August 13, 2008 10:12 AM

Getting the most out of a staffing agency
Posted by Jesse Nunesat 10:12 AM

In a tough job market, some job seekers will look for all the help they can get. That means that some will enlist recruiters or staffing agencies in their search for employment.

However, some people just sign up with a recruiter and don't do anything else – they just wait for the phone call with the magical job offer on the other end of the line. When it doesn't happen, they get frustrated.

Is just handing over your resume to a recruiter and expecting a job offer realistic? Probably not. Unless your resume is the king of all resumes, you will likely have to work to set yourself apart and give a recruiter something to work with. That's where managing the relationship comes in.

Tom Egan of staffing firm Veritude offers tips for getting the most out of a recruiter. And guess what? It takes work. Just sitting on the couch and waiting for a call is not going to cut it. Here are some of Mr. Egan's suggestions:

Make an effort to build a rapport with your recruiter

Developing a professional relationship with a recruiter provides you with an opportunity to promote yourself above and beyond what can be communicated through a resume. After your initial phone screening, ask if there is a good time to come into the office and meet the recruiter in person. Face-to-face interaction will allow you to expound upon your relevant experience/qualifications and allow your personal brand to shine through - making it easier for the recruiter to identify the right personality or culture fit for you, and to "sell" you to a potential employer.

Don't expect the recruiter to do everything for you

Doing your own due diligence pays off. Research the industry, the company, and the requirements/expectations of the position itself prior to meeting the hiring manager. While you won't land every job you interview for, if recruiters receive positive feedback from hiring managers regarding your preparation for and performance during an interview, they will continue to dedicate time and effort to helping you find that perfect position.

For the full list of tips, click here.

Have you ever used a recruiter/staffing agency to find a job? Are there any tips for using a staffing agency that worked – or didn't work – for you? Share your thoughts in our discussion thread.