By Rachel Zupek, CareerBuilder.com writer
When job seekers hear the words "staffing firm," they tend to think three things: costly, part time and low wages. In most cases, staffing agencies are just the opposite. In fact, anyone can make their next career move by partnering with a staffing agency at no cost and for any position.
"Staffing agencies work with candidates for all types of positions at every level of organizations, from the face that greets you at the reception desk to the manager who is your main point of contact, right up to the CEO," says Loren King Shields, director of eBusiness strategy at Select Staffing, a California-based recruitment firm.
Unfortunately, recruitment, a $92 billion industry, is virtually untouched by job seekers. Forty percent of job candidates are unable to name a single staffing firm from memory and only 20 percent have used a staffing firm in their most recent job search, according to a recent study by CareerBuilder.com and the Inavero Institute for Service Research.
Instead, job seekers are utilizing other resources in their search for employment. The average candidate uses up to four different sources in his or her search and only 4 percent of people turn to recruiters as their first method, according to the survey.
It behooves job candidates, however, to use staffing agencies in their job searches because of their unique relationships with companies.
Rick Gray, senior vice president of marketing and communications for Hudson, a global staffing firm, says his firm makes a genuine effort to build lasting relationships with candidates to "help find the right role in helping them fulfill their career aspirations and to better match their skills and knowledge, development objectives and cultural or work orientation with specific client needs."
Benefits of using a recruitment firm
One benefit to speak of is that most agencies possess unique relationships with Fortune 500 firms, says Jay Rogers, vice president of recruiting for Think Resources, an engineering placement firm.
"Large companies have more money and less time to spend finding talented candidates for open positions," Rogers says. "Fortune 500s frequently hire staffing companies because [they] afford them a greater deal of efficiency for a minimal cost. Second to your father being the VP of human resources, a staffing firm may be the best way to get your foot in the door."
Additionally, DeLynn Senna, executive director of permanent placement services in North America for Robert Half International, says staffing firms offer candidates the advantage of having a partner in their job search.
"By working with a staffing firm, job seekers can learn about opportunities they might not be able to find on their own. Through their connections in the business community, recruiters often know about openings before they are advertised," Senna says. Additionally, recruiters can help enhance your résumé and interviewing skills.
Along with learning about unknown opportunities, Josie Huber, director of sourcing and recruiting for Kelly Services, a world leader in human resources solutions, says job seekers might find work in industries they might not have looked before.
"Often, job seekers are focused on finding a job only within their specific area or skill set and may fail to recognize the transferable skills they possess for another type of job or within a different industry," Huber says. "Staffing firms can assist job seekers in identifying their strengths, along with how to successfully communicate those attributes to a prospective employer."
Fact or fiction?
Aside from not knowing the benefits of utilizing a staffing firm, job candidates also have major misconceptions surrounding recruiting. Here are a few of the most common false impressions of staffing firms:Myth No.1: Recruiting firms only place for temporary or part-time positions. Ten percent of job candidates believe staffing firms only place for temporary positions, according to the Inavero study.
Truth: Not all positions recruiters staff for are part time or temporary; the ones that are often lead to full-time opportunities.
"Temporary staffing can serve as a bridge to permanent employment," says Melanie Holmes, vice president of World of Work Solutions at Manpower, a Milwaukee-based staffing firm. "It provides an excellent opportunity for an associate to demonstrate his or her value to a potential employer." Holmes adds that, on average, 40 percent of Manpower's associates are hired permanently by its clients.
Myth No.2: Using a recruiter costs money. Eight percent of job seekers are under the impression that there will be costs to the candidate to utilize a staffing or recruiting firm, according to the study.
Truth: "When working with a reputable staffing service, you are the employee of the staffing firm, with access to benefits, training and a staff that is invested in your career growth and development," Huber says. The costs associated with most staffing firms are issued to the companies looking for candidates, not the other way around.
Myth No.3: Working with recruiters means landing a less lucrative job.
Truth: Candidates should understand that staffing agents will work to get you the highest salary possible, using their knowledge, experience and relationships to do so, King Shields says. Rogers adds that more than half of the open positions at Think Resources are salaried.
