Increasingly more job seekers are turning to staffing companies to help them find both short-term and long-term job opportunities. Understanding how to work with a staffing company, however, is essential to maximizing your chances of successfully securing a position. Consider the following six tips for effectively communicating with your staffing company:
Professionalism matters. Frequently, job-seekers make the mistake of assuming that it’s not necessary to treat an interview with a staffing company the same way they would treat an interview with another employer. Not only is this view inaccurate, it also means that you’re setting yourself up for failure from the get-go. When you meet with your recruiter for the first time, treat the meeting the same way you would treat any interview process– show up early, dress professionally, and be prepared. Remember: your recruiter is deciding whether or not she wants you to represent her company at a client’s office, so first impressions matter.
Be honest. Your recruiter is on your side, so it’s important to be upfront with him. Tell him exactly what you’re looking for and be honest about what you can and can’t do. It’s best for your recruiter to know your interests and abilities upfront so he knows how to best advocate for you. Additionally, always be honest with your recruiter about your employment history, including gaps in your resume and reasons for leaving past positions. However, remember to be diplomatic in your responses; bad-mouthing former employers is never acceptable in an interview setting.
Stay in contact. Another common mistake job-seekers make is to register with a staffing company and then neglect to follow-up. If your recruiter never hears from you again after your initial meeting, she will likely assume that you’re not serious about finding an opportunity. Make sure to check-in with your recruiter regularly– at least once a week– and keep her abreast of any changes on your end, including other interviews, job offers, or schedule changes.
Consider your references. Your recruiter will want to check in with at least a few references before sending you out to a client company for an assignment. Remember to keep your references professional; listing family members or friends that you’ve never worked with professionally simply isn’t relevant. Try to list a reference from each of your previous employers; former supervisors or managers are always preferable. Additionally, make sure you have your references prepared before meeting with your recruiter– and always double check to ensure contact information is updated.
Be flexible. While it’s important to be upfront with your recruiter about your interests and availability, it’s also a good idea to be flexible when working with a staffing company. If you’re looking for a long-term opportunity, for example, consider accepting some short-term temporary roles in the meantime. Doing so will not only get you a paycheck, it will also demonstrate to your recruiter that you’re serious about getting out to work. Additionally, short-term jobs often offer a foot in the door at companies; after all, you never know when a temporary job might turn into a permanent opportunity.
Accept feedback. Your recruiter works with many job-seekers and employers alike, so he can likely offer you some constructive feedback. For example, he might have some tips on how you can update your resume or improve your interview responses. Many staffing companies also offer computer software training free of charge, so consider using this resource to brush up on any outdated skills.
If you’re looking for accounting, financial, or administrative work in the San Diego area, contact us today. We are a boutique staffing firm and would welcome the opportunity to assist you in your job search.
