How to Select the Right Staffing Agency

As staffing firms become more like long-term “agents,” we are beginning to see more professionals leverage these relationships to advance in their professional development long-term. While it was common for job seekers to use a recruiter just until they found a job, it’s now more important to stay connected with these experts who know your strengths and expertise, and can support you throughout your career.

The first step in choosing a staffing firm or recruiter is to learn the industry in which they specialize and see if it aligns with yours. Do they work with prestigious companies and interesting start-ups? Do they have professional experience in the industry themselves? Do they have a true relationship with the companies they are hiring for and work in a consultative capacity (versus just throwing resumes at the client)?

When looking for a recruiting partner, be wary of these three red flags:

1. A recruiter who is quick to recommend you for a job without uncovering your needs, wants and goals. Trustworthy recruiters will ask questions in order to match you with the most fitting company culture.

2. A recruiter who can’t clearly articulate the role she is hiring for. This should be fairly obvious from your knowledge of the industry you’re in, so ensure your recruiter is an expert in your field and can speak the “language.”

3. A recruiter who doesn’t readily give feedback from the hiring company on the types of professionals they hire, insights on the culture, and how they do business. This tells you they really don’t know much about the company for which they are hiring.

Keep these cautions in mind and select a recruiter who will be a long-term partner for your career for years to come.

By Allison O’Kelly
Allison is the founder/CEO of Mom Corps, a national talent acquisition and career development firm with a focus on flexibility. Learn more at MomCorps.com or connect with her on Twitter @AllisonOKelly and @MomCorps.