Having been laid off because the company is going out of business, I have looked at staffing agencies. I have used them before with little success in the past. I just feel dirty and used when I get the first job. I don't like that they don't tell you the rules just hand you the guidebook not big rules just the little rules. Like for a long time I did not know I can say no to a job I may not like at all or if I work at a job for a week and find that I don't like it and pays too little I can always switch. I just feel a lot better getting hired on thru a company without ever contacting a staffing agency. Although strapped for cash they are a good option since they can find you a job right away. Just looking for people's advice on what to do. By the way, I have mostly warehouse and manufacturing experience with warehouse being the most I have experience with. Just sometimes I wish I knew a head honcho for a company that was a neighbor of mine. Yes I wish I had connections. Thanks
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What do you guys think of staffing agencies?
- Thread starter jc0481
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I did some of that when I first got out of college. Sucked. But that's just how jobs like that go. To be happy in job land, you need to do one of two things:
1) Have a skill that employers need. So much that they want to make you happy.
or
2) Go into business for yourself.
1) Have a skill that employers need. So much that they want to make you happy.
or
2) Go into business for yourself.
Staffing agencies are to jobs same thing Windows is to the computer.
Often dumb, annoying, time wasting and so on. Unfortunately, quite often you are forced to use them as most companies are stupid enough to think they actually get better candidates and save money by using those "recruitment specialists"
Often dumb, annoying, time wasting and so on. Unfortunately, quite often you are forced to use them as most companies are stupid enough to think they actually get better candidates and save money by using those "recruitment specialists"
Staffing agencies can get you into a good situation, but on rare occasions. I must use them for temp requirements. I know how they work, so I make some tough deals with them. I require they take no more than 25% in what I pay in wages. I make them agree (in advance) to a capped fee if I decide to hire the person.
It very much depends on the staffing agency, tbh. I hate to be pessimistic, but most of them are out there with a quota to meet, and they're going to play the odds game and match as many people up with as many jobs as possible and rely on having success with those people through numbers.
Relatively few staffing agencies are really there to forge relationships with companies and people. I know, "they're all there to forge long-lasting relationships," but the bottom line is what counts. Some are great, some are just there to make a quick buck. That's how businesses work.
Your best chance, imo, is to find a smaller local staffing agency that you feel can meet your needs rather than a larger regional or national agency. It will pay off in the long-run, in my opinion.
Relatively few staffing agencies are really there to forge relationships with companies and people. I know, "they're all there to forge long-lasting relationships," but the bottom line is what counts. Some are great, some are just there to make a quick buck. That's how businesses work.
Your best chance, imo, is to find a smaller local staffing agency that you feel can meet your needs rather than a larger regional or national agency. It will pay off in the long-run, in my opinion.
If you are in a desperate situation, they can be the fastest way to start getting a paycheck again. Temping can also be a means to learn about the companies in your area, which ones are good to work for, which ones to avoid. Yes, I speak from personal experience.
You must be on guard with them however. I'm not suggesting you need to be nasty, just on guard. The person placing you is working on commission at most of these outfits. They probably know very little about their client companies, but they'll tell how great the company is, how wonderfully you'll be treated, and how they have some people that have worked at company X for years. Be on guard against all of this.
Don't take a job sight-unseen, no matter how desperate your situation is. You could be headed into a horror show. If they say "You have to start this job immediately. They want you to head out there and start tonight!" Say no thanks. The place will be a sweatshop. Insist on an interview first. Learn just what it is the client company wants you to do.
If they say "there's plenty of overtime opportunity", beware. Sweatshop.
Don't be too surprised if you get calls from several temp agencies for the same job.
You must be on guard with them however. I'm not suggesting you need to be nasty, just on guard. The person placing you is working on commission at most of these outfits. They probably know very little about their client companies, but they'll tell how great the company is, how wonderfully you'll be treated, and how they have some people that have worked at company X for years. Be on guard against all of this.
Don't take a job sight-unseen, no matter how desperate your situation is. You could be headed into a horror show. If they say "You have to start this job immediately. They want you to head out there and start tonight!" Say no thanks. The place will be a sweatshop. Insist on an interview first. Learn just what it is the client company wants you to do.
If they say "there's plenty of overtime opportunity", beware. Sweatshop.
Don't be too surprised if you get calls from several temp agencies for the same job.
My son is currently working for a Temp, At the end of his 6 months the company he's doing the actual work for is looking to keep him full time with benefits. Some times theres opportunity, you never know.