Temp agencies and recruiters
Temporary agencies and recruiters can help you gain experience and find jobs.
If you need to start earning an income quickly, an employment agency can be a valuable resource. They match your skills with the job openings of companies they work with. The employer generally pays their fees so there is no cost to you.
Temp agencies
Temp agencies—or staffing services—match applicants with short-term or temporary-to-permanent positions. They are helpful for gaining skills and work experience, getting free training, and earning money as you job search. You may also earn positive references and gain access to more opportunities or contacts once in a company. Some temp jobs lead to permanent job offers.
Tips for working with temp agencies:
- Check out company reviews before applying to a temp agency and find out if they place candidates in the kinds of jobs you want.
- Ask about their expectations of applicants. And ask about their pay rate, benefits, length of assignments, and what services they offer to applicants.
- Be professional. Treat temp jobs as you would any employer. Let the temp agency know how jobs are going to encourage them to place you in good jobs in the future.
- Be available. Most agencies expect you to be available when they offer you work. If you turn down more than a few offers, they likely won’t consider you for work in the future.
Recruiters
Recruiting services search for candidates for permanent, full-time positions. They recruit, screen, and then refer candidates to an employer for consideration. Recruiters have access to positions that are not listed publicly. If you’re not right for a current job they’re trying to fill, many recruiters will work to match your skills and goals to other jobs that come up.
Tips for working with recruiters:
- Find recruiters on LinkedIn, job banks, job fairs, and at professional association events. Many specialize in particular industries or careers. Recruiters search for candidates on social media platforms, so keep your profiles up to date and reply to recruiters’ outreach.
- Be clear and honest about your career goals, background, skills, and your challenges. They want to find a genuine match and want to represent you accurately to employers.
- Your prompt response to calls and emails helps a recruiter fill positions quickly and effectively, essential for their role.
- Be sure to accept their free coaching for job interviews; they’re the experts.