Mechanical engineering is highly specialized, and many positions are in demand globally. However, the struggle of having to find work can sometimes be overwhelming.
Working with a staffing agency can reduce job search stress by providing access to a broader range of opportunities and increasing the chances of finding a job that matches your long-term career goals. But what should you look for when considering an agency?
Read on to learn about what a mechanical engineer should look for in a staffing agency.
Research Potential Agencies
The first thing to do when looking to work with a staffing agency is to do some research and ask the right questions. The best questions to ask prospective agencies should provide you with insight into their experience and hiring expertise. Some questions you might ask include:
• What agencies are in your area?
• What kind of hiring experience do they have for mechanical engineer roles?
• What skills and qualifications are their clients looking for?
• What positions are currently available that fit your experience?
• Do they primarily focus on entry-level or senior-level positions?
These are all crucial questions to ask as you conduct your research.
Look for Agencies with a Diverse Portfolio
One thing to consider when looking for a staffing agency is a diverse portfolio. Mechanical engineering positions, while specialized, can vary extensively. The right staffing agency should have experience hiring for a number of roles, ranging from research and development to information technology.
Be sure to ask what roles they’ve hired before. Some potential positions you may want to see if an agency has placed include:
• Mechanical design.
• Mechanical engineers.
• Drafters.
• Structural analysts.
• Stress analysts.
• Thermal engineers.
Credibility also means a great deal. If you have colleagues and peers who’ve worked with a staffing agency, ask them about their experiences and what, in their professional opinion, they found most beneficial about that specific agency. It’s okay to consider other options if a prospective agency doesn’t seem to have the best reputation within the industry.
Top Reasons to Partner With a Staffing Agency
There are many reasons to work with an agency dedicated to connecting candidates with companies looking to acquire mechanical engineers for their teams. Here are just a few benefits of partnering with the right staffing agency.
1. Increased Access to a Wide Range of Positions
Staffing agencies utilize many databases that can link candidates to more opportunities. Lack of access to these databases limits your options, and finding a job that aligns with your experience and career goals will be more challenging.
2. Valuable Insight Into the Job Market
Recruiters know the in-and-outs of hiring trends, what jobs are in demand, and what companies are looking for new talent. The right agency can provide insight into the current job market for mechanical engineers and advise you better on your resume, interview tips, and offer negotiations.
3. More Networking Opportunities
Another benefit of working with a staffing agency is the networking opportunities it offers. Recruiters have many connections with hiring managers, HR departments, and other industry recruiters. These connections can widen your professional network, which is always beneficial in the job market.
4. Reduced Stress
Let’s face it, job hunting is a full-time job in itself, and with a number of people looking for new work, it can quickly become stressful. Working with an agency reduces that stress. Though you’ll still be anxious or nervous about potential new opportunities, allowing a recruiter to take the reins and do the heavy lifting takes a substantial weight off your shoulders.
5. Saved Time and Quicker Results
Not only is searching for a job stressful, but it’s also time-consuming. Working with an agency saves you some time. It can also produce quicker results, as the agency’s job, day in and day out, is to find clients top-tier roles.
What Should You Look for in a Staffing Agency?
There are many factors to consider and questions to ask when vetting a staffing agency. But what else should a mechanical engineer look for?
1. Services Offered
One crucial factor to consider when looking at a staffing agency is the services they offer. Do they exclusively hire contract roles? Do they focus on any direct hire placement? Can they help you with your resume or offer negotiations? These are essential questions to ask before deciding on an agency.
2. Success Rates for Matching Mechanical Engineers with Employers
Next, you should consider their success rates. As mentioned, credibility is everything, but also look at the numbers. How long have they placed candidates in your area? Do they have positive client reviews? How long has the agency been in business? The higher the success rate, the more credible an agency becomes.
3. Years of Industry-Specific Experience
In addition to years of recruiting experience, you must also ask how long they’ve placed candidates in a specific industry. You want an agency with direct mechanical engineering experience to ensure they have the proper connections and knowledge to find you a good fit.
4. Understanding Your Employment Needs
A staffing agency is only as good as its ability to understand clients’ needs. Agencies should care about their clients and be able to create healthy working relationships. Prioritize finding an agency whose recruiters make you feel heard and understood and who produces results that meet your needs.
5. Communication and Responsiveness
Communication is fundamental to any successful business relationship. Analyze your initial contact with a staffing agency. Have they been responsive? Do you have a direct point of contact? Does that individual take the time to answer your questions and explain the process in depth? Open lines of communication are critical to staffing any professionals, including mechanical engineers.
Working with a staffing agency like Black Diamond Networks offers mechanical engineers access to more positions, quicker results, and improved job-finding outcomes. Contact us to take the next step in your career today.
