Anyone ever use a job placement agency to look for a new job?

[Debralynn]

I'm job hunting and just submitted an application to Kelly Employment Services. Has anyone ever used a job placement agency when they were seeking a new job? What do I need to know when using an agency? What about these temp to hire positions? Thanks for your help. Debralynn:D

[Angelina]

Hi!

I am job hunting myself, and I just send my resume out to as many job placement agencies as I can find. I don't know if here in NYC things work differently, but you are not bound to work only with one.

Do you actually have to apply with agencies where you are? What is this agency supposed to do for you? Are you looking for temp or permanent positions?

In my experience, agencies like to collect as many resumes as possible, like a squirrel collecting nuts for winter. Only they don't forget about them. Sooner or later, someone will come through for you. I just started last week and I have already been sent on one interview and one coming up.

I have also applied straight with banks, both my own and a French bank, and they are slower to respond. I don't mean they are bad or anything, it's just the way things work. :)

Angela

[HejazSunKat]

What do I need to know when using an agency? What about these temp to hire positions?

You need to know they don't work for you they work for their client. Unless you are paying them (and I don't believe you are in this instance) the relationship is akin to what you'd have with a real estate agent. The client will pay a placement fee to the head hunter for anybody they decide to hire so they do have something of an incentive to negotiate a good salary for you but I wouldn't rely on that assumption. I've actually gotten several jobs through head hunters including my present one though I did not enjoy the experience. They were outrageously inept when it came to alot of things so it's a wonder I ever got a job through them in the end.

You are also not limited to working with just one head hunter. I worked with three different agencies the last time I was job hunting: One of them never sent me on a single interview even though I kept in touch with the consultant on a regular basis, the other two kept me pretty busy with interviews. I agree with Angelina that there are some unscrupulous, fly-by-night outfits out there that are simply in the business of collecting resumes. Once your resume starts circulating on the street you will probably hear from a few!

As for temp to hire positions my company does that alot. It gives both of you an opportunity to test drive the job/employee and see if it's a good fit so I really don't see anything wrong with that approach especially if you've been out of work for awhile and are getting discouraged.

Best of luck with your job search.

[Robyn1007]

I have mixed feelings about placement agencies. I've been treated very poorly by quite a few. In fact the last one that I interviewed with had some girl interview me and basically tell me that I was unplaceable. Forty-five minutes after I left there I went for a second interview at the company I've worked with for nearly a year. Yep, the same one that gave me a raise and a bonus out of the blue a couple of weeks ago. So, while they can be great, please don't let them control your self-confidence as you search.