Employment agencies are a great way to find work in the United States. In fact, applications sent through these agencies are often more successful because they have a direct relationship with the hiring companies. Whether you’re looking for a temporary gig or a specialized permanent position, this guide will show you the ins and outs of how US employment agencies work and how they can help you land your ideal job.
What are employment agencies, and how do they work?
Sometimes referred to as temporary agencies or temp agencies, employment agencies connect employers to prospective candidates. When a company has a job opening, they reach out to the employment agency to find and contact people who meet their requirements. This saves companies time and effort because agencies have databases of prospective employees all ready to go.
Agencies then hold interviews with suitable candidates and present their recommendations to the company. In other words, employment agencies act as intermediaries between the employer and the job seeker.
If you want to work with an agency, the first step is to visit the agency's website. After you create an account, you can upload your resume, enter your work experience, and apply to the jobs listed on the agency’s website.
If the agency thinks you’d be a good fit for a position, a representative will contact you by phone or email. After an initial interview where you’ll learn more about the job, the agency will send your information to the employer. If the company is interested, the agency will schedule an interview and negotiate the hiring process.
The advantages and disadvantages of working with an employment agency
There are plenty of benefits to using an employment agency, including:
- A wide variety of job openings
- The ability to apply to several jobs on one website
- Agents will represent and recommend you to potential employers
- Full-time, part-time, remote, temporary, or specialized job openings
- Help creating a resume, cover letter, and job search tips in general
- The opportunity to work for verified companies
- Access to exclusive job opportunities that are only available through an agency
- A decreased risk of falling victim to job scams
However, employment agencies have a few disadvantages that you should keep in mind before opting to use one. Here are a few disadvantages to using these companies:
- Some agencies will charge you a commission on each check you receive
- A lot of jobs are temporary
- You might not always be eligible to receive benefits like health insurance or retirement accounts if you’re hired through an agency
When should I consider using an employment agency?
Employment agencies can be your greatest asset if this is your first job search in the United States. A lot of these companies have experts called headhunters who can help you create a resume and cover letter that summarize your work experience in the best way possible.
Employment agencies are also a good option for people who want a career change. If you’re pursuing opportunities in a new field or if you want a higher-paying job, you can contact an agency that has connections with the type of company you want to work for.
Need to find a job ASAP? An employment agency can save you a lot of time. With jobs that are immediately available and direct relationships with employers, an agency can be your best bet for finding work quickly.
What are the best employment agencies in the United States?
A lot of employers today prefer to delegate their talent search to employment agencies. But with so many options, it can be hard to pick just one. The good news is that you don’t have to put all your eggs in one basket.
In fact, you can use different agencies to cast a wider net and find the perfect opportunity. Here are a few of the best employment agencies in the United States today:
Kelly
With a presence across the country, Kelly offers a variety of opportunities across all industries and is one of the largest and most respected agencies in the country.
Integrity Staffing Solutions
Are you more comfortable looking for jobs in Spanish? Check out Integrity Staffing Solutions in Spanish to find personalized employment opportunities in any part of the country.
Randstad
If you’d like to embark on a global job search, try Randstad. This site publishes job openings around the world to help you achieve career success anywhere you want.
Adecco
For those who love to work from their couch, sitting next to their favorite furry friend, Adecco offers hundreds of remote opportunities that might interest you. But if you’d prefer an in-person job, Adecco has plenty of traditional job openings as well.
The Help Company
If you’re looking for domestic employment, The Help Company provides opportunities for chefs, cleaning home management and professionals, childcare providers, and adult caregivers.
Robert Half
Robert Half specializes in job opportunities in the following fields:
- Accounting
- Finances
- Administration
- Technology
- Marketing
- Law
AMN
AMN is one of the largest employment agencies for healthcare workers in the country and includes a variety of opportunities in nursing, disabled caregiving, pharmacy, and other leadership positions within medical institutions.
TEKSystems
If you thrive in the tech field, check out TEKSystems. This employment agency will help you develop your digital career with job opportunities in most parts of the country.
Creative Circle
Creative Circle is an agency dedicated to helping creative professionals. One of its best features is that it offers health insurance plans and retirement savings, even for freelancers. In other words, you don’t have to be a permanent employee to enjoy these benefits.
Aquent
Many people today are multitalented, with diverse interests. Aquent is a modern agency that adapts to the needs of the modern labor market. They offer flexible jobs with different types of employment arrangements that allow job seekers to work with different clients in diverse industries.
There are also government-run employment agencies with openings in every field. Whether you’re interested in working for the public or private sector, these free sites can help you find your ideal job:
FAQs
How much do agencies receive for their services?
Every employment agency has their own fees and payment structures. Some agencies don’t charge employees since they have contracts with employers who pay the agency.
In other cases, agencies take a portion of the employee's salary. This percentage can vary between 15% and 45% depending on the agency. Before accepting any job through an agency, make sure you know how much they charge for their services. It’s also a good idea to figure out how much your net income will be after paying any agency fees.
What kind of services do employment agencies offer?
An employment agency's main purpose is to help job seekers find work quickly and safely. They recommend candidates directly to hiring companies, and in some cases, agencies help negotiate their salary. In addition to providing professional job search and career advice to prospective applicants, agencies can also help create resumes and cover letters.
How do employment agencies work?
Employment agencies act as an intermediary between hiring companies and jobseekers. Some companies specialize in temporary job placements or certain industries while others provide all types of opportunities.
Opening an account on the agency 's website is the first step to establishing a relationship with them. This will allow you to add your professional experience, resume, and references so you can find job openings that fit your needs.
