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September 25, 2005 |
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Claire Bush
Special for the Republic
Job agencies aplenty in Arizona, Personal coaching, often without charge
Going it alone in a job search can be frustrating, but it's not necessary, even if money is tight. Reputable employment agencies and staffing services in Arizona offer placement and search assistance at no charge to job seekers.
Common questions and answers about these job-assistance firms follow. Read on to consider whether using an employment service may be right for you.
Do employment agencies charge fees?
A number of privately owned employment agencies and staffing services in Arizona do not charge a fee or require a contract from job seekers. These companies have a list of employers who retain them to find personnel, for entry to midlevel administrative and clerical positions. Other agencies specialize in particular fields such as health care.
To find a reputable firm, look in the Yellow Pages under employment agencies, ask friends, relatives or co-workers or call the Better Business Bureau.
In Arizona, any employment agency that charges a fee is required to be licensed by the state Department of Labor. As with any paid service, it's a good idea to check out an employment agency or staffing service with the Department of Labor or Better Business Bureau.
"Don't hesitate to ask for references if you're paying a fee for a job search," said George Fleming, a career coach."Don't let the company tell you their list of clients is 'confidential,' either."
A reputable firm should be happy to provide references from clients.
What types of employment assistance are offered?
According to Erin Jagodzinski, owner of Express Personnel Service in Phoenix, applicants at Express can expect to be coached about resume preparation, interview techniques and skills assessment. Jagodzinski's business provides entry to midlevel administrative, clerical, accounting and warehouse positions to applicants, and it does not charge a fee for services.
"We spend about an hour and a half with each applicant, testing their skills, evaluating their job history and learning their likes and dislikes in order to make a good job match," Jagodzinski said.
Express also provides free tutorials on-site for software programs such as Microsoft Word and Excel.
The state of Arizona offers no-cost job assistance through Phoenix Workforce Connection. These one-stop shops maintain an onsite, searchable database of available jobs in the state as well as assistance with resume development, interview techniques and networking. Workforce Connection hosts free career workshops weekly at each location.
How should I dress for an agency interview?
"We advise our applicants to dress 'one level above' the type of job they're applying for," Jagodzinski said. "This shows professionalism and initiative."
For women, a tailored dress or pantsuit is appropriate. Men can wear a shirt with a collar and pressed slacks or a suit and tie. Hair should be neat, conservative and well groomed.
This is not the time to try a flashy hair dye, expose visible tattoos or wear excessive jewelry.
Will an agency market my experience?
According to Linda Baugh, owner of career-transition firm American Career Executives, "a common misperception is that an employment agency is a marketing tool for a job seeker. That's just not the case. There is no substitute for initiative and follow-through in a job search."
"At least 70 percent of job opportunities are found through networking and referrals from friends, relatives and co-workers," she said. "Using an employment agency doesn't mean a job seeker can sit back, relax and let someone else do the work to find the ideal position."
What do I take to an agency interview?
Take a resume, contact information for at least two business references for employment verification and proof of eligibility to work in the United States, such as a driver's license, passport or Social Security card.
Don't forget to take a good attitude.
"Enthusiasm opens doors," Jagodzinski said. "Many people go through the screening process at an agency, then don't follow through by asking for the job they really want. It's always a good idea to say, 'I'm excited about going to work. Where can you place me?' "
Resources for employees:
Arizona Department of Labor (602) 542-4515 The Department of Labor has jurisdiction over licensure of state employment agencies.
Better Business Bureau of Arizona (602) 264-1721
Phoenix Workforce Connection - North 9801 N. Seventh St., Phoenix (602) 861-0208
Phoenix Workforce Connection - South 4635 S. Central Ave., Phoenix (602) 276-5587
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