shows that in 2023 more than 70% of job seekers said that their job search was much more difficult than it had been in prior years. Partnering with the right staffing agency can significantly improve your chances of landing a role that aligns with your skills, career goals, and personal needs. But with all the staffing agencies out there, how do you know which one is the best fit for you? In this blog, we’ll go over the benefits of using employment agencies and how you can find the right staffing partner.

Why Should Job Seekers Use A Staffing Agency?

Navigating our competitive job market can be a troubling task for many job seekers, especially with the constant pressure to stand out among hundreds of applicants. Whether you’re searching for a temporary position, a long-term career, or something to serve as a stepping stone along the path to more gainful employment (and helping you gain valuable experience along the way), staffing agencies can offer significant advantages. The right ones provide more than just job placements, offering personalized support, access to exclusive opportunities, and expert guidance to help you navigate the hiring process with ease. For many workers, finding a good staffing agency not only streamlines the job search but also opens doors to positions that may not be available through traditional channels, all at no cost to the job seeker.

Key Benefits Of Using A Staffing Agency

Leveraging a staffing agency can be a big help for you as a job seeker. Agencies offer individualized resources, connections, and work opportunities that can significantly improve your chances of landing the right job. Below are some of the key benefits that come from partnering with a staffing agency:

Access to Off-The-Market Opportunities: One of the biggest advantages of working with a staffing agency is gaining access to job opportunities that aren’t widely advertised. Many companies prefer to fill positions through staffing agencies to streamline their hiring process, which means these jobs might never make it to a public job board.
Personalized Support and Expert Guidance: Staffing agencies do more than just match you to a job—they offer personalized guidance throughout your job search. This includes helping you build a resume that showcases your strengths, preparing you for interviews, and offering valuable advice on how to present yourself as the best candidate.
Time and Effort Savings: Looking for a job can be incredibly time-consuming, with the average job search taking nearly 5 months. Staffing agencies take much of that burden off your shoulders. They handle the legwork by identifying roles that suit your qualifications and submitting applications on your behalf, which allows you to focus on other aspects of your job search or your current job while still moving forward with your career goals.
Industry Expertise: Many staffing agencies specialize in certain industries. Their recruiters understand the specific skills and qualifications that employers in these sectors are looking for, which means they are well-equipped to match you with positions that suit your background. This specialized knowledge can be invaluable in finding a job that not only aligns with your skills but also offers a pathway for growth in your chosen field.
Flexible Employment Options: One of the unique features of staffing agencies is the flexibility they offer. Whether you’re looking for short-term gigs, temp-to-hire positions, or a full-time role, staffing agencies provide a range of employment options to suit your needs. This flexibility is particularly beneficial if you’re exploring new career paths, seeking work between long-term roles, or needing to balance work with other commitments.
Free Services for Job Seekers: Perhaps one of the most appealing aspects of working with a staffing agency is that their services are typically free for job seekers. The hiring company pays the agency to find and vet candidates, meaning you receive all the benefits of their expertise, resources, and support without any out-of-pocket costs. For job seekers, this makes staffing agencies an incredibly valuable resource to utilize without any financial risk.

How To Find The Right Staffing Agency

As a job seeker, finding the right staffing agency to align with your needs and career goals is essential. With so many agencies available, it’s important to carefully evaluate your options to ensure you’re making the best choice. To help simplify the process, we’ve compiled some key questions you should consider when assessing each staffing agency, so you can confidently select the one that will best support your job search and long-term success.

Does The Staffing Agency Serve Your Industry?

By choosing an industry-specific staffing agency, job seekers can leverage specialized expertise to find roles that align with their unique skills and career paths. This targeted approach ensures that candidates are matched with positions that not only fit their abilities but also support their long-term career goals. Review the jobs listed on the agency’s website. If they regularly post roles that match your skills and interests, they might be a good fit. Here are some of the most common industry specific staffing agency types:

Light Industrial Staffing Agencies: Specializing in warehousing, manufacturing, and logistics roles, these agencies connect job seekers with positions in industries that require skilled labor for tasks like assembly, picking/packing, machine operation, and fulfillment.
Healthcare Staffing Agencies: Focus on placing professionals such as nurses, doctors, medical assistants, and technicians in healthcare facilities. They understand the critical qualifications needed for success in healthcare and work closely with medical institutions to fill crucial roles.
Technology Staffing Agencies: For those in the tech field, these agencies specialize in IT roles, from software development to cybersecurity. They help job seekers find positions in corporations and tech firms that match their technical skills and expertise.
Administrative and Clerical Staffing Agencies: Focused on placing office support staff, including executive assistants, receptionists, and data entry specialists, these agencies connect candidates with businesses seeking to streamline their operations.
Finance and Accounting Staffing Agencies: Specializing in roles such as accountants, financial analysts, bookkeepers, and auditors, these agencies place professionals in organizations looking for expert financial talent to manage budgets, audits, and reporting.

What Is The Staffing Agency’s Reputation and Reviews?

Reputation is everything when it comes to selecting a staffing agency. Before committing to one, take the time to research their reputation. Look for reviews and testimonials from other job seekers who have worked with the agency. This feedback can provide valuable insights into how effective the agency is at placing candidates in suitable roles, as well as their level of professionalism and communication. A staffing agency with a solid reputation will have positive reviews highlighting their success in helping candidates find meaningful employment.

