the Cost of Employment and Job Placement Services

Steps involved when I contacted my local job placement agency:

1) Send them my resume via e-mail

2) A two-hour face-to-face interview to get to know what I want

3) During the interview, fill out paperwork (work terms, pay, work history, and skills)

4) Computer tests – Microsoft Office and Data Entry skills

5) Health and Safety video and a follow-up test after that

6) Met with the recruitment officer who asked my salary expectations, availability and location I was willing to work

7) Collected my bank information and personal identification.

8) A few days later, called me if I was available to work temporary for a certain company

9) When agreed, provided me with all the information (contact name, company name, address, timings, salary, position

Pros: No fees whatsoever, weekly pay (instead of bi-weekly), you can refuse to accept a job assignment if you didn’t see fit, call frequently of upcoming new jobs that you wouldn’t know otherwise, working temporarily allows you to get experience in a variety of job environments, possibility to go from temp to permanent (upon company’s decision)

Cons: no job security, salary often low compared to if you were to apply direct with the company, you may not getting any good offers from your placement agency for weeks, don’t go on company payroll until 3 months after (so if you temporary work is less then 3 months, then you are stuck on your agency’s payroll)

Tips: Clearly state your needs to your placement agency especially your salary expectations. Don’t accept any job offer without considering the benefits to your own professionalism. Call you placement agency at least once a week if you don’t hear from them. Make a good impression at your job (they might hire you for permanent work!)