Staffing firms are an excellent resource for professionals to find temporary, contract and permanent positions; however, there are some general misconceptions about working with staffing firms, as well as the opportunities that are offered through them.
1. Staffing firms only offer entry-level clerical and industrial positions.
There are many different types of staffing firms in each market, and while some do cater to clerical and industrial positions, there are many different firms such as specialty boutique firms, that focus on professional services or executive search in a wide range of industries. It’s important to search for a staffing firm that caters to the type of work you’re looking for, and in the industry in which you are focused.
2. Staffing firms only offer short-term, low-paying, temporary positions that won’t lead to a full-time hire.
While some staffing firms have the “day labor” type of positions available, there are all kinds of employment scenarios you may encounter. Staffing firms do differ in the types of employment they offer and here is a list of the typical: Temporary, Temp-to-Hire, Contract, Contract-to-Hire, and Direct Hire or Executive Placement.
3. Staffing firms don’t offer benefits.
Each firm differs in this; however, a good majority of firms do offer benefits to their W-2 temporary, temp-to-hire, contract and contract-to-hire employees. Benefits usually do not apply to a 1099 independent contractor.
4. Staffing firms get paid for each candidate resume they send to a company.
While payment terms differ between each firm and their clients, this is simply not true for most staffing firms.
5. Candidates must pay a fee to register or work with a staffing firm.
This should never be the case with any staffing firm. If they ask you for money, go elsewhere.
6. There aren’t many companies that utilize staffing firms.
90% of companies in the U.S. utilize staffing firms.
7. Staffing firms won’t be able to keep my job search confidential.
Staffing firms are able to keep your entire search confidential, even in the way that you’re presented to their clients. Just make sure to let them know that your search is confidential.
Talencio, LLC is a specialty staffing firm that is dedicated to partnering with the Life Science community which includes companies in medical device, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and healthcare. When our clients have capacity and expertise gaps, Talencio provides accomplished, fully vetted professionals on a contract, contract-to-hire, direct hire, and executive placement basis. Our clients’ projects are completed, goals are met and strategies are executed.
References:
Workway – Staffing Agency Misconceptions
8 Misconceptions about Finding Work through a Staffing Agency
Clearing Up Staffing Firm Misconceptions
Amara Miller is a recruiter, head hunter, and recruitment strategist at Talencio, LLC.