Northwest Staffing Blog

Many job seekers are hesitant to work with a staffing company. However, their opinions of staffing companies are, many times, based on myth vs. reality. Let’s take a look:

Myth #1: Staffing companies only fill temporary jobs.

Reality: There are some staffing companies that do only specialize in temporary employment. However, many firms offer a variety of positions, from temporary to temp-to-hire to full-time.

In addition, many of the largest employers in the Northwest use staffing agencies to fill open positions. As a result, staffing companies can give you access to positions that you may not otherwise learn about.

Myth #2: Jobs available from a staffing company are all low paying.

Reality: Different positions mean different wages, salaries, and benefits. The amount a position pays is really dependent on the skill level and experience required for that position. So while some positions pay better than others, that has nothing to do with the staffing agency since the hiring company sets the wages and benefits.

Myth #3: Staffing firms only fill entry level or administrative positions.

Reality: This may have been the case a couple of decades ago. But nowadays, it’s no longer true. In fact, there are hundreds of staffing companies around the country that specialize in recruiting for executive level positions only. Likewise, there are countless firms that focus solely on recruiting for industries such as IT, healthcare, and financial.

At Northwest Staffing, we fill an assortment of job openings in many different industries. So whatever your skill level or experience, chances are, we can find positions that will be a fit for you.

Myth #4: All jobs are short term, only lasting a few weeks.

Reality: This may be true for certain temporary or contract assignments. But staffing agencies like Northwest Staffing also fill many long-term temporary positions that may last months, as well as many full-time, permanent positions.

Myth #5: Benefits aren’t available when you work with a staffing company.

Reality: This is not necessarily true. Many staffing companies offer a comprehensive benefits package to their temporary or contract workers that includes things like health insurance and paid vacations.

If you’re unemployed and uncertain about your job prospects, consider getting in touch with a staffing company. We work with some of the leading employers in Seattle, Spokane, and throughout the Northwest. As a result, we can give you access to a variety of rewarding opportunities. Contact Northwest Staffing today to learn more.

In the current economy, no job is completely secure. While things might be going great today, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be working tomorrow.

So what can you do to stay employed? As a Northwest employment firm with more than 20 years experience, we know there are certain steps you can take to ensure that you have a job – today and tomorrow.

Step #1: Work in an industry that’s growing.

For instance, if you’re a bookkeeper, rather than accepting a position with a print newspaper consider taking a job at a healthcare or IT company. The latter are industries that are projected to grow significantly over the next few years.

And despite what you think, you don’t need to be a nurse, doctor, or technology guru to work in these industries. All companies need administrative assistants, accountants, and marketing associates.

On the flip side, accepting a job in an industry that is declining is a one-way ticket to the unemployment line.

Step #2: Anticipate trends in your industry.

Once you land a job, research the industry you’re in. Read professional journals and trade magazines. Then ask yourself these questions:

• Are there trends, ideas, or innovations that might produce serious change at your company in the next year? In the next five years?
• How will those trends impact your job?
• What skills will you need that you don’t have yet?
• How can you acquire those skills?

If you want to stay employed, you have to anticipate what could be expected of you down the road – and prepare for it now.

Step #3: Get advice from a pro.

If you have a question or idea, get advice from a pro in your business or profession – whether it’s your boss, a colleague you look up to, or a mentor outside your company. Many experts are willing to share their knowledge and experience with those who want to learn. Regardless of the field you’re in or how much experience you have, there’s always someone else out there who can teach you something.

Step #4: Prepare for the possibility of unemployment.

Many times, people who lose their jobs due to downsizing knew ahead of time that their position was likely to be eliminated – but didn’t do anything to prepare for it.

If you’re in this situation, make sure you plan ahead. Take steps to:

• Update your resume.
• Create a 30-second introduction that explains why an employer should hire you.
• Enroll in a class or attend a seminar to brush up on important skills.
• Network, network, network. (Wherever there are people, there is an opportunity to network.)

At Northwest Staffing, we can help you find a great position in a growing industry. As an employment firm based in Everett, Washington, our mission is to match talented individuals with temporary and direct placement jobs in the Northwest. Contact Northwest Staffing today to learn more.