Written by Michelle Soracco
Staffing Firms Panels
Panel 1: Myths About Working with Staffing Firms
Deanne Desautels, President of Staff Logic/AFP
Kristy Bach, VP of Operations for TechFinders
Christian Kaijser, President of Career Evolutions
There are three different staffing firm models: direct hire, contract to hire and contract (temp). Many temp positions become full-time hires. You can still look for work while on assignment. Building a relationship with a staffing firm recruiter is of the utmost importance, as it is all about communication. Recruiters can give you inside information, help evaluate an offer, and even negotiate a better offer for you. Let them know what is most important to you (salary, commute time, vacation time, benefits, etc.). Know what motivates you.
Recruiters get paid from professional fees, not head count. They try to get you more money, since they will get paid more if you do as well; however, they know the limits of their clients, who always pay the fees, not the candidates. They find candidates on Linkedin, Career Connectors, networking events, advertising, etc. It’s best to register with more than one firm, preferably three or more, in your specialty or niche. There are many recruiting firms out there with just as many specializations, so use the firms that will work best for you.
A lot of what recruiters do depends on their clients. They will submit three to five candidates for one position, sometimes more. They don’t always respond to candidates because of the sheer volume of calls and emails, but they are trying to do better!
Panel 2: Advantages of Working with Staffing Firms
Michelle Grinberg, Regional Sales Consultant for Modis
Kelli Perkins, Area Manager for NESCO Resource
Kristy Bach, VP of Operations for TechFinders
Companies use staffing firms for contract to hire positions – “try before you buy” on both sides. Recruiting firms have insider information, including constructive information during interviews and helping candidates negotiate the job offer.
Miscellaneous tips:
-Use as many job search options as possible.
-Interview your staffing firms to find the right fit.
-How candidates can prepare: resume copies, online job search on website, use Linkedin to research recruiter, research company, ask questions.
-At the end of the interview, always let the interviewer know that you want the job–ask about next steps in the process, do they have any hesitations about hiring you, and if so, you can address these issues then and there.
-Recruiters do what they do because they are career matchmakers; they want to connect individuals to great jobs. In the end, they like helping people, and no two days are ever the same. Their world changes on a day-to-day basis.
Resources
Goodwill of Central & Northern AZ
Carter Ellis, District Manager, East Valley Career Services
Goodwill works with all job seekers, not just those looking for retail work. Their services are free for both job seekers and companies. Their goal is to end unemployment. They have on- and off-site employment events. They provide additional resources for job seekers, such as career advice, resume preparation and mock interviews. Goodwill’s job board has many internal leads from companies in the Valley. For open positions, click here.
Joe Rostowsky, Director of Site Operations
Career Connectors has partnered with New Horizons as their only WIOA-funded school. New Horizons is an international training organization that serves the needs of top companies to help individuals enhance their current skills and go to the next level in their career. They offer courses in IT, Office Mgmt, Healthcare Records and Management, Project/Production Mgmt Certifications. Classes are conducted live in a classroom, live online and self-paced online courses, depending on the student’s needs. Joe’s best job seeking advice is to keep up with your skills, and don’t blow off an interview!
Closing
Jessica graciously thanked all of the day’s speakers, volunteers and job seekers for participating. She encouraged job seekers to take advantage of the many Career Connector services like having your resume reviewed, a free professional portrait and visit all of the staffing firms. She also encouraged everyone to view the career blog, which is up and running and has a lot of good career advice. As always, network, network, network!
The next event is in North Scottsdale on Thursday, September 14, 2017 at 9am. Click here to register.