Staffing agencies can be a valuable resource in your job search, but their incentives and capabilities vary significantly depending on their type and specialization. Here is how to work with them effectively.
Understand the types of agencies
Staffing agencies generally fall into three categories: generalist agencies that place temporary and contract workers across industries, specialized agencies that focus on specific fields, and executive search firms that work on senior-level permanent placements.
Specialized agencies are usually better
A recruiter who works exclusively in your field will have better access to relevant roles, stronger relationships with hiring managers in your space, and better insight into what specific employers are looking for. For more on this, see our guide on find a job without using job boards.
Be selective about how many you work with
Working with too many agencies can create conflicts if multiple recruiters submit your resume to the same company. Being strategic and building a genuine relationship with one or two good agencies is usually more effective.
The agency works for the company, not you
Staffing agencies are paid by the client company, not by you. This shapes their incentives. A good agency will look for a genuine fit, but you should always evaluate any role they present with your own interests in mind.
Read next
- How to Use Your Network to Find a Job That Was Never Posted
- How to Work With a Recruiter to Find Your Next Job
- Why January Is the Best Month to Find a New Job
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a recruiter spend looking at a resume?
Recruiters typically spend 6-10 seconds on an initial scan. They look for job title relevance, company names, and whether the most recent role is at the right level for the position.
What do recruiters look for first on a resume?
Most recruiters look first at your most recent job title and company, then check dates for gaps or progression, then assess whether the experience level matches what they need.
Should I include a summary at the top of my resume?
Yes, for experienced candidates. A 2-3 sentence summary that speaks directly to your target role helps recruiters understand your value instantly.
How many bullet points should each job have?
3-5 bullets for recent roles, 1-2 for older ones. Each bullet should describe an accomplishment or outcome, not just a task or responsibility.
The visible job market, meaning the postings on LinkedIn and Indeed that everyone can see, represents only about a third of available opportunities at any given time. The other two-thirds exist in conversations that happen before a role is posted, often because a manager told their network they are planning to hire, or because a company is considering creating a new position. Getting access to that hidden market requires a proactive outreach strategy, not just application tracking. For more on this, see our guide on use networking to find a job.
A common mistake I see job seekers make is treating their search like a numbers game. Sending 50 generic applications a week feels productive, but the conversion rate is often less than one percent. Sending ten targeted, customized applications to roles where you have a genuine connection, a referral, or a specific point of differentiation will almost always generate more interviews and better outcomes.
Tracking your applications in a spreadsheet is not optional, it is essential. Document the company, role, date applied, and contact name for every application. Follow up on every application where you have a specific contact. Set a calendar reminder to check in seven to ten days after applying. Candidates who follow up thoughtfully get callbacks at a significantly higher rate than those who apply and wait.
Your LinkedIn profile does as much work as your resume during a job search. Recruiters who receive your application will almost always look you up before deciding whether to reach out. A LinkedIn headline that reflects your target role, a summary that reads like the opening of a great cover letter, and endorsements from credible colleagues all increase the likelihood that a recruiter’s interest converts into a call. For more on this, see our guide on find a job you will actually love.
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