Using Professionals

Before you consider working with an employment agency, it is important to understand the different types of agencies and services provided.

Employment Agencies

These firms serve a variety of occupations and fields, ranging from clerical and office help to technical and professional positions. When a successful candidate is hired through such an agency, you (the employer) pay a fee based on the type and level of the position. Usually the fee represents a percentage (anywhere from 10 - 30 percent) of the annual base salary of the successful candidate.

Temporary Help Agencies

Formerly associated with clerical office positions, today's temporary help agencies can be found in a variety of industries including accounting, health services, trades, information technology and sales. They usually charge a markup of anywhere from 40 to 100 percent or higher than the rate paid to the temporary employee. Assignments vary from one day to a year.

Executive Recruiters

Executive recruiters specialize in the recruitment of personnel for line management and higher positions. These companies are paid on a retainer or on a per assignment basis. Executive recruiters are highly specialized; they are needed only when you have a critical management position to fill.

Employment agencies can save you precious time if you need to fill a job vacancy right away. They do all the preliminary legwork in finding potential candidates - advertising, screening, interviewing, reference checking, and o on. Agencies can also provide candidates that are difficult to find independently. Employment agencies maintain databanks of potential candidates. As a result, the recruitment process gets started right away.

Initially, you will have to provide a lot of information about your company and detailed job descriptions for the positions you need filled. This process ensures that the agency has a complete picture of your business. The quantity of information they require from you is a good indicator of the quality of the company. A thorough understanding of your company and its needs is fundamental to competently screening and referring appropriate candidates.

The obvious place to look for an agency is in your local yellow pages. Remember that different agencies specialize in different occupational categories. Research the fees and conditions of several companies before choosing one. Ask for references.