Working with Staffing Companies

by Carolyn White, Client Service Manager, Acclivity Healthcare

Whether you’re looking for a new and better job, or you’re just starting your career, staffing firms can be your greatest ally. Staffing firms offer candidates, from administrative assistants to CEOs, the opportunity to gain access to companies in one of two ways: on a temporary/interim or temporary/contract to hire basis for assignments that can last anywhere from one day to six months or longer; or on a full-time basis. According to the American Staffing Association’s website, more than 90% of companies in the US use staffing firms, and 40% of employees looking for their first job or who are reentering the job market have done so by working with a staffing company.

Staffing firms’ entire purpose for existence is to put people to work by matching them with great open positions. They want to find you your dream job. So how can you make yourself attractive to staffing firms? When you go out to meet with potential hirers, be friendly, be prompt, be appropriately dressed, and be prepared. Most candidates automatically know these things. But here are some very important tips of what NOT to do when working with staffing firms.

1. Violence – You can never be too careful. Any actual act of violence including harassment, intimidation, bullying of any sort will not only get you released from your assignment, but will get you permanently and irrevocably blacklisted.
2. No Show– If the staffing agency finds you a potential job and gets you an interview, show up. It’s that simple. Be considerate of the agency’s and client’s time, even if you are unsure about the job. You won’t know for sure unless you show up.
3. Walk off a Job – Your work and attitude reflect upon not only you, but the staffing agency as well. Think first before you walk off a job without completing your shift. It will hurt your chances of working with that agency in the future.
4. Violate a Safety Rule – You are expected to follow all safety rules, and all company rules. If you violate them, then consider yourself unhireable.
5. Lie – Whether it’s fudging your resume, failing to disclose a criminal past, or just flat out lying to your staffing agency, you won’t be placed in a job. If the agency vouching for you can’t believe you, they certainly won’t be passing you on to their valued clients.