Which option would be better for me..applying directly to a company, or going through staffing agency? Anyone ever gone through theM? Do you recommend them? Do they really help?
I’ve been to several, and so far htey seem a tad useless to me. The latest, he cud barely keep track of why I was in. I had applied for a particular position, I go in and he just gives me a lecture on overtime and how they’d look for a position that required NO overtiem since Im a student (parttime). He emails me two days later saying theres a position hes’ considering me for, and to make an appoitnment.. I go in today, and he’s like “lemme talk to my associate, call me later”, i call him and he says “oh that position had overtime.” I mean.. cudn’t he hav made sure of that BEFORE emailing me So i’m kinda annoyed about that..My friend whos been through all this (even actually got temp jobs, and is now fulltime), says thats what they do..and 95 % of jobs are usually from them..
So now, what are some tips to deal with staffing agencies? Are you required to be just as formal (dresswise) when going to a staffing agency as you are on a real interview? And is it alright to call them asking for any openings or are htey supposed to call yoU? This guy, Russell, was very very very nice, and said to call again nxt week to check in, whereas the other lady, i have not spoken to since after the interview.. :hinna:
Do your research if you have the time and as a first option apply to the companies directly. Nearly all of them have a careers section and its much easier for the companies to follow your application up.
If you dont have the time then as a last resort yeah go for agencies
In my experience, the agencies work quite well in one of two scenarios:
1- when someone’s looking for temp work: If working at the same place for a long time isn’t important, then you can get placements through agencies for times when there may be a transitional opening in a company or when the company’s regular staff may have some time off e.g. maternity leaves etc.
2- when someone’s qualified, skilled and experienced enough for an agency to take up as a potential candidate for their locked in clients: a lot of big agencies work regularly with a few select companies and they’re always on the lookout for people who they can add to their database of seekers. The candidate may get placed in a position that’s below their qualifications, but once there, he/she can quickly progress up the ladder by his/her own drive.
So in my experience and from what I’ve seen, agencies DO work, but they’re not a substitute for aggressive personal search.
^ and yes DO NOT depend on Monster... having worked in HR, I know a lot of companies post their jobs there post-hiring just to comply with the formality of having publicized the position.
I'm not saying that all jobs posted are such, but a lot of them are.
can u make copies & coffee, take calls and remain organized? i think i have an opening for a personal assistant. Pay won't be that much but ud have a great boss :)
Sara, do you have a career center in your college? If yes, then should be able to put your resume on their career website for different employers and also you should be able to check different job openings in the area thorugh their website.
I applied through agencies, but never heard from them. Jobs that i got were either by direct applying at the company or through some contact. And my current job i found through Monster .... so it's not tatally useless.
Then start building your network .... i believe it is one of the most effective tools you can use to get a job. Whoever you meet, ask their profession. If that matches yours, then just bookmark that person. Ask your friends and family if they know some1 in your field, then use those links.
Sara - as you are a student, coming by part time useful office jobs is EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. You are likely to find telemarketing jobs on a part time basis easily. I have interviewed many students and graduates and as an employer we decided not to go for students or graduates because of the lack of work ethic and the level of expectations.
Monster is good to find jobs or for recruiters to find you but you need to make your resume visible to recruiters - if you haven't done so I would reccomend doing so. Also try thisislondon.co.uk - these are jobs mostly advertsied in the Evening Standard. You could also try timesonline's appointments section.
It is not easy finding a suitable job so if you are not spending enough time doing so - you will not get the results you want. As with anything I might add.
^ Schine, I'm looking for a full-time job now, school will be part-time, so that's not a problem anymore. I don't know what you mean by level of expectations? They expect too much from you and vice versa or what?
I believemy resume is visible.. it is on three diff websites now. I'm in NYC so thisislondon won't be much help to me :)
I believemy resume is visible.. it is on three diff websites now. I'm in NYC so thisislondon won't be much help to me :)
Hi Sara516
In my experience graduates expect too much when just starting off - at least they do here in the UK. The understanding of the office environment seems to come straight from movies like WALL STREET for instance. This causes them to feel disappointed and are often job hopping and never really get the chance to build a worthwhile resume.
I did see your location, but I think someone earlier mentioned a London job site so thought perhaps you were looking to relocate. :)
I would recommend contacting American firms directly in addition to posting resumes online. The proactive approach to job hunting is often more appreciated. The human factor of it all works well. On a one to one basis you have the opportunity to let your personality shine which can often tip the decision in your favor. Believe it or not - this definately happens.
So i’m kinda annoyed about that..My friend whos been through all this (even actually got temp jobs, and is now fulltime), says thats what they do..and 95 % of jobs are usually from them..
So now what.. 