03/22/2022

Every year, staffing agencies throughout the United States hire between 13 and 16 million job candidates and provide talent for open positions across almost every industry. If you are looking for steady work, the right fit for your job skills and training, and outside support to take the pressure off your job search, then you should look into working with a staffing agency like Labor One.

While staffing agencies have much to offer job candidates, some job seekers hesitate to make the switch from job seeking on their own to enjoying the support of a trusted staffing partner. Why? Because certain myths and misconceptions abound about the industry.  Here is a look at 10 of the most common myths about working with a staffing agency – debunked.

Myth 1: Job candidates must pay the staffing agency.

Reputable staffing agencies never charge candidates for their services. Instead, the staffing agency will charge a fee to the companies who need qualified candidates for their open positions. This fee comes directly from the company and does not affect the candidate’s salary. As a result, job seekers can choose a staffing agency with the confidence that they will receive the training, support, and vetting they need, all without paying anything to find the right new job.

Myth 2: Staffing agencies lack expertise in my industry.

While some staffing agencies assist job seekers and clients across industries, many staffing agencies are industry-specific. This means that they operate within one or two industries with a high degree of expertise. These labor agencies understand the needs of clients and candidates within the industry and can provide the specialized resources necessary to connect skilled talent with open positions within that industry. Labor One, for example, specializes in the marine and oil industries, positioning us to meet these industries’ specialized staffing needs.

Myth 3: Staffing agencies do not fill high-level positions.

If you are a job seeker looking for a position above entry level, you can still benefit from the support of a skilled staffing agency. These businesses fill any level position, from entry-level to executive, with a focus on delivering qualified candidates who will mesh well with the company’s unique needs and culture. Staffing agencies are also equipped to fill any type of position. Here at Labor One, for example, we are ready to provide work for everyone from pipe welders to ship fitters, electricians to general laborers, from part-time workers to full-time job seekers.

Myth 4: Staffing agencies do not provide a path to career advancement.

Often, staffing agencies fill temporary or last-minute positions for clients. As a result, some job seekers believe that these agencies cannot provide them with the career advancement that they seek. The reality however is that the right staffing agency can become a trusted partner in helping you reach your career goals. How? By carefully matching your skills and training with client needs. The right fit often becomes a permanent fit, where there is the opportunity for movement into long-term positions, promotions, and raises.

Myth 5: I can only work with one staffing agency.

Limiting yourself to one staffing agency may feel restrictive. The reality, however, is that candidates are typically free to talk with multiple staffing agencies before choosing one to join. As a result, you have the opportunity to find the right fit for your career goals, skills, and training. When you take the time to find an agency with whom you can build strong connections and clear, responsive, communication, you will end up with a staffing agency that is a true partner in your job search.

Myth 6: It takes a long time to get a job placement from a staffing agency.

One of the biggest myths we hear about working with a staffing agency is that getting a job placement can take a long time. For job seekers who require immediate income, a delay of even a few weeks can be damaging to their finances and frustrating for their job search. However, the reality is that a reputable staffing agency like Labor One often connects candidates quickly with job opportunities and is always working with a wide variety of clients with a wide variety of staffing needs.

Myth 7: I cannot directly apply to other positions while I work with a staffing agency.

Working with a staffing agency does not limit your job search options. In fact, the agency can expand your job opportunities while leaving you free to apply directly to positions you find on your own as well. In addition, a staffing agency like Labor One can assist you with applying to these positions by providing resume support, interview tips, and training that prepares you to excel at your job search.

Myth 8: I can find the same positions on my own.

Working with a staffing agency is not the same as looking for jobs on your own. About 80-85 percent of jobs are never listed, and connecting with these jobs requires more than searching online job boards. Instead, a staffing agency can provide access to positions that are currently open but unlisted – Which means that your perfect job may already exist and all you need is the right advocate to help you find it.

Myth 9: A staffing agency will not help me improve my resume or interview skills.

A staffing agency does far more than simply forward your resume on to potential employers. The agency is invested in your success and in creating matches that work for both you and the business you end up with. To that end, agencies like Labor One dedicate time and resources to helping you improve your chances of landing a job. Services such as resume support, interview tips, training, and safety orientation prepare you to excel at both landing, and performing within, your next position.

Myth 10: Staffing agencies are all the same.

It is true that staffing agencies have similar goals: To connect clients and job candidates, open positions and qualified talent. However, not every staffing agency accomplishes that goal equally well. In order to find a reputable and reliable staffing agency, you need to look for a business that has the following qualifications:

• A thorough and transparent vetting and hiring process
• Fast turnarounds on filling positions
• Open and responsive communication
• Industry expertise
• Years of staffing experience
• Competitive pay
• A large network of clients

Here at Labor One, our simple hiring process, extensive vetting procedures, thorough training and unwavering dedication to forging beneficial relationships between job seekers and businesses set us apart. For reliable, steady work within the marine and oil industries, apply to Labor One today and discover the benefits of working with an agency that is dedicated to your job search journey.