Finding a new job can be tough, let alone trying to do so amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Many are finding the job search even more challenging and discouraging than usual. If you’re tired of navigating the job market by yourself, perhaps it’s time to enlist the help of an employment agency. 

Some hesitate to use a staffing agency because they think they only provide entry-level or temporary positions. But that’s not true. Staffing agencies offer a wide variety of jobs in many industries, helping everyone from recent graduates to CEOs. There are many benefits to using a staffing agency to find a job, including: 

• It’s free– companies pay the agency to find employees for them, you don’t have to pay to be considered for jobs. 
• They do the searching for you– when you sign up to work with a staffing agency, they’ll ask you about your experience and skills to find the perfect fit for you. Often, they have access to job postings that are not available on public job sites! 
• They give you valuable feedback– most staffing agencies will coach you through the application process, from tips on resume writing to advice on nailing the interview. 

Never used a staffing agency before? Here are our top tips on how to get the most out of working with a staffing agency and make your next career move faster: 

Pick The Right Staffing Agency 

A good place to start is to look for a reputable staffing agency specializing in your field of interest. Before choosing an employment agency, do a little research and find out if they provide positions that you may be interested in, and whether they offer temporary, temp-to-hire, permanent positions, or all three. For example, Nexus Staffing provides temporary, temporary to permanent, and full-time positions in the manufacturing and logistics industries across Canada.

Ask Questions 

If you’ve never worked with a staffing agency before, you might be confused about the process and what the agency might offer. Don’t hesitate to ask! Before you sign up, you should have a clear picture of the hiring process, possible benefits and support services, jobs they typically fill, and the average time it takes to land a job. Remember, the recruiter is there to help you, so don’t be shy! 

Ace The Interview 

The staffing agency will likely set up an initial interview with you to better understand your background skills and experience. Treat it seriously as you would with an actual job interview. Make an excellent first impression by arriving on time and dressing appropriately. It’s also good to be prepared for common interview questions and have a list of thought-out questions ready.

Be Honest

Being honest with your recruiter from the beginning is key to a successful job search. Be clear and candid about what you’re searching for, your availability and your employment history. Tell your recruiter about any gaps in employment or previous employment problems. They can explain, or help you explain, the circumstances to potential employers. 

Be Open-minded 

Even if you’re looking for a full-time position, be open to temporary or contract work. These could be great opportunities to help you get valuable experience in a new field, increase your skill set or get your foot in the door with a new employer. Temporary positions often get extended or even turn into full-time, permanent positions, so try to stay open about opportunities that may not be 100 percent perfect. 

Don’t Be Afraid To Stay No

However, don’t feel pressured to accept a position you truly feel is not the right fit. Perhaps the pay is below what you need, or the commute is less than ideal. Say so and explain your reasons to your recruiter. It will help them narrow down the search and find the right fit opportunities for you. 

Follow Up

Recruiters at staffing agencies interview lots of potential candidates. Make sure to follow up after the interview and check in regularly (not more than once a week) to let them know you are still looking for work. However, remember to respect your recruiter’s boundaries and be patient if they do not respond immediately. They’re probably juggling multiple candidates or simply waiting to hear back from the employers! 

Keep Your Options Open 

While a staffing agency is a valuable resource for job hunting, don’t forget other available resources. Keep looking on job boards, search engines and network with people in your industry. However, stay communicative with your recruiter and let them know if you’ve applied to any jobs on your own. This will ensure your recruiter doesn’t submit you to a role that you’ve already applied for, which can disqualify you in some cases. 

Be Patient

Job hunting requires persistence and patience. Try not to get discouraged! If you’ve done the proper preparation work, a position fit for you will come up in no time. 

Author’s Bio

Karthik Talwar is a content writer for BreezeMaxWeb that helps businesses showcase their brand through enticing copy. When he is not working, he enjoys exploring new places and trying new foods.