Using employment agencies in your job search is a no-brainer. Use them, as many as you have time for.
Employment agencies, such as the Utah Department of Workforce Services, Adecco, SOS Staffing, LDS Employment Resource Services and many other employment and temp agencies offer resources that can help you find a job.
Employment agencies and recruiters vary widely in how they match employers with employees, but they do not vary in their goal of performing that match. Many will have exclusive listings and contracts with employers, others provide job listings and resources to help job seekers secure jobs and some will provide one-on-one support; a job coach, a counselor or mentor.
Adecco, SOS Staffing, Kelly Services and scores of other agencies offer a wide variety of services that help both employers and employees. It is important to know that many temporary jobs -- through a temp agency -- can lead to more permanent jobs. In the job search industry, this is called "temp to perm" and it can be a valuable asset to someone seeking more permanent employment.
LDS Employment Resource Services offers a two-day "Career Workshop" and many other services; and no, you do not need to be a member of the LDS Church to attend this workshop or to be helped by their service.
A few things to consider:
- Do not use an agency that charges the job seeker;. If there is a fee, employers typically pay it
- If you use multiple agencies, make everyone aware of your involvement
- Only work with well-known reputable agencies and recruiters
- Ask if they send out unsolicited resumes. If they do, avoid using them
- If you are meeting with a recruiter, treat them as if they are the employer
A great benefit is that an employment agency or recruiter becomes your advocate and will work for your success without charging you a fee. It truly becomes a no-lose situation.
In addition to large listings of job openings and job search support, the Utah Department of Workforce Services offers valuable labor market information, including current job trends, wages by occupation, and even what training is needed for any given occupation. For those who are considering changing occupations, it is critical that you understand what wages to expect and what training you will need as you make career-related decisions. This information is also available by geographical regions.
The sad reality is we can get a PhD in how to do a job but we don't get a great deal of training or education in how to get one.
Studies show that those leaving high school today will likely have at least eight to 10 jobs and three to four careers in their lifetime. The days of receiving shiny gold watches after 30 years of working for the same employer are gone. Many employers are going to contract jobs or project jobs that end after a specified time period, or when the project is completed.
Learning how to get a job is more important today than ever before as moving from job to job will be typical in most of our journeys. Using employment agencies along the way can do a lot to help us through that journey.
Ron Campbell has worked extensively in the job preparation and job search industry. He is vice president of strategic planning for Enable Industries. He can be reached at 801-386-1111 or campbellrv@gmail.com.
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