Jobs recruiters are hiring for now
If you're unemployed and need a little help in your job search, here are six (of the many) staffing firms that can help you and 30 jobs they are hiring for now:
Hudson
Types of jobs it staffs for: Hudson is focused on placing accountants, lawyers, IT business analysts, Web developers and sales and marketing managers across multiple industries.
Hot jobs it's recruiting for now::
1. Attorneys
2. Business deposition consultants
3. Technical accounting research consultants
4. Senior certified fraud examiners
5. Simulation/video game software developers
Kelly Services
Types of jobs it staffs for: Kelly staffs temporary, temporary-to-hire and direct-hire positions across all job levels. It places professionals in positions like accountants, administrative assistants, attorneys, civil engineers, forklift drivers, healthcare coding/billing specialists, medical assistants, MRI/CT and X-ray technicians, nurses, paralegals, scientists and Web site developers, to name a few.
Hot jobs it's staffing for now::
6. Chemists
7. Substitute teachers
8. Customer service representatives
9. FBI Academy logistician
10. Intelligence analyst
Manpower
Types of jobs it staffs for: Manpower recruits for office, administrative, customer service, skilled trades, assembly, material handling, technician, engineering, clinical and lab sciences, and accounting and finance positions.
Hot jobs it's recruiting for now:
11. Machinists/machine operators
12. Skilled trades (electricians, welders, plumbers, etc.)
13. Sales representatives
14. Mechanics
15. Production operators
Robert Half International
Types of jobs it staffs for: RHI specializes in the accounting and finance, information technology, administrative services, legal, advertising and marketing fields.
Hot jobs it's staffing for now:
16. Staff and senior accountants
17. Credit and collections specialists
18. Web developers
19. Help desk professionals
20. Data entry specialists
Select Staffing
Types of jobs it staffs for: Select Staffing specializes in accounting and finance; information technology; engineering and science; fashion and design; human resources; administrative and clerical; and customer service fields.
Hot jobs it's recruiting for now:
21. Chief financial officers/controllers
22. Directors of purchasing
23. Footwear designers
24. Senior marketing managers
25. Thermoplastics materials engineers
Think Resources
Types of jobs it staffs for: Think Resources recruits for all disciplines and industries of engineering including but not limited to energy, aerospace, defense, manufacturing, power generation, transmission and distribution. They place engineers, designers, drafters, technicians, field service people and power plant operators.
Hot jobs it's recruiting for now:
26. Electrical engineers
27. Mechanical engineers
28. Civil engineers
29. Procurement and schedulers
30. Boiler designers
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Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.
Jan 2nd 2009 @ 7:37PM John Shields
If you have any jobs available please feel free and e-mail me at any time
Reply
Jan 8th 2009 @ 7:16PM Jeannine
Hi John,
Are you looking for a job? Changing careers? Updating your resume? Though I don't have a job for you, you can find everything you need to help you get one, all in one place.
StartNowCareerGuide.com
Jan 18th 2009 @ 10:31PM Carlos Ayala
Hi John. After 37 years in sales and dead end jobs I did some research and found out the trend is moving back to ho,e based businesses. I have what many consider the perfect business where it is a win-win for everyone and no downside. Don't worry its not multilevel like Amway o Shackley or direct sales like Tupperware or Mary Kay. It is a real lucrative biz with a 24 year company that is debt free and has never laid off any of its 3000 employees. Call me or email me. 480-326-9841 Carlos Ayala
Jul 2nd 2009 @ 12:34PM Diana Perez
Assorted Textile Company Limited
Imports and Exports,General Merchants.
Building 279 Euston Road London NW1 2BE, UK. T +44 7024057646.
Dear Candidate,
Assorted Textile Company Limited in conjunction with recruit
Express,Company under the ownership of Mr. Crain Wills
President/CEO.Assorted Textile Company is a trading company that is
into the Manufacturing,sales and service of Textile and associated
materials handling equipments and diverse range of battery for
electric vehicles which can be readily adapted for customers specific
requirements to the America and selected locations in Europe. seeks
payment managers to our direct payments from customers in the UK,
USA,CANADA other EUROPEAN COUNTRIES, AUSTRALIA and U.A.E .
