LaSalle Network

First, staffing firms have access to job opportunities not listed on job boards or company Websites. Second, recruiters are involved in a broad range of business relationships and networks dedicated to connecting qualified talent with open career opportunities. Additionally, many companies solely use staffing firms to identify candidates for their permanent and temporary-to-hire positions. A staffing firm can be your advocate – opening doors, giving career advice and overcoming objections for you.

Working with a staffing firm does not affect your salary. Honest firms do not take a cut of your salary or hourly rate, and are only paid by the client. There should be no cost to the job seeker whatsoever.

The most effective way to utilize a staffing firm is to check in with them often and keep them updated on your employment status. Most staffing firms interview over 200 job seekers a week, and frequently checking in with your recruiter every Monday via e-mail, for example, will keep you in the forefront of their mind when they’re considering potential candidates for an assignment.

A common misconception about staffing companies is that they do not care about their candidates. But in reality, recruiters are there to advise, teach and counsel job-seekers. Whether recruiters are able to place the candidate in a job or not, high quality staffing firms teach candidates essential resume and interviewing skills and ways to market themselves effectively in the current economic climate. Quality staffing firms give candidates the tools needed to be successful in their future jobs or interviews.

A common mistake job seekers make when dealing with staffing firms is a lack of professionalism during interviews. Many job seekers do not take interviewing with staffing firms as seriously as they would if they were directly interviewing with a company. It is important for candidates to present themselves in the same manner as they would at their dream company. It’s surprising how many job seekers have their cell phones visible, dress inappropriately or act in a casual and informal manner.

 There are no negatives to working with the right staffing firm. The key is beginning the relationship with the right expectations. No staffing company can guarantee you a job, but at the very least you will build a relationship with a professional who has an extensive network with area companies. Networking with anyone and everyone you can is always a positive when looking for a job.