Having an employment agency on your side can alleviate much of the stress and workload of finding a new job. They have resources at their disposal to get you where you need to be, and have already done the legwork of networking with many employers to help pave a way for you into your next career. Teaming up with an agency like ReStart not only makes things easier for you on your job hunt, but it increases your opportunities exponentially.
But when it comes to picking the right agency, it can get tricky. There are many options out there, and some might not be the best fit for you. Here we’ll review some helpful advice on how to make the right choice.
Find out how long they have been in business
The longer an agency has been in business, the more likely they are to have a larger network of employers to connect job candidates to. A tenured agency will also have a proven track record of success, or else they wouldn’t be able to keep their doors open.
Don’t forget that the individual career counsellors will have varying levels of experience as well. And they may specialize in certain industries. Don’t be afraid to ask about their history with the type of employment you are looking for.
Do your research
Take some time to look for the agency’s online presence. They may have websites, social media accounts, LinkedIn, or even blog posts that you can examine to see if their connections to your desired industry are real. You can tell a lot about their strategy from the way they comport themselves online. Furthermore, you may be able to find reviews and feedback from previous job seekers that will let you in on the experience of working with this particular agency.
Find out who is accountable
There will likely be many departments at the agency, from sales, to counsellors, to recruiters who liaise directly with employers. It is important for you to be aware of who is actually responsible for connecting you to the services or employers that you need. That way, you can work with them to give a better understanding of what you are hoping to get out of things, and verify that they have both the experience and connections to get you there.
Get references
As we mentioned earlier, reviews are a great way to find out about how an agency operates. Even if you can’t find any online, you can ask outright for references from previous job seekers. If you can, you may want to get feedback from people who had similar goals as yourself. Not only is it a good sign if they have positive things to say about their experience, but it also looks good on the agency if they keep in contact with previous job seekers. It shows their networking skills are up to snuff.
See if they genuinely ask about your goals
Every person who walks through the doors of an employment agency is looking for something different. They may have come from different places in their career, they may be new to the workforce, or they may need something very particular. Each case is different. If the agency you’re looking at has a one-size-fits-all approach, you should take it as a bad sign. A proper agency will take time to get to know you and your specific needs.
Check what steps they help you with during the process
Your agency first and foremost wants to get you a job. But there are many steps to getting you there. Ask about where they provide assistance. Ideally, the agency has services to offer every step of the way, from resume crafting, to prepping for interviews, to getting equipment you may need for your job. They should also be able to provide in-depth insight into the companies you interview or get a placement with, so that they are outfitting you with all the knowledge and skills you’ll need to make it work.
Ask if they assist with negotiating your job offers
Most reputable agencies will not stop just because you got your first offer. You may receive several possible employments, and they should be able to advise on what to expect from each. They should be able to help you negotiate wages and benefits using information from your industry’s trends. They should be patient, and understand when you turn down certain offers that simply don’t meet your needs, even if it means more work for them in terms of connecting you to other options.
Job hunting is hard. But you don’t need to go it alone. Professional employment agencies like ReStart can take some of the weight off your shoulders, and help you achieve more than you could on your own. When you’re ready to connect with an agency, keeping these useful tips in mind will help you ensure you are getting the best help you can.