Anyone in the job market knows how challenging, stressful, and discouraging finding employment can be. Despite living in the age of information, finding a job can still be incredibly strenuous. Thankfully, staffing agencies can help with this process, but exactly what is a staffing agency? What does a staffing agency do? How can a staffing agency help you find work? Questions like these can help direct you to the best staffing agency for your employment needs.
What is a Staffing Agency?
So, what exactly is a staffing agency? In short, staffing agencies connect job seekers and employers, acting as the middleman. When used correctly, staffing agencies can significantly improve a job seeker’s employment search. Streamlining the process helps reduce your stress as a job seeker and devote more time to other areas of your life.
Further, staffing agencies often focus on finding and connecting qualified candidates for temporary, contract positions, and permanent positions within a business, helping to save time for employees and employers.
How Do Staffing Agencies Work?
Finding a job is a full-time job itself. That is why so many job seekers end up working with a staffing agency. Similarly, companies may not have the time to meet their corporations’ hiring demands while fulfilling the responsibilities of their day-to-day roles. That’s where a staffing agency comes in.
Typical Experience for Candidates
How one staffing agency functions may differ from another, but in general, the process begins by contacting an agency that specializes in your field. During this step, individuals register by providing a resume and any pertinent information to their job search.
Next, job seekers will undergo an initial interview with an agency recruiter to assess skills, experience, expectations, and career goals. From there, the recruiter will begin searching for and identifying potential job openings that align with one’s skills and present those opportunities to the job seeker. Candidates will typically interview with the company through the agency, undergoing various screening, interview, and reference check processes.
If the candidate is a good fit, they will be employed by the agency while working at the client company, with the agency generally performing all routine tasks necessary for employment, such as managing contract details, payroll, and additional paperwork.
Typical Experience for Employers
The process differs when a company works with an agency. Their priorities are focused on getting the job out there and gaining traction. Staffing agencies can help do that. That includes posting the job description, reviewing resumes, and conducting interviews.
Again, staffing agencies are the middleman. They help reduce the stress of looking for a job or looking for a candidate by doing the work for you. However, what other services might that include?
Read More: Benefit Your Recruitment Process with a Staffing Specialist
What Services Do Staffing Agencies Provide?
As mentioned, other agencies may have a process that differs from this. In any case, there are typically standard services provided to employers and candidates working with staffing agencies. Let us dive into some of those services.
Services Offered for Employers
There are many reasons why a company would decide to work with an agency. Regardless of those reasons, some of the services an agency may offer employers include but are not limited to:
- Sourcing and screening qualifying, prospective candidates
- Conducting initial screenings and coordinating further interview processes
- Performing background and reference checks on job seekers
- Completing onboarding tasks and managing new-hire paperwork
- Providing specialized expertise and compliance management as needed
Services Offered for Candidates
Of course, agencies and recruiters must also prioritize their candidates, which they do by offering many of the following services:
- Assisting job seekers in finding suitable job positions
- Preparing candidates for interview processes
- Providing counseling and guidance to help candidates find the right job
- Negotiating salary and benefits with the company on the candidate’s behalf
- Reviewing and improving resumes, teaching new skills, and offering additional career and professional development services
Read More: What is Technical Staffing and Who Is It For?
What Should You Consider Before Working With a Staffing Agency?
So, it seems staffing agencies can provide employers and candidates with a wide range of services. But what else should you consider before working with an agency?
For starters, you should consider industry expertise. If you’re a software engineer, consider working with an agency specializing in finding software engineering roles. The same goes for any other industry. For example, Black Diamond Network specializes in finding jobs within the engineering, technology, and life science industries. If that sounds like an industry of interest, consider working with Black Diamond Network to find your next perfect job today.
Another thing to consider before working with an agency is reputation and credibility. Is a particular agency well-known for landing exceptional roles or are they notorious for missing the mark? Do they have a vast list of reputable references from past clients? How are their quality service reviews? Questions such as these are integral to working with the right agency.
Do Companies Have to Pay a Fee When Working With a Staffing Agency?
Another thing candidates and companies should consider before working with a staffing agency is whether or not there are any fees.
Companies typically pay fees to staffing agencies for successful placements. A staffing agency will charge a fee for finding and placing a qualified candidate, and these fees are usually a percentage of the candidate’s annual salary.
Of course, fees and rates vary from one agency to the next. Depending on the agency, additional costs may be required which is also why companies should consider fees. However, job seekers usually do not have to pay fees to a staffing agency. So, individuals struggling with their job search do not have to worry about whether or not they can afford to work with a staffing agency today.
Why Might You Decide to Work With a Staffing Agency?
As mentioned, a company or job seeker might work with a staffing agency for varying reasons. Employers may work with one to meet high-priority hiring demands, increase production, or meet industry-specific hiring needs. For the job seekers, it will widen their access to job opportunities.
Additionally, working with a staffing agency saves time. Recruiters have wider connections, industry-specific recruiting expertise, and access to a larger talent pool. All of this allows them to cut the hiring time in half, match candidates to the right jobs, and help companies fill jobs with a much quicker turnaround.
Read More: Is It Still Worth It To Use a Staffing Agency?
What Are Some of the Benefits of Working With a Staffing Agency?
So, are you still asking yourself, “What is a staffing agency?” or “What does a staffing agency do?” Learning more and highlighting some benefits of working with one might help.
Benefits for Candidates
First and foremost, working with an agency can significantly reduce the candidate’s stress. Of course, going on interviews, negotiating salaries, and worrying about the outcome of an application is still stressful. However, collaborating with a recruiter can:
- Increase access to diverse job opportunities
- Improve the time it takes to apply and get an interview
- Offer industry-specific knowledge, especially regarding hiring trends
- Provide feedback on resumes, interview tips, and career development
- Help you negotiate to get the best possible salary and benefits package
Benefits for Employers
As mentioned, agencies can help companies reduce hiring costs while streamlining the hiring process. However, they can also:
- Increase a company’s access to diverse candidate pools
- Reduce hiring risk and avoid excessive turnover
- Offer onboarding support to ensure a smooth transition into a role
- Allow managers and supervisors to focus on the core business while entrusting their hiring needs to a third party
How Can You Find the Best Staffing Agency for Your Needs?
Completing extensive research is one of the most effective ways to find the best agency for your personal or professional needs. Again, consider reputation, review, and potential costs or fees. The key to finding the right agency is looking for one with expertise in your industry.
So, where do you begin? Start by finding a few agencies and inquire to learn more. That goes beyond asking what is a staffing agency or what does a staffing agency do — you should ask what a staffing agency can do for you. Communicate your needs and goals, and with the right information, an agency can find the perfect job or candidate for you.
Why Work With Black Diamond Network?
Black Diamond sets itself apart from other staffing agencies by offering personalized service, a deep understanding of industry trends, and a commitment to building long-lasting relationships with clients and candidates. For companies in the life sciences, engineering, and technology industries, our services can help you find top-tier talent quickly and efficiently.
Similarly, we encourage job seekers to contact us and learn more about job opportunities. Let us help you achieve your goals and find your next perfect role today.