Staffing Categories and Types of Employment Agencies

Employment agencies act as a liaison between job seekers and employers. Many agencies specialize in certain industries and provide temporary staffing to companies that need help for a short time. Some staffing categories include administrative, legal, light industrial and accounting.

Types

In addition to temporary agencies there are contingency agencies and retained search firms. Some job seekers and employers use "head hunters" too, also known as recruiters.

Function

Employment agencies do a lot of vetting work for employers. They check references and do background checks on prospective employees. They help job seekers with their job search skills.

Payment Structures

Employers pay temporary agencies a fee in addition to what they pay the temporary worker. Employers pay a contingency agency only if they hire their candidate. They pay a retained search firm whether they hire a candidate or not.

Benefits

All types of employment agencies know the business community and have relationships with different companies. They specialize in the job search field, so they offer companies the best candidates.

Considerations for Job Seekers

An employment agency's client is the employer, not the job seeker. To be successful with an employment agency, job hunters should follow agency rules and staff advice.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics

Resources

• American Staffing Assoications