Working with a staffing agency can be a great way to find temporary or permanent work. Oklahoma City staffing agencies are great resources for job seekers. However, it can sometimes be tough to know if a given agency will do a good job finding you work. Before you sign on with an agency, read through this simple guide to picking the right one and make sure you know what to expect.

 

Know Your Employer

 

When you take a contract or temp position through a staffing firm, the agency is technically your employer. However, you will still report to managers at the company where you are placed, even though your pay and benefits come through the firm. This can be confusing to people working with a staffing agency for the first time, and you may also be concerned that this could be an obstacle to finding permanent work. However, this arrangement is actually very common, especially in temp-to-hire positions where you could eventually transfer into a full-time role at your company. 

 

Understand the Recruitment Process

 

Staffing agencies are hired, and paid, by companies and businesses that need help finding employees. Thus, the primary job of a staffing agency is to find employees to fill a position - not necessarily to find jobs for candidates. With this in mind, you should concentrate on making yourself an attractive candidate for a job rather than sitting back and waiting for a job to come your way. Recruiters will not place you at the expense of their clients - they'll only offer you a position if they feel like you would be a good fit for the post.  

 

One way to get more job offers from a staffing firm is to concentrate on the areas they specialize in, and to be choosy with which firms you apply to. For instance, if you have financial experience, you should try to find a firm that works with placing people in financial jobs. Specialized staffing agencies are relatively common and can make it easier for you to find work. 

 

Understand the Agency's Expectations and Needs

When you work with a recruiter, they should be able to clearly state what they need from you and what they expect from their candidates. They should also be willing and able to offer you feedback on being an ideal candidate for a position and what you can do to improve. 

 

Here are a few things you should know when you meet with a staffing agency:

 

• What should you expect as a candidate?

• How often will the recruiters be in touch with offers or feedback?

• What is the average time for placement?

• Can they share feedback about your resume or interviews?

 

Get Feedback and Communication

Recruiters should be willing to offer you feedback and help that will allow you to become a better candidate for their firm. This can include tips on emphasizing your strengths in your resume or cover letter, being honest when a job isn't a good fit for you, and keeping you appraised of your status during the interview and hiring process.

 

Insist on Transparency and Open Communication

The recruiter at your staffing agency should be open and honest with you, providing feedback that will help you emphasize your strengths to potential employers, being truthful when a job just isn’t the right fit (even if it’s at your dream company), and keeping you informed throughout the interview and hiring process.

In turn, you should be open and honest with your recruiters as well. Make sure you let them know when you have concerns or if there are any unforeseen circumstances that might keep you from taking a job when they offer it. If you communicate well and offer open, clear feedback on the process, your recruiter will be better equipped to help you and find better offers for you.
 

Take Charge of Your Search

 

Remember, even when you work with a staffing agency, your job search is still your responsibility. Keep track of places you've submitted your applications to and remember to follow up with employers and managers after a reasonable time. Also, remember not to submit your resume to the same place more than once. This can make you look disorganized or careless - not a good look for a new employee. You should also check with your recruiter to ensure you would be a good fit at a new job, and they should be willing to give you an idea of the corporate culture and any expectations the employer would have for you.

 

If you follow these tips, you'll find that working with a staffing agency in Oklahoma City isn't difficult at all. Indeed, staffing agencies are often one of the best ways to further your career and find jobs at places you would never otherwise see.