QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE WORKING WITH A STAFFING FIRM

Your career is one of those things about which you should be careful. This means when you’re looking for a job or seeking a new employment opportunity, you need to “do your homework.”
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We’re not talking about going back to school, per say, but we are advocating being both diligent and vigilant, especially if you plan to use the services of a staffing firm. Every staffing firm is different, and if you believe that all of them are the same, then you could be setting yourself up for frustration and disappointment.

Below are questions you should ask before working with a staffing firm:

In which industries do they operate?
Obviously, you want a firm that specializes in your chosen industry. Dig deeper than that, though. Find out all of the different disciplines and niches that the firm services to get a comprehensive view of what it does and how it does it. The more information you uncover, the better.

Do they an office in your area?
Many staffing firms have multiple offices. If there’s only one office, though, how close is it to you? If it has multiple offices, where are they located? Once you begin work, this will be a practical consideration, so do your calculations now, during the planning phase.

What value does the firm offer?
Everything in your professional life comes down to value—the value that you provide and the value that your employer provides. What value does this staffing firm provide? Does it have a simple process? Attractive pay and benefits? Does it have any additional programs for workers? Do the people seem friendly? (Calling the firm to solicit more information beforehand is highly recommended.)

How long has the firm been in operation?
Longevity can be an indication of success. You want a firm that has experience working with job seekers like you in the same industry in which you work. Experience and expertise speak directly to the question above, and that’s because both of these things are valuable to you.

Do you know anybody who has used the firm before?

Referrals and references are still one of the best ways for determining whether or not you should use a product or service, and that includes staffing firms. If the firm operates heavily within your area, you should be able to find others who have worked with them. LinkedIn is a good place to start.

Find out more about Time Staffing’s services for job seekers. And if you’re currently looking for a new job, don’t forget to look through our jobs and apply for one online today!