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.

Feeling panicked, unlucky, or depressed over a job loss? Those are all completely normal reactions – and you’re definitely not alone. According to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate currently hovers around 10%.

So if you’re one of the unemployed masses in Everett, Seattle, or beyond, what can you do to survive a lay off and secure a new job? Here are six ideas:

Idea #1: Think before you act.

If you are granted an exit interview, be honest, yet tactful. Don’t put down the company and be sure to get answers to important questions, such as:

• Will I receive a severance package?
• How can I continue my health care coverage until I find another job?
• Can I get a letter of recommendation?

Whatever you do, don’t send a nasty email or message to your former employer or go around bad-mouthing them. Burning bridges is never a good idea, no matter how badly you’ve been burned.

Idea #2: Avoid jumping into a job search immediately.

Even though you’re probably feeling panicked, you may want to hold off on jumping into a job search right away. Going on an interview while your mind is reeling and your emotions are in turmoil isn’t usually a good idea. So wait a few days to calm down and get your emotions under control.

Idea #3: Sign up for unemployment.

One thing you will want to do immediately is contact your state unemployment office because there’s typically a waiting period (usually about two weeks) before you can start receiving unemployment checks.

Idea #4: Create a survival budget.

Write down all of your regular monthly expenses and rate them as either “essential” or “non-essential.” Now consider canceling some of those non-essential expenses. (Essential expenses are rent/mortgage, food, gas, electricity, and car insurance. Non-essential expenses are gym memberships, cable, and lawn care or maid services.)

Idea #5: Keep up a normal routine.

Be sure to keep a normal schedule. Get up at the same time in the morning as if you were going to work. Also, dedicate a few hours each day to your job search, whether it’s:

• Tweaking your resume;
• Practicing your interviewing skills;
• Attending seminars to update your job skills; or
• Contacting colleagues and friends at other companies to let them know you’re in the job market.

But don’t spend your entire day looking for a new job, otherwise you’ll burn out quickly. Simply set aside a block of time (say from 9 am to 12 noon) for your job search.

Idea #6: Consider working for a temporary employment firm.

Working for a temporary employment firm is a great way to sharpen your existing skills, learn new skills, and keep your foot in the job market. And you never know. If you do well, you may get an offer for full-time employment.

If you’ve been laid off and are looking for a job in Everett or Seattle, contact Northwest Staffing. Whether you’re interested in temporary employment or want to find a terrific full-time opportunity, we can help. We work with some of the leading employers in and around Everett and Seattle, and can give you access to a variety of job opportunities you may not otherwise know about.

Have you ever been laid off? If so, what advice would you share with unemployed individuals?

Finding a  job through an employment agency can offer a variety of benefits, from flexibility to free training. However, if you’ve never worked for an employment agency before, you may be feeling a little perplexed about the process.

Not to worry.

Northwest Staffing has put together a list of questions you should ask to ensure an employment agency – and the  jobs they’re offering – are right for you.

General Questions About the Employment Agency

• How much experience do you have?

• What kinds of companies do you work with?

• What kinds of  jobs do you fill?

• Do I have to pay to use your service? (If the answer is yes, then run – not walk – in the opposite direction. No reputable employment agency will ask job seekers to pay for temporary job placements.)

Questions About Agency Policy

• Will you notify me when a position I’m suited for becomes available, or should I call in regularly? When’s the best time to call?

• What if I am not interested in a certain position when it is offered; can I turn it down?

• What if I accept a temporary job, but it’s not working out for me? What should I do?

• What happens if I show up to a job, but the company doesn’t need me? Do I still get paid?

• Will I receive any kind of special training? What kind of training? Is it free?

• What’s your policy if a company wants to hire me full-time?

Questions About Pay & Benefits

• How do I keep track of hours worked?

• What’s the approximate pay rate for the kinds of  jobs I’m qualified for?

• When do I get paid?

• What kind of benefits does your employment agency offer to temporary employees?

• Does your employment agency offer any overtime? What’s the pay rate for overtime?

It’s important to get answers to these questions before signing on with any employment agency. The better you understand and communicate with your employment agency, the better the results.

In the meantime, if you have any questions about finding  jobs in or around Seattle, Washington, please feel free to contact Northwest Staffing today.