Guest article by Sharlene Massie, CEO of About Staffing & Director on the ACSESS Calgary Chapter Board
I assume the general public knows about employment agencies, head hunters or executive search firms, temporary placement services and the like, because I’m in the business. I actually find it shocking when someone asks me what a staffing agency does, or what we charge candidates to find a job. We don’t charge candidates, for anything. In a tight labour market like we are currently in, how does a candidate know which agency to use, or apply with one at all, when jobs are advertised on-line, and there are plenty to choose from that way for the best applicants?
Staffing companies do work hard to attract top candidates in any market. The best people in any economy will be placed or headhunted through an agency. We will continue to work hard to be the agency of choice for candidates regardless of what is happening with the unemployment rates and the economy. Candidates may assume that agencies will not be used when the unemployment rate is rising. But agencies are a cost effective measure for hiring in any economy. Still, why should candidates spend the time and effort applying with an agency?
Employers pay employment agencies to find the best possible people for them, and either hire those people on a temporary basis or direct-hire basis. Sometimes, employers need a confidential placement, or they are looking for someone specific that they would not be able to source on their own. In this uncertain market, employers may not be certain about hiring a permanent employee, so instead of making a long term commitment, they choose to hire temporarily. Staffing agencies allow for the flexibility an employer needs today.
Employers who use staffing agencies typically do not use other sources of advertising the vacancies. They commit to the agency process of finding the best candidates, and determining the right fit or they go through advertising and screening themselves, not both. Candidates (job seekers) typically would not find that job opportunity without the introduction made through the agency. And, ethical and licensed agencies have never charged candidates for anything. In fact, agencies that are members of the Association of Canadian Search, Employment and Staffing Services (ACSESS) pledge annually to uphold a strict Code of Ethics and Standards which promotes ethical treatment of employees and clients, and adherence to applicable human rights laws. These are the types of staffing firms you want to work with.
Here are some tips and facts on using a service to help find a job.
Staffing agencies focus on either light industrial placements, office placements or a particular type of specialty — like engineering, accounting, sales, or administration. Some agencies handle direct hire or permanent placements only, where the introduction is made, accepted, and the candidate is payrolled through the client. Some agencies are considered temp agencies, where the candidate is continually payrolled through the agency. Most agencies do both ends of the placements now.
Executive search firms (head hunters) concentrate on sourcing specific people to fill high-end and confidential positions.
Candidates can increase their opportunities by doing a few small things.
Send in a resume that is focused and clear, with NO mistakes and in a widely accepted electronic format.
Call to check the resume has been received, and ask about following up.
The receptionist, or whoever answers the phone, is a great resource for any information a candidate might need, such as the process, or types of jobs they fill, so it’s not necessary to talk to a recruiter. The front end person may also help a candidate determine if this is the right agency focus for them.
If a candidate is called for an interview with the agency, remember to treat it as a real interview.
A recruiter may have many opportunities for a good candidate, and certainly can open many more doors than any one company can. Staffing agency recruiters are professionals, many are certified, so they may have some job opportunity ideas a candidate had never thought of, so be very respectful of the interviewer.
Once a candidate has started interviewing for jobs, it is imperative to stay in close contact with the agency. The recruiter is representing the candidate and is exceptional at negotiating in the candidates best interest.
Job offers and temp assignments can happen very quickly. The candidates need to be prepared to make fast decisions once the process has begun.
Staffing agencies are well-connected and experts at finding jobs for all types of candidates. Agencies are formed on reputation and relationship building. Candidates should do a little research, make a few calls to find the right agency fit. There will be nothing to lose by opening as many job option doors as possible.
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Sharlene Massie is the CEO of About Staffing Ltd., a dynamic personnel agency specializing in permanent and temporary placements, and also serves on the Calgary Chapter Board of Directors for the Association of Canadian Search, Employment and Staffing Services (ACSESS). Please send comments or questions to their website at www.aboutstaffing.com. May be reproduced or transmitted if done so in its entirety, including this copyright line: Copyright 2009, by About Staffing Ltd., all rights reserved.
