Staffing Agencies and Recruiters - 5 Ways to Attract a Staffing Agency

Staffing agencies and recruiters exist to find people for jobs, not jobs for people. In addition to finding the right staffing agency to work with, you must appeal to that firm as a candidate. Here are five things to do to attract the right placement agent.

1. Know What You Want

If a recruiter asks what kind of work you're looking for don't respond by asking, "What positions do you have open?" This response implies a lack of focus at best and desperation at worst. Be focused about the kind of work you want and be prepared to discuss it. Don't expect a placement professional to visualize you in a specific role from a very general resume. Speaking of which...

2. Have a Strong Resume

You need a strong resume to attract the right recruiter for the same reason you need one to attract the hiring manager. List responsibilities and accomplishments in a features/benefits format. Make it easy for the resume screener to see how your qualifications and what you've accomplished line up with a particular opening.

3. Respond to Specific Agency Job Postings

Staffing agencies post openings on major job boards regularly. Many of them also still use classified ads. Once you've identified an agency you're interested in working with look for jobs advertised by that firm.

4. Call and Ask to Speak to a Placement Person

Each staffing firm has it's own way of doing things. Some call their placement people recruiters. Others may call them account managers or agents. By asking for the placement person you should be able to connect with the person matching people to open positions. From there you can share the type of work you're looking for; find out about current openings and get permission to forward your resume to that person.

5. Forward Your Resume Even if There is No Current Opening

If you've found a firm that specializes in placing people in your field they need to have your resume on file. You may not be invited into the selection process right away but you never know what openings may come in that afternoon. The smart placement person won't want to waste your time (or hers) by bringing you in unless she feels she has a good chance of helping you.

Once you've found a good placement agency and they've agreed to represent you, you need to understand how to facilitate your success in finding a job through them. The last article in this series gives 5 ways to get placed through a staffing agency.

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