As a recruiter at a local staffing agency (in one of the worst job markets ever), I often receive “please help me find a job” requests. Sometimes I can offer assistance and sometimes their needs are way beyond the services my company provides. Other times their requests are incredibly rude or badly composed, but that’s a whole different can of worms… Based on the sheer number of people in need of assistance, I thought it best to “de-mystify” the differences between staffing agencies, headhunters and career coaches.

**Note: the descriptions and explanations are very broad! Please refer to the links within to obtain more specific information on each service.

Staffing Agencies (otherwise known as Employment Agencies or Temp Agencies) are outside firms who are hired by a company to fill a specific position.  The client company pays the agency to find them candidates for their opening. The ultimate goal of a staffing agency is to find the “perfect fit” for their client and to help job seekers find work.

Things to consider if you decide to work with an agency:

• Some agencies staff only temporary work, while others do a combination of contract (i.e., “temporary) and direct-hire placement. If you are asked to sign a contract with an agency, be sure to understand the terms of the agreement so you aren’t trapped in a job for an extended period of time.
• Staffing agencies come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. OK, maