There are many advantages to working with a staffing agency. Both for the person looking for a position and for the companies looking to fill positions.

Not everyone knows what a staffing agency is or how it works.

Keep reading to find out what it's like to work with a staffing agency and why it may be the perfect choice for you.

What is a Staffing Agency?

A staffing agency, often known as an employment agency, helps companies find qualified staff to fill temporary or permanent employment needs.

They have a pool of candidates to choose from that have already been vetted. This saves companies the time and frustration of going through resumes, holding numerous interviews and other necessary steps to hire on new staff.

How Does a Staffing Agency Work?

Qualified prospective employees sign up with the staffing agency after submitting resumes, documentation of experience and education and sometimes completing testing to prove competency. 

This enables the agency to connect the best candidates to the best employer. Many companies find this easier than doing all the research on potential employees themselves.

This is a popular choice for short-term positions to finish a particular project or cover LOAs, vacations, maternity and sick leave for permanent employees.

What to Expect

Employment agency work can be a great option for many because it gives you options. You can choose to work in temporary positions or seek permanent employment with a reputable company. 

The Interview Process

When you first connect with an employment agency recruiter you'll be interviewed much as you would with any other job. They'll discuss your resume, education, and experience with you. 

Once hired you won't necessarily go to work right away.

You've been hired to be in their employee database, not for a specific position. 

Getting a Position

When a company contacts the agency looking for one or several employees the agency will search their database for candidates who closely match the needs of the employer.

They will then get approval from the company and inform the accepted individuals of the position.

Head to Work

If you are the right match and have accepted the position, the agency will send you all the details.

You are still under their umbrella of responsibility and you will most likely report to your recruiter. They will touch base with you and tell you who will supervise you at the place of employment.

Many employment agency positions are temporary, to begin with. This allows the employer to fill immediate needs and decide if the employee is the right person for the job. 

Your Choice

The great thing about staffing agencies is that you have more control. You can often set the days and weeks you are available to work. If you want to take time between assignments that is usually an option.

You can decide if you want to accept an assignment or if you'd rather work someplace else. Some positions are full-time and some are part-time giving you more control over the hours you work and the positions you accept.

Represent Yourself and Your Staffing Agency Well

Whether you're working in a location for one day or given a long-term assignment you are representing yourself and the staffing agency you work through.

If you are professional and flexible you may find working for an agency is the perfect choice for you.