What is a staffing agency and how does it work?

by Isabel Dorfman on February 8, 2022 in Career Advice

 

what is a staffing agency

Even if you haven’t worked with a staffing agency, you probably have some preconceived notions. And what are the advantages of working with one? While not all agencies are one and the same, those that take their partnerships seriously can provide helpful connections for your career path.

From interview-prep tips and resume reviews to career advice and connections with local companies, a staffing agency can get you started with the job or industry you’ve been searching for. And maybe one of the biggest advantages is that the service is free — a significant help to any job seeker. Sometimes it’s hard to know where to start with your search or what opportunities are available, and that’s exactly where a staffing agency comes in to help.

The best way to explain how a staffing agency works and why it’s in your best interest may be to walk you through how we do things at Contact 1. But before we jump into our steps, here are a few helpful details about our agency.

 

How We Do Things at Contact 1

About 90% of our opportunities fall into the administrative category, usually entry to mid-level. We are presented with opportunities outside those categories as well, but those are less common.

As a staffing and recruiting firm, we have three types of opportunities available: temporary, temporary-to-hire, and direct hire.

 

As a whole, the process and timeline vary based on your experience and the current openings in the market, but we are standing by and ready to help you in your job search. If you reach out to our team, here are the steps we will walk through with you.

 

Our 4 Step Process at Contact 1

Step 1: We Start with You. The first step is getting to know about you through your resume. Using our website, you can peruse current job openings and apply to roles you find most intriguing. When you click on a title, our website will give you more information about that specific position, and you can apply for that specific role. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, don’t fret! You can simply visit our Quick Apply page and submit your resume. This document is our introduction to who you are. Filling it on in detail helps our recruiters know where you’ve been in your career so we can better assist you in where you want to go.

Step 2: We Review Your Application. Once we have your resume on file, we will take a good look at everything you’ve shared. If there are opportunities that fit your background, we will follow up with some questions to gain a better understanding of your past roles and experiences, gleaning all the necessary details from your responses.

Step 3: We Interview You. If your resume and goals align with one of our client partners, a recruiter will connect to provide you with more details. This step in the process will give you more clarity on the types of roles we assist with on a regular basis. We will ask you about what you enjoyed, which kinds of roles you want to avoid, and what you want to do in the future. In short, we want to voice your preferences.  After our team finds a position that matches your experience and needs, we go to our last and most exciting step.

Step 4: We Connect with You. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for. We found a role that you’re excited about, and one of our recruiters reaches out fill you in on the specifics. They can tell you the ins and outs of the responsibilities and requirements, and you will be able to see if the job will be the right fit. From there, we will connect with the client to see if all the details align, and hopefully get you started at your new job.

Are you ready to partner with us and start your job search? Staffing agencies can provide key advantages that guide you to your next opportunity, and we would be honored to be your coach and advocate until we find just the right role for you.

 

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What Is a Staffing Agency FAQS

Q: What is a staffing agency and how does it work?
A staffing agency connects job seekers with employers who are hiring, and supports candidates along the way with resume reviews, interview preparation, career advice, and introductions to local companies. At Contact 1, a recruiter gets to know your background, matches you to openings with our client partners, and stays with you through the interview and placement process until you land the right role.

Q: Is it free to work with a staffing agency?
Yes. Working with a staffing agency like Contact 1 is free for job seekers. There is no cost to submit your resume, speak with a recruiter, or be placed in a role, which makes it a low-risk way to broaden your job search.

Q: What kinds of jobs does Contact 1 help candidates find?
Contact 1 offers three types of opportunities: temporary, temporary-to-hire, and direct hire placements. About 90 percent of our roles are administrative positions at the entry to mid level, though we also take on opportunities outside those categories as they come up.

Q: How long does it take to get placed through a staffing agency?
Timelines vary based on your experience and the openings available in the market at the time. Some candidates are matched quickly, while others take longer depending on demand for their skill set. Contact 1 recruiters keep working on your behalf until the right role comes along.

Q: What happens after I submit my resume to Contact 1?
Contact 1 follows a four-step process. First, we get to know you through your resume. Next, we review your application and follow up with questions about your experience. Then a recruiter interviews you to understand your preferences and goals. Finally, we connect you with a matching role and coordinate the details with our client so you can get started.