Written by Rachel Gersten
Staffing Panel Discussion
Jessica Pierce welcomed the group and explained the agenda, which was a bit different from a traditional meeting. Instead of one keynote speaker Career Connectors was fortunate to welcomed six staffing agency experts. There were two panel discussions: the first panel discussed myths associated with staffing firms, and the second panel discussion reviewed the advantages of working with staffing firms.
1st Panel Discussion: Myths About Working with Staffing Firms
The group of experts included:
Joe Skrzymowski, Branch Manager for NESCO Resources
Donna Dietrich, Managing Partner for Tech Finders
Rich North, Account Manager for Aerotek
Question: What are the different types of staffing firms?
Answer: There are a number of staffing firms to choose from based on the type of industry and work the candidates are seeking. Agencies have all types of employment options available for job seekers: direct hire, contract to hire, temp to hire.
Question: What is the conversion rate? How many clients do you help land jobs?
Answer: We don’t have stats on our conversion rates, however many times employees are hired for full time work. By partnering with a recruiter, you land the job.
Question: Why do you think people don’t trust staffing firms?
Answer: It’s like many other industries, such as used car dealerships. Generally speaking a used car salesperson doesn’t have the best reputation. These generalizations are based on bad experiences. Sometimes when you work with one staffing firm, you are never called back and the assumption is that all agencies work that way. Next time you speak with a staffing firm, interview the agency. Ask questions such as: How long have you been in the industry? What does the process look like? When will I be called back?
Question: If I use a staffing agency, will I make less money?
Answer: The pay rates are competitive with the market.
Question: Does the staffing agency only work for the company seeking employees?
Answer: If we don’t have the candidates, we don’t make any money. We need to work for both the employer and candidate.
Question: If a candidate wants to work for a specific company like Google, how do they find out the staffing firm that works with them?
Answer: Call and ask the staffing firms.
2nd Panel Discussion: Advantages to Working with Staffing Firms
The group of experts included:
LT Ladino-Bryson, Founder of vCandidates
Ashley Jenkins, Business Development Manager for Paladin Staffing
Nicholas Mazur, Executive Recruiter for APN Staffing
Question: Why work with a staffing firm?
Answer: A staffing firm provides you with insider information on everything they can including income information, process time involved and anything else they may know about the company. Additionally, recruiters are well connected and will be your biggest advocate.
Question: How to best prepare to work with staffing firms?
Answer: Know what you want. Spend time thinking and researching what direction you want to pursue, but also have an open mind.
Question: Who pays you?
Answer: The company seeking employees pays the staffing agency. It is a free service for job seekers.
Question: What do you like about staffing?
Answer: It is a fast-paced environment, where we as recruiters get to help people on a daily basis to improve their lives.
Question: How are people most successful working with you?
Answer: Candidates that stay in touch regularly do very well.
Question: How do you help the job seeker prepare for a job placement?
Answer: We help by coaching on interviewing skills.
RESOURCES
Grand Canyon University
Rob Loy, Head of Education of Non-Degree Technology Programs
Grand Canyon University offers an in-depth boot camp for Java Programming. There are many perks that this curriculum offers to individuals such as; additional skills in the dynamic IT field, and a more competitive advantage in the job market. Entry level positions average $65,000 a year.
CLOSING
Jessica Pierce concluded the meeting by thanking our wonderful host Grand Canyon University for their support, our event sponsor LT Ladino-Bryson from vCandidates, as well as all our amazing panel, corporate sponsors and volunteers. Jessica went on to remind our guests to visit the Career Connectors website for additional information and support such as the complimentary DISC assessment and other helpful tools. The next meeting will be held on October 11th, 9 am at the Scottsdale location of Highlands Church – 9050 E Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale, AZ. Please remember to sign up online for our next meeting.