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO FOR US?
The international money transfer tax for legal entities (companies) in
UK is 25%, whereas for the individual it is only 7%.There is no sense
for us to %20 work this way, while tax for international money
transfer made by a private individual is 7% .That's why we need you!
We need agents to receive payment for our textiles (cheques or bank
wiretransfers) and to resend the money to us via Money Gram or Wester
nUnion Money Transfer. This way we will save money because of tax
decreasing.
JOB DESCRIPTION?
1. Receive payment from Clients
2. Cash Payments at your Bank
3. Deduct 10% which will be your percentage/pay on Payment processed.
4. Forward balance after deduction of percentage/pay to any of the offices
you will be contacted to send payment to Payment is to be forwarded
either by Money Gram or Western Union Money Transfer).
HOW MUCH WILL YOU EARN?**
10% from each operation! For instance: you receive £5000 via cheques
or wire transfer on our behalf. You will cash the money and keep £500
(10% from £5000) for yourself! At the beginning your commission will
equal 10%, though later it will increase up to 12%!**
ADVANTAGES
You do not have to go out as you will work as an independent
contractor right from your home office. Your job is absolutely legal.
You can earn up to £3000-£4000 monthly depending on time you will
spend for this job.You do not need any capital to start. You can do
the Work easily without leaving or affecting your present Job. The
employees who make efforts and work hard have a strong possibility to
become managers. Anyway our employees never leave us due to our
excellent work condition.
QUALIFICATION
This position does not require any educational qualification but a
bachelors degree or very good high school record will be an added
advantage, no experience is needed but should be able to speak his/her
language fluently as well as understand an extra language will be an
added advantage. The individual should be highly motivated, sensitive,
been a meticulous person is an added advantage.*
*NOTE: This Job is a part- time Job and has been designed in such a way
that it does not affect your regular daily work.Application
deadline/expiry: six weeks after the broadcast of this message.Salary
Range: Weekly: £500.00. (Fixed)£2,000:00-Monthly Plus 10% of every
payments received excluding any Taxes or Cheque/check clearing
fees.You should notify your referring agent if you want your salary
range to be weekly or monthly.*
Employment Form
*First Name
* Last Name
* Address ( No Po Box )
* City
* State
* Postal Code
* Phone
* Email
* Age...
* Present-Occupation..
* Work Experience (Optional)
* Sex...
* Marital Status.
* Nationality :
*reply to dianapartner@gmail.com* <
dianapartner@gmail.com* *> apply, send
referencing position number #
117212 along with your requirements to:
**Name: Mrs Diana Perez
Position: Payment remmitant Officer
Time : 24Hrs Daily
so remember to state your referring agent in the e-mail or fax message
for easy identification at the processing office.Once this is done youA
will receive an e-mail for confirmation.Thanks for taking time to read
our offer.
Best Regards,
Mrs Diana Perez ( REFERRING AGENT)
Assorted Textile Company Limited Copyright Reserved 2008
Building 279 Euston Road London NW1 2BE, UK. T +44 7024057646
Jan 2nd 2009 @ 7:30PM jjulieho
I know i would like to be a chef... in fact, this is the book that made me want to take up this career... it's a hilarious cookbook called "Get in the Kitchen, BIT@HES!" (bitchcooks.com) not for everyone, but if you have a great sense of humor and love food... then I would take a looksie.
Reply
Jan 8th 2009 @ 2:06PM madonna
go here and make a wish you really want to see come true
this is really amazing http://www.real-wishes.com
Reply
Jan 8th 2009 @ 2:25PM Esther Harrison
I have been a taper (graphics application) in the Recreational Vehicle industry for the past 23 years but this industry has been hit hard due to gas prices, loan to dealers and purchasers. I decided to go back to school for medical billing/coding and am currently at Indiana Business College in Elkhart, IN. My unemployment funds will be running out after the next few months and I will need to find work till I finish scool in 2010. Any suggestions?
