Job Tuition

Employment Agencies

December 2nd, 2006 by Jennine

Employment Agencies are a great way to get introduced to the job market. If you live in Australia, you need to register with Centrelink and they will put you in touch with Job Network members. The role of the Job Network is for you to register with them and then they act in a similar way to Employment Agencies, so the following information is relevant for this situation.

When you find yourself unemployed, just left school or looking for a career change, I suggest looking at going to an Employment Agency. Call to make an appointment to see an adviser for as soon as possible, without sounding desperate.

Treat this appointment like an interview. Dress accordingly and be prepared. The adviser will be making notes on your appearance, your manner and how you present yourself in general. Some agencies take photos so make sure you look the part. You will need to take an up to date CV/Resume and any relevant documentation, eg Certificates relevant to the type of work you are seeking.

These interviews can last up to three hours, so don’t be surprised by how long you are there. Generally, the first thing you will do is fill in a questionnaire which details your work experience, any training, what type of work you are looking for and whether it be full time, part time, casual or temporary. Depending on your responses to these questions will determine the next stage. I can only speak from an Administration/Clerical view point but I don’t imagine the other types of work would be to different.

The next stage is the testing center. If you have put down you can type, perform data entry, use spreadsheets, chances are they will test you. A lot of people stress about this part, but I think it’s more to do with the fact they weren’t prepared for it rather than being incapable. Mind you, if you don’t know the program, this is where they will find out. Each agency has different testing software but essentially it will give the same results.

The final stage is sitting down with your adviser, going over your results and questionnaire. They will advise how well you did, what work they think is suitable for you and how they will go about getting it for you. A lot of agencies are commission based so they will be hunting work for you.

I find that Employment Agency interviews are a lot less daunting than your every day interview as they are there to help you rather than judge you and pick you from a number of other applicants. As soon as you are on their books they will be seeking work for you, it’s in their best interests. Some agencies once you have been working through them for a while will even offer training to update your skills. This will be discussed with you usually during your interview with the adviser after the testing.

As I’ve said in a previous post, temporary work is a great way to build your skill base, especially when the agency you work for will offer it to you at no cost. Employment Agencies are great and do a fantastic service and although they are there to find work for you, don’t be complacent. If you haven’t heard anything for a couple of days or a week at the most, check in. Remind them that you are still interested and looking for work. Don’t call too often, you don’t want to be known as the “stalker” but once a week should be fine. If you don’t want to call, most adviser give you their card with their email address, so you can drop a line that way.

In essence, don’t be scared to apply for work through an agency. Most staff are extremely helpful and friendly, and they want you to reach your potential. Once you get started with them you will never look back.