Staffing agencies, recruiters help candidates with their job search
Whether you’re simply looking to advance in your career or change industries altogether, the job search process can be at times overwhelming and daunting. For many candidates, working with a staffing agency or recruiter can be an invaluable addition.
According to Katy Dellis, vice president of business operations at Luxor Staffing in Houston, staffing agencies offer multiple job opportunities for candidates to choose from across various industries, environments, pay rates, etc. “When a company partners with a staffing agency, the application process can be more flexible in helping a candidate get their foot in the door when they otherwise might not have been able to because of gaps in their employment or background, among other factors,” she said.
A staffing agency can have multiple types of industry opportunities and clients available, and they can coach and offer a job seeker positions that require similar skills to what they have, Dellis said.
“A staffing agency can also help with resume editing, screening and testing. Sometimes people don’t realize how their skills can translate into different industries, and a staffing agency can help ensure they consider all opportunities they’re qualified for,” she said.
It can also often help to work with an individual recruiter or headhunter through a staffing agency.
“Working with a recruiter or recruiting firm allows you to feel like you’re not putting your resume in a black hole,” said Elizabeth Orea, search director at Murray Resources in Houston. “Recruiting firms have relationships with hiring managers and are able to pick up the phone and talk directly to them and make recommendations for candidates we think would be a good fit.”
Before contacting a staffing agency or recruiting firm, a job candidate should be prepared with their job history, whether it’s in notes or on a resume, as well as their government ID for their I-9 form.
“You should also come with a good attitude and arrive early if you have an interview,” Dellis said.
Orea advises candidates to have a prepared resume with a good understanding of their own background.
“We will dig deep and ask why you enjoyed certain jobs and learn ins and outs of who a candidate is as a person to help them prepare to speak with hiring managers,” she said. “It’s also important to always be honest even if you might have left a job for a less than ideal reason, because we will be working as your advocate.”
ResumeSpice, Murray Resources’ sister company, does career coaching and provide advice in general, cover letter, interview prep and LinkedIn. Candidates of all levels can reach out to them, and oftentimes the ResumeSpice team refers them to Murray Resources to help them find a job opportunity.
“We will facilitate the job application process from beginning to end, providing feedback to both the client and hiring company,” Orea said. “Looking for a job in general can be a vulnerable and discouraging experience at times, and it’s helpful to have someone doing it with you.”
Orea also cautions job hunters that not all recruiters and agencies are created equal.
“A good recruiter will maintain contact with you, providing feedback to candidates even if a job application hasn’t gone anywhere,” she said. “We don’t bring people in just to fill the pipeline; if we bring a candidate in, it’s because we have a position that could be a good fit for them, or we likely can help them find one.”
For more information about Luxor Staffing, visit www.luxorstaffing.com.
For Murray Resources, go to www.murrayresources.com. For ResumeSpice, go to resumespice.com.