Choosing the Agency That Is Right for You
To improve your chances for success in your career search, it is important to select the best employment agency and counselor for you. Several years ago, nearly all employment agencies were generalists, meeting all employers' needs and helping all applicants. However, many agencies now, have found success by specializing. They either emphasize an occupational area, such as placing accountants, data processors or secretaries, or they specialize in an industry, such as transportation, hotel management or marketing. Research the agencies in your area or the area in which you want to work.
One way to locate agencies to work with is by watching the advertisements in local newspapers. See which agencies are associated with the jobs that appeal to you. These are the agencies that have an ability to locate positions in your field and they are probably worth talking to. However, many specialized placement firms do little or no newspaper advertising.
Ask friends and business acquaintances for recommendations for an employment agency. It is always reassuring to hear from successful, satisfied customers before you invest your time and money, if you will need to pay a fee.
Another approach is to contact the personnel departments of businesses in your career field and ask them which employment agencies they rely upon to fill their needs. Personnel officials must keep current on which agencies are most effective and can be counted on to deliver qualified individuals in that field.
