Taking the next step in your career can be a daunting transition. At Contemporary Staffing Solutions, we understand the consideration that goes into making this decision and we want to make sure your next step, is the right one. Amidst the job search, it is easy to become overwhelmed with the different search engines, interview scheduling, and sifting through the necessary credentials and requirements. However, with the help of a staffing firm and the associated recruiters, your job search can be streamlined, efficient, and dare we say, exciting.
“The same way you are an expert in your field, recruiters are experts in the employment world. Their full-time job is working with people to place them in a position that is mutually beneficial for both the applicant as well as the employer. One of the many benefits of using a staffing firm is that they are well versed in best practices for the current job market. You should utilize them as a resource not only for their knowledge but for their extensive, well-connected network.” Says Alyssa Mastrangelo, CSS PSG National Recruiting Director.
Read our tips below for best practices when working with a staffing agency.
Be Specific
When working with a recruiter, no detail should be spared. From the beginning, you should be crystal clear about your goals and non-negotiables. This should include everything from office culture to work from home policy’s and everything in between. This specificity helps your recruiter place you in positions that will have a higher success rate as well as an environment you can thrive in long term.
Communicate Effectively
Imagine a recruiters’ Google Calendar. They are working everyday with different candidates around the country as well as their counterpart hiring managers. So, when you are first introduced to the recruiter, it is important to ask what their preferred mode of communication is as well as their parameters for sending documents and materials. All recruiters work differently, but by establishing the most efficient way to communicate, both you and the recruiter will stay organized and nothing will fall through the cracks.
Respond Quickly
Once the communication methods have been established, it is critical to respond quickly and concisely to your staffing agency. The hiring process can move pretty quickly once quality candidates have been identified and any delay in your response puts you at risk for losing the position. Additionally, the way you conduct yourself is reflected upon your recruiter. Your career path in life can be unpredictable. So, establishing a long lasting, trusting relationship with your staffing agency will help you when it is time for your next transition. The only way to establish those longer-term relationships is to build trust and you are able to do so by being someone your recruiter can rely on.
Keep it Honest
Staffing agencies and recruiters should have a well-rounded understanding of your background. When walking through your resume together, you should be honest about any gaps and highlight things of note that the hiring manager will likely ask about. Being honest with your recruiter can help them get ahead of these questions and fully understand the scope of your background.
Working with a staffing agency should be viewed as any other resource. You will get out of it, what you put into it. By learning how to properly communicate with recruiters and the staffing agency as a whole, you will get the most out of your experience: quality jobs and long-term relationships. Times of career transition can be incredibly overwhelming. At Contemporary Staffing Solutions, we want to help you make that transition smoothly and with urgency. By working with us, you gain access to top recruiters, an impressive networking system and a team of people who sincerely care about your success.
About CSS PSG
CSS PSG (Professional Staffing Group) has been a leading provider of contract, temporary, and direct hire solutions. Nationally supporting staffing solutions with a focus in Accounting & Finance, Human Resources, Sales & Marketing, and Call Center & Office. Everyone at CSS operates with pro-active pipelines, the highest business ethics, a winning spirit in our approach, and a team-oriented workflow with real cross-training. The CSS team coaches you with current business intelligence so that we can timely deliver solutions to meet your expectations.