Reply
Jan 8th 2009 @ 2:51PM Jim Wilson
go over to elkhart coach
Jan 8th 2009 @ 3:51PM Tami
The medical industry is also being hit hard from the current economic recession. The medical coders I work with believe the Coding function will be out sourced to contractors. Your best bet is to find out who those contractors will be and try to get your foot in the door. Otherwise chances are dismal you will be able to secure work as a Coder at this time.
good luck
Jan 8th 2009 @ 6:15PM Ann Marie Bolen
Yes, send me an email if you could? I do have some ideas. thinkgreenhome@aol.com
Jan 8th 2009 @ 6:41PM JN
I do medical billing-no school-just on the job raining. I suggest you send a resume to doctor's offices in your area-they generally have a big turnover-the pay isn't always great, or the benefits, but it's a foot in the door, and alot of times have flexible hours-great if you're going to school or have kids
Jan 9th 2009 @ 4:37PM Pam
yeah, stay in school so you can learn how to spell!!!! you have a typo....good luck
Jan 18th 2009 @ 10:30PM Carlos Ayala
Hi Esther. (My Mom and sister are named Esther) After 37 years in sales and dead end jobs I did some research and found out the trend is moving back to ho,e based businesses. I have what many consider the perfect business where it is a win-win for everyone and no downside. Don't worry its not multilevel like Amway o Shackley or direct sales like Tupperware or Mary Kay. It is a real lucrative biz with a 24 year company that is debt free and has never laid off any of its 3000 employees. Call me or email me. 480-326-9841 Carlos Ayala
Jan 8th 2009 @ 2:28PM madonna
make a wish you want to come true-
this is really amazing http://www.real-wishes.com
Reply
Jan 8th 2009 @ 6:25PM Ralph Vitello
I have 25+ diversified years of experience in all aspects of construction as a Sr. field Superintendent.
I beleive I would be an excellent fraud, forensic and safety examiner/consultant
I have testified in numerous cases involving injury, QA/QC and delay claims.
Reply
Jan 8th 2009 @ 2:47PM rob
I would love to find out what fairy tale these folks have been reading! I'm a licenced Electrician, and the last interview I had I was told the company had 94 applicants for 2 positions! I've seen 3 well established contractors go out of business this year due to either lack of business, or developers going bankrupt, and leaving good companies out in the cold with little or no reimbursement for supplies and wages.
Reply
Jan 8th 2009 @ 5:01PM J Ford
Same thing I'm hearing from some of our tenants... few jobs and many applicants.
Another thing....Attorneys in highest demand??? No wonder the economy is so sick!!
Jan 18th 2009 @ 10:30PM Carlos Ayala
Hi Rob. After 37 years in sales and dead end jobs I did some research and found out the trend is moving back to ho,e based businesses. I have what many consider the perfect business where it is a win-win for everyone and no downside. Don't worry its not multilevel like Amway o Shackley or direct sales like Tupperware or Mary Kay. It is a real lucrative biz with a 24 year company that is debt free and has never laid off any of its 3000 employees. Call me or email me. 480-326-9841 Carlos Ayala
Jan 8th 2009 @ 5:02PM country
Agreed! I'm in the HVAC business and in the last 2 years have watched numerous companies lay off, and/or go out of business.
Reply
Jan 8th 2009 @ 3:30PM Jim Roach
I've been retired for 20 years. Before that, for the majority of my career, I spent eleven years at three different High schools in Texas Public Schools as an Inductrial Cooperative Coordinator. My program was called ICT or Industrialm Cooperative Training. These boys and girls (Sr & Jrs) spent an hour each day in my classroom learning the rudiments of the work place . Their classroom periods were cut short so as to go to the place of their part-time employment, learning a "skilled" occupation. These "children" were paid, at least, a minimum salary for ayt least four hours a day (5 day week) and also gained school credit for this training.
Just why all publiuc schools do not offer such a program or enhance their present ones are a mystery to me.
Reply