No matter if you’re a recent graduate or just looking for a change, navigating today’s job market can be daunting. Leveraging staffing agencies can be a strategic and effective way to help you get ahead. Staffing agencies can help you find what you’re looking for whether that be a part-time job, a temporary gig, or full-time employment. If you want to further deep dive into some essential tips for working with staffing agencies, click here to read a CareerBuilder article that covers everything from choosing the right agency to preparing for interviews. But keep reading to understand how staffing agencies work and guidance on her to leverage them in your job search.

How Staffing Agencies Work

Staffing agencies are hired by companies to find employees, saving them time and effort in the hiring process. These agencies assist companies in managing both temporary and permanent staffing requirements as well as handling recruitment and employment paperwork. Job seekers can apply through the agency for specific jobs or general opportunities, and if they’re a good fit, the agency places them in roles. Typically, you can interview for a position with both the staffing agency and the company with the position. While working in a temporary position, the agency typically pays the employee, but if hired permanently, the company takes over payroll.

Benefits of Staffing Agencies

Opting to use a staffing agency can provide several benefits in your job search. First, it is free for job seekers as it’s the company looking to hire that typically pays for the service. Due to this relationship staffing agencies do the job searching for you, understanding your experiences and needs as a potential employee and match those skills with available positions that might interest you. Staffing agencies also cast a wide net and can even have access to positions not advertised publicly, helping you to expand your job searching efforts. Staffing agencies can also provide feedback on your resume or interview skills which can help you gain confidence and experience.

Sorting through Staffing Agencies

Not all staffing agencies are the same so finding the right staffing agency for you can be tricky. Look for an agency that specializes in the industries that are relevant to you and offer the types of jobs you seek such as if you’re looking for a temporary or permanent position. Look for companies with whose core values you align with, and company culture suits you. Here at ATHENA HR Talent, our strength lies in our diversity. As a woman-owned business we are dedicated to hiring a diverse range of individuals for our open positions and we treat every client as if they are our only client.

Resume

Having a strong resume is essential for successful job searching as it works as a compilation of your skills, experience and achievements to help employers evaluate candidates. To make your resume stand out make sure it is clear and concise, organized logically and with your most relevant achievements at the top to make a strong first impression. As well as using active language and key words. If you want to learn more resume tips and trends, click here to read our article on how to help your resume stand out and help you feel more confident in your job search.

Interview

In a competitive job market, securing an interview is a crucial first step, and preparation is key to making a lasting impression. Usually, you will interview with both your staffing company and potential employer so treat every interview seriously to highlight your background and enthusiasm for the role. Practice common interview questions and prepare questions to ask the interviewer to demonstrate your interest. Your staffing company will provide you with the important information but it is also crucial to do your own research so you can be fully prepared. If you want to learn more about how to ace your interviews, click here to read our article for professional job interview tips you need to know.

Communication

Lastly, but arguably most importantly, you need to have strong communication with your staffing agency. After an interview or assessment, always follow up with either a thank you email or to ask for feedback from your agency. It is important to check in with your recruiter regularly to stay informed and top of mind for your recruiter. However, it is important to remember that your recruiter is likely managing multiple candidates or awaiting responses from employers, so be patient if they don’t reply right away.

Partnering with a staffing agency is sure to enhance your job search and a strong relationship with your recruiter can help you to stay proactive and maximize your chances of finding your dream job. At ATHENA, we have a strong commitment to being an empathetic, responsive, and supportive employer and our core values strive to make our employees’ lives better. This dedication is evident in our Net Promoter Score (NPS). NPS is a key indicator of customer loyalty and satisfaction and our score of 64, 30% higher than the industry average, underscores our success in fostering a positive and supportive work environment.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career contact us today and let our experienced recruiters help you find your perfect job match. Your dream job is just a partnership away!