Why Work with a Recruitment Firm? Here Are 8 Reasons

When our recruiters meet with candidates who have been looking for a job for a long time, they ask, "Which staffing firm are you working with?" Often, they get a blank stare, followed by a question: “Why is it important to include staffing and recruitment firms in my job search?” 

Here are the top eight reasons why we recommend that job seekers work with a staffing firm: 

1. Access to more jobs: Staffing firms have access to an extensive network of jobs across industries and locations. And since they work so closely with employers, they often find out about job openings before they're publicly posted, so they can sometimes highlight suitable job opportunities you hadn’t heard of or located elsewhere. These 'hidden' job opportunities can be a significant advantage in your job search.‍
2. It’s free for job seekers in Canada: It's a relief to know that in Canada, job seekers pay nothing for recruitment services. While it may be common in some other countries for recruitment firms to charge candidates a fee, in Canada, this practice is against the law, and search and staffing fees are only paid by the employers seeking these services. Note that there are companies in Canada that will charge a fee for optimizing or creating your resumé, but these are not recruitment firms. Likewise, career coaches will charge for their services. ‍
3. Job search and resumé recommendations: Recruiters or recruitment teams can often offer advice on updating your resumé, what compensation or benefits to look for and how to transition your career from your current role to something new. Your recruiter can also help you prepare for your interview with the company, providing tips on questions and suitable answers to help you do your best. They can provide details about the work environment, role expectations, team dynamics and who you'll be working for. All this information will help you stand out as a well-prepared candidate, significantly improving your chances of advancing in the interview process and getting an offer.‍
4. Help negotiating your job offer: Your recruiter will walk through the job offer with you, helping you understand it and negotiate various elements, including the start date, pay, work location, hours, benefits and vacation.Your recruiter can help you communicate your offer expectations respectfully and transparently, making the negotiation process smoother and more beneficial for you. They can also help you with the resignation process from your existing role to ensure you leave your current employer on good terms. ‍
5. Access to immediate contract roles: If you’re between roles, why not accept a contract or temporary position? Doing so enables you to keep your skills up to date (and even learn new skills), while highlighting your commitment to career progression and skills development on your resumé. Moreover, a contract role helps you build a valuable professional network, which could lead to other opportunities. Then, consider the possibilities of “contract to direct hire”—also known as “temp to perm conversion.” In this increasingly common practice, you start as a temporary employee, and if you perform well, your manager may request to retain you longer or even offer you a permanent position, sort of like a “try-before-you-buy” scenario. The employer wants to be sure you’re a good fit for the role before extending an offer of permanent employment. Not to mention the obvious: you earn money while you explore the job market, giving you a chance to be more selective because you’re working while you search. Win-win!‍
6. Access to high-paying contract roles: Compensation for contract assignments is typically excellent and often at or above market value. That’s because employers don’t have to factor in all the extra costs associated with a full-time employee, such as vacation, long-term disability and other benefits. Also, keep in mind that many contract roles aren’t advertised. This is where a recruitment firm can really be of assistance because they often have exclusive access to these roles through the connections with their employer clients. ‍
7. Access to a range of job types spanning industries and levels: Some recruitment firms place candidates in roles of all seniority levels, from entry-level to C-Suite and even board positions, which means they’ll have access to roles that will suit you at every stage of your career. Some recruitment firms specialize in multiple industries such as retail, manufacturing, transportation, education, healthcare, construction and more. In this case, their recruiters can highlight your kind of role across different kinds of organizations that you might not have considered. When looking to engage the services of a recruitment firm, it’s always a good idea to look for one that specializes in placing candidates in your field. For example, marketing, finance, accounting, IT, cybersecurity, AI, human resources, trades, and more. Bonus: Make sure they place candidates in part-time, contract and permanent roles to ensure you have access to as many opportunities as possible.  ‍
8. It’s easy: Working with a good staffing firm is not only free, but it’s also easy–like an added boost to your job search. And what kind of job seeker wouldn’t want some extra assistance landing their next great role? To get started, do your research. Check out the firm’s reputation online, read reviews, review their recent announcements, comb through their LinkedIn posts (the social media platform of choice for most recruitment firms). Then, once you’re satisfied they’re a fit for you, browse their open roles to ensure they cover your profession/area of expertise. If all looks good, register with the firm as a candidate, submit your resumé (usually a simple online process) and get started applying for open roles on their site. 

If you don’t hear back within a reasonable amount of time (typically, a week or less), be sure to follow up, as the staffing firm or recruiter may have received a lot of applications for the role.Always accept an in-person or virtual interview and provide references when requested. 

Keep in mind, even when working with a recruitment firm, you are driving your job search and need to stay engaged in your candidacy. Rather than waiting for the recruiter to contact you with new opportunities, continue scanning and applying for new suitable roles as they are posted. And as things change (maybe you’ve completed a certification, a course, or have gained new skills through volunteer work), be sure to send an updated resumé to keep your profile current.

Ready to get started? Browse our open roles and submit your application today! We look forward to being your job search partner and taking your career to the next level.