Also, check their accreditation. See if the agency is a member of professional organizations like the American Staffing Association (ASA) or the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), which adhere to industry standards.

Does the Staffing Agency Offer Your Preferred Job Type?

Consider the range of job opportunities the agency offers. Different staffing agencies specialize in various types of employment—temporary, temp-to-perm, or permanent positions. Think about what type of job you’re looking for and whether the agency has a variety of roles that align with your preferences. A strong staffing agency will offer a wide range of opportunities in your field, giving you flexibility in choosing the type of employment that suits your needs. Consider the agency’s size, too: Larger agencies may have more resources and a wider range of job opportunities, while smaller ones might offer a more personalized approach and deeper connections within a specific industry.

How Well Does the Staffing Agency Communicate?

The level of support and communication you receive from recruiters is a key indicator of the agency’s quality. Understand how their process works. Some agencies may require you to go through a registration or screening process before they begin representing you. A good staffing agency will be up front about their procedures while offering personalized guidance tailored to your individual job search. Pay close attention to how the agency communicates with you during the initial stages of your relationship. Are they prompt, clear, and attentive? Strong communication from recruiters demonstrates that the agency is invested in your success and will be a reliable partner throughout your job search.

Is The Staffing Agency Transparent With You?

Transparency and integrity are vital qualities in any staffing agency. You want to work with an agency that is upfront about how they operate, including how they match candidates with employers, how compensation is handled, and what benefits are available to you. Schedule a meeting or call with a recruiter. This will give you a sense of their professionalism and how well they understand your career goals. Be wary of agencies that are vague or evasive about their processes—this could be a sign of underlying issues. A trustworthy staffing agency will be clear about what you can expect throughout the hiring process and will provide honest feedback about your prospects.

Don’t forget to understand any fees or obligations you might incur. Most staffing agencies are paid by the employer, but it’s essential to confirm. If you’re placed in a temporary or contract role, review the terms of your employment, including pay, benefits, and job duration.

What Resources or Services Does The Staffing Agency Provide Candidates?

Beyond simply matching you with jobs, a good staffing agency will offer additional resources to help enhance your job search experience. These resources might include resume reviews, interview coaching, career development tools, or even training opportunities to improve your skills. Find out if they offer personalized service. Will you have a dedicated recruiter or point of contact? Agencies that invest in these resources demonstrate a commitment to helping you succeed beyond just filling a position. Consider whether the agency offers these types of services and how they might benefit your job search.

What to Watch Out for When Choosing A Staffing Agency

While staffing agencies can be great resources, not all agencies provide the level of service and support that job seekers need. As you research potential agencies, be on the lookout for certain red flags that could signal they’re not the right fit for you. Here are some common warning signs:

Lack of Personalized Support: One of the biggest red flags is when a staffing agency takes a “set it and forget it” approach. This means they place you into their system but fail to actively work on finding you a suitable position. A good agency will stay engaged throughout your job search, providing regular updates, checking in on your progress, and actively advocating for your placement. If the agency doesn’t seem invested in your success, it’s a clear indication that they may not be putting in the effort to help you secure your next role.
Poor Communication: Communication is key when working with a staffing agency, and poor communication can be a major red flag. If an agency takes more than 24 hours to respond to your inquiries or fails to provide clear and timely updates, it could be a sign of disorganization or a lack of commitment to helping you. Additionally, if the agency doesn’t have dedicated support for your specific needs or issues, or if they don’t offer smooth and clear communication channels, it can make your job search more stressful than necessary.
Inadequate Pay Transparency: Be wary of agencies that are unclear or evasive when it comes to pay rates and benefits. A reputable agency should provide transparent information about what you can expect in terms of compensation and any other perks, such as benefits or bonuses. If the agency is vague or seems reluctant to discuss pay upfront, it may be a sign of potential issues down the line, such as unfair pay practices or miscommunication about your earnings.
National Agencies That Lack Local Support: Large, national staffing agencies may look appealing on paper due to their resources and wide reach, but they can sometimes fall short when it comes to providing personalized, local support. If the agency is too big, you might end up feeling like just another number, and they may not be as hands-on in helping you find the right job. Look for agencies that offer dedicated, on-the-ground support in your area and have a strong understanding of the local job market.
Disorganized Operations: Smooth operations and efficient processes are signs of a good staffing agency. If you notice that the agency struggles with basic points of contact—such as failing to schedule interviews in a timely manner, mismanaging paperwork, or generally being disorganized—it’s a sign that they may not have the necessary systems in place to properly support your job search.
Lack of Effort in Job Placement: If it feels like the agency isn’t putting in the work to find you the right placement, that’s a major red flag. Staffing agencies should be proactive in seeking out opportunities that match your skills and career goals. If the agency is passive or fails to follow through on leads, it’s time to look for another partner who will take a more active role in advancing your career.

Why Staffing By Starboard Is The Right Employment Agency For You

At Staffing By Starboard, we are deeply committed to the success of every job seeker who reaches out to us. Our team of expert recruiters is dedicated to understanding your unique strengths, goals, and needs to ensure we connect you with the right opportunities. With a deep understanding of the local job market and extensive industry expertise, we specialize in finding positions that are not just jobs, but perfect fits for your career path. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to make a change, we have the tools, connections, and resources to help you find your next opportunity and thrive.