“TemPROfessionals” Temporary Staffing Agencies Help Job Seekers Get Foot in the Door By Barb Bragiel It’s no secret that the job market in Northeast Ohio has been slow to emerge from the Great Recession. Yet for many in the ranks of the unemployed, they have found hope by enlisting the services of temporary staffing agencies to open doors to new opportunities. For Kevin Higgins, a marketing professional who had been out of work for more than 14 months, connecting with a temporary staffing agency was instrumental in landing a contract position with a local cable and Internet service provider. “I had been spending a lot of my time applying to positions on job boards, only getting a handful of interviews,” he said. “I knew I had to do something else to help move my job search along.” He was contacted by a staffing agency that had found his resume on Indeed.com. The recruiter felt that his professional background and skills were a strong match for their client’s need for a marketing specialist. Higgins has been working since February and feels fortunate to have landed this opportunity. “The only drawback is that it’s just a threemonth contract,” he said. “At least it’s giving me more recent, relevant experience to add to my resume.” As the economy slowly improves, there has been a surge in demand for temporary workers. With so much uncertainty, many employers are proceeding with caution
before adding permanent staff. Companies often turn to staffing firms as an extension of their own internal human resources departments. They help these businesses narrow an applicant pool down to the
en Hunter of Hunter Temporary Services in Twinsburg. “We want to build strong relationships with both.” As a result of their efforts, Hunter and McDole said that many times when they get a request to fill a position
cream of the crop, find candidates to support a flux in work volume and identify workers who have highly specialized skills for more technical opportunities. Holly Mayernick, regional director for Infinity Resources, Inc. which has a local office in Kent, further explained, “Companies look to us to unload some of their busy work. We’ll wade through applicant skill sets, background checks, referrals and drug tests so they can make better use of their internal resources.” While companies primarily hire staffing agencies to help fill jobs, temporary service providers also work on behalf of applicants seeking their assistance to match them with an employer. It works to their benefit to understand both parties’ needs and helps ensure a successful placement. “We work for the candidate as much as for our customers,” shared Jane McDole and Shar-
it comes from an office manager or plant manager who first started with that employer as a temp from their office. Tia Ramlow, president of GreatWork! in Akron, explained that one of the most significant advantages for job seekers is that temporary agencies are actively working with companies that are hiring. “On any given day, we are working with 25 – 50 companies looking for
staff,” she said. “We are able to get a candidate’s resume into the hands of a company that they didn’t even know was hiring.” There are many other reasons that job seekers turn to temporary services for assistance. According to a survey conducted by the American Staffing Association, a trade group in Alexandria, VA, respondents cited flexibility in scheduling, variety of assignments, learning new skills and bridging to permanent employment as the most important factors in pursuing contract positions. Local staffing professionals have seen a significant number of conversions from temporary to permanent positions. The “try before you buy” experience enables employers to evaluate your skills and how well you fit in with the company culture. Even if a position does not lead to permanent employment, there will likely be opportunities
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Ryan Alternative Staffing, Inc. recruits, tests, evaluates and places all levels of industrial and office personnel for temporary employment on a short term, long term and temp to hire basis.
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have good attendance and be open in your communication with the agency and the company. “By demonstrating a strong work ethic and professionalism in all your dealings, you’ll make a lasting impression that could lead to a better opportunity,” they said. In addition to job placement, many area staffing firms offer skills assessments, training and career coaching to help job seekers identify positions where they will excel and find personal satisfaction. Services differ from place to place, so it pays to do some research ahead of time. As for Higgins, he’s pleased with his experience so far. “It’s just like anything else in life,” he said. “You have to make the best out of the experience and see where it leads.”
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to network with others. As you move from job to job, make a list of the people you meet and stay in touch. While you are with the company, do everything possible to make a good impression. Others will remember you when there’s an opening that’s compatible with your skills. Ramlow reminds job seekers that making a good impression starts the minute you step into a staffing agency’s office for an interview. “We are evaluating you to represent us,” she said. “Be considerate, be prepared and be professional.” Once a position has been secured, there are many habits that a temporary employee can follow to improve their chances at a permanent position. Hunter and McDole encourage workers to
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industrial solutions Become a part of the Alliance Industrial Solutions Network and you’ll open up a whole new world of possibilities. Alliance works with employers throughout Northeast Ohio to find qualified talent for contract work, temporary and full-time industrial positions. We have various positions including: • Assembly/packaging • Material Handlers • Welders • Quality Inspectors • Cnc And Manual Machinists • Warehouse Workers
Apply online at www.allianceindustrial.jobs or apply in person at
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