Tips for choosing and working with an employment agency
The basic rules for finding the right employment agency for your needs are what you might expect: Do your homework and look for a resource that specializes in the industry you’re targeting.
Review the firm’s website and learn about its reputation within your chosen field. Take a critical look at the employment agency’s operations, and request specifics about its process for placing job candidates.
Once you’ve identified a resource you’d like to work with, how should you reach out? There are two ways: You can respond to a specific job posting, or simply register as a potential candidate who is open to a variety of opportunities with client companies.
The employment agency’s team members can provide valuable insight on how you can change careers by giving you specifics about available positions, potential employers in your chosen career and industry, and relevant trends in the job market. They can also assess your suitability for open roles.
What else can you do to help the career-change process?
Before you engage an expert resource to be your guide on how to change careers, make sure you’re fully committed to the journey. Your relationship with an employment agency will be far more productive if you also have a good sense of the general direction you want to take.
Also, be aware of compensation trends in your industry and local market, so that you can approach new career opportunities with reasonable expectations.
Even if you’re not 100% sure what type of job you’re after, go into a meeting with a talent solutions specialist with a strong grasp of your skills and talents—and a clear motivation for changing careers. The more assured you are about your career objectives and what type of job and organizational culture you seek, the better able an employment agency will be to help you.
Engaging with an employment agency will be an even more productive experience if you’ve already taken a few steps down your desired path—for example, by earning an in-demand credential. If you have at least some of the skills and certifications you need to make your desired career move, the agency will be more successful at connecting you with potential employers.