This blog is sponsored by Express Pros, ranked one of Staffing Industry Analyst’s Largest Global Staffing Firms in recent years.
If I needed to find a job asap and was being strategic in my job search, one of the very first things I’d do is reach out to a staffing agency / headhunter specializing in my field and geographical location (including remote jobs)!
A lot of job seekers are confused about working with staffing agencies, but having been a headhunter for 5 years; I can tell you I’ve placed hundreds of candidates each year at amazing jobs and companies.
Today, I want to break down the what, who, why, when, where, and how behind cultivating a relationship with a staffing agency to boost your job search. You can read on or watch the full YouTube video:
What is a staffing agency?
You can think of a staffing agency as a matchmaking service between employers and jobseekers. Companies hire staffing agencies to help them fill positions for a number of reasons including:
They don’t have internal resources to find talent like you fast enough;
They don’t have a database of candidates that match a certain skill or criteria;
They have a confidential search and don’t want to advertise a job description;
They are looking for immediate hiring for temp, seasonal, or project-based support.
Who should work with a staffing agency?
Honestly, any professional looking for brighter opportunities. Staffing agencies like Express Pros have clients from all industries including accounting, engineering, IT, sales and marketing, admin, HR, and legal across the US and Canada. Their clients are hiring for full-time, part-time, temporary and remote positions.
A staffing agency has a number of openings and knows exactly what their clients are looking for. It’s worth getting in touch to share what your background, skills, and preferences are so when they have a worthwhile match, they can share more details about the opportunity. All you have to do is say, “Yes! I’d love to learn more” or decline.
Does it cost anything to work with agencies?
No, you never have to pay and the agency makes money from a placement fee that is paid by their client. This is NOT taken out of your salary or wages. The placement fee is a separate payment their clients budget for to find top talent like you. You truly have nothing to lose and if you find a temp job with Express Pros they even offer benefits such as health, vision, and dental; 401K; weekly pay; and continuing education and holiday pay.
Why would a staffing agency want to work with you?
Express Pros specifically believes in finding as many people as possible to discover valuable jobs by helping as many clients as possible to find top talent.
Staffing agencies like Express Pro exist to help close the talent gap and ensure companies find top talent and top talent finds incredible opportunities! It truly is a win-win, and headhunters can be seen as your partner in the job search as they prepare you for each interaction with their client, from the phone screen to negotiating an offer letter.
How do I start working with a staffing agency?
You can start by taking a look at the openings on Express Pro’s website. It serves as a job board where you can filter by keywords and location. If you see something that fits you, apply! I’d also encourage you to get in touch even if you don’t find an opportunity right now. You never know what opportunity is around the corner.
Fun fact: I landed my first full-time Executive Assistant job within one week of moving to San Diego when I registered with a local staffing agency. The headhunter saw my skills and background and said I’d be perfect for supporting a staffing agency CEO. This is how I broke into recruiting, and I eventually got promoted within the company.
One conversation can change the trajectory of your career.
Here’s the link to learn more about Express Pros. Check out their job openings they have today!
