Tips for Landing a Job
Treat it Like a Real Interview
The staffing agency will likely set up an interview with you to get a better sense of your skills and experience. Treat this interview exactly as you would an interview with a company. Dress appropriately and show up on time—early, if possible. Listen attentively and use positive body language to convey your attention and interest. Introduce yourself with a firm handshake. Bring your resume and be ready to answer common interview questions. You might also be asked to complete a skills assessment to test your hard skills, so be prepared for this as well.
Be Honest
Be honest about your goals, whether it’s to land a permanent position, maintain flexibility, or to develop some skills that will make you an attractive candidate for your next full-time job. Also, be honest about your availability. If you are only available on weekdays, for example, tell this to the recruiter at the staffing agency. Finally, be honest about your employment history. If you have an employment gap, for example, tell the recruiter. He or she can help you figure out how to explain this to an employer.
Keep an Open Mind
Even if you want a full-time position, consider being open to temporary jobs or contract work. These can help you develop skills that might be useful when you apply for your next full-time job. If you impress an employer, he or she might try to find you a full-time position at the company.
Follow Up
Send an emailed or handwritten note to thank the interviewers at the staffing agency for their time and to reinforce your interest in finding a position.
Be Persistent and Patient
If you applied for a job through a staffing agency and haven’t heard back, follow up within a week. Perhaps you were not right for that specific job, but a recruiter might be able to find something else that fits your skill set. Check in with any staffing firm you’ve contacted once a week to remind them of your interest and demonstrate your eagerness.
Use Other Resources
You do not have to put all your eggs in one basket. While you wait to hear back from the agency, continue to job search on your own. Check out job boards and job search engines and network with people in your industry. However, be open with your recruiter—tell him or her if you apply to any jobs on your own and if you are working with a second staffing agency. This way your recruiter will not submit you for a job that you already applied for (in some cases, an employer will remove your application if he or she sees it twice).
When You Get a Job, Prepare
When you receive an assignment, the agency will provide you with information as to whom to report, dress code, hours, wages, and a description of the duties and duration of the job. You might also need to do a second interview with the company. If you don’t receive all of this information, ask the agency for all of this information.
You Can Say No
If you truly feel a position is not a good fit—perhaps the hours do not work for you, or the pay is well below what you need—be honest with the recruiter. Explain to him or her why you don’t want the position. It will help the recruiter find you a job that is a better fit in the future.
This Article was Originally Published on Thebalancecareers.com
