USING EMPLOYMENT AND TEMPORARY AGENCIES

Most colleges and universities have employment offices open to alumni, and municipalities usually have large job service offices. In addition, private employment agencies and temporary agencies can be very helpful tools in your job search if you know how to use them.

Generally speaking, employment agency fees are paid by employers, so employers' needs and concerns often take precedence over yours. Your success with these agencies often depends more on the counselor you work with than on the agency itself. The relationship you build with this counselor and your persistence in communicating your employment goals and your search status will benefit your placement. If you don't like a given counselor, work with someone else or try a different agency.

There are a few important rules to observe when dealing with an agency. When speaking with your counselor, try to avoid responding to inquiries about your salary history, but do communicate your present financial needs. Also, be cautious about signing contracts or paying for services. Make sure that you take the time to understand how their services benefit you. Ask questions and read all documents and contracts carefully. Keep in mind most employers are able to attract entry-level candidates on their own and only turn to agencies when seeking candidates with several years of experience. Also, agencies rarely seek candidates when no immediate openings exist. Finally, employment agencies rarely offer the name of the company that's hiring, but they will provide the company size, industry, location, and other general information. Using employment agencies is one way to generate leads, but it's usually not the best way, so do not neglect your other efforts. A multidimensional job search strategy is often the key to quick results.

Many companies hire temporary workers to fill immediate job openings. These positions present opportunities for job seekers to actually do a job, experience the corporate culture, and witness the management of the company. Often, temporary workers are hired by companies as full-time employees.

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