Browse jobs Find the right job type for you Explore how we help job seekers Finance and Accounting Technology Marketing and Creative Administrative and Customer Support Legal Preview candidates Contract talent Permanent talent Learn how we work with you Executive search Finance and Accounting Technology Marketing and Creative Administrative and Customer Support Legal Technology Risk, Audit and Compliance Finance and Accounting Digital, Marketing and Customer Experience Legal Operations Human Resources 2025 Salary Guide Demand for Skilled Talent Report Building Future-Forward Tech Teams Job Market Outlook Press Room Salary and hiring trends Adaptive working Competitive advantage Work/life balance Diversity and inclusion Browse jobs Find your next hire Our locations

Want to Make a Career Change? An Employment Agency Can Help

Job Market Working with a Staffing Agency Career Tips Landing a job Networking Article
Are you certain you want to make a career move but aren’t quite sure which way to turn? Whether you're looking to pivot into a new industry, climb the ladder in your current field or explore opportunities you never imagined, a staffing agency can be your greatest ally. With access to exclusive job openings, expert career advice and personalized support, employment agencies provide the resources to turn your career transition from overwhelming to empowering.  Let’s explore how partnering with the right recruiting agency can open doors, build confidence and set you on the path to a fulfilling new chapter in your professional life. Want more career advice and job search tips? Subscribe to the Robert Half newsletter.

Common challenges in career transitions

Changing careers can be an exciting opportunity for growth, but it comes with its fair share of obstacles. Many professionals find themselves stuck at the starting line, unsure of how to navigate the complexities of a career shift. Common challenges people face when considering a career change are: Struggling to find direction: It’s not uncommon to feel lost when considering a career change. You might know you’re ready for something new but have no idea where to begin. Needing to upskill or reskill: Transitioning to a new field often requires skills you may not yet have. Whether it’s mastering new software, earning a certification, or developing industry-specific knowledge, it can be overwhelming to determine what skills to improve. Lacking connections in your desired field: Breaking into a new industry can feel like trying to enter a closed club without an invitation. Networking effectively with professionals in your target industry is crucial, but how do you find these contacts let alone show your transferable skills. These challenges don’t have to hold you back. In the next section, we’ll dive into how an employment agency can help you tackle these obstacles head-on and make your job search a success.

How employment agencies can help in your career change

Changing careers can feel overwhelming, but an employment agency—also known as recruiters, staffing firms, recruitment agencies or talent solutions firms like Robert Half—can make the process smoother and more manageable. Employment agencies have deep industry knowledge and access to a wide network of employers, including opportunities that may not be advertised publicly. They provide personalized support, ensuring you present yourself as a strong candidate even in a new field.  The professionals who work for a reputable employment agency can: Offer tailored tips and advice on how to change careers Share industry-specific information, including details on market trends and in-demand skills Bubble up job opportunities that may pique your interest Provide job interview tips and resume guidance Present your qualifications to potential employers When you have a better sense of what direction you want to go in with your career change, recruiters can assist in connecting you with work and educational opportunities that can help you build transferable skills and gain experience in your new area of focus. Additionally, many agencies offer temporary or contract roles, allowing you to gain experience and test the waters in your desired industry before committing to a full-time position. Learn how to create a standout LinkedIn profile that attracts the right opportunities.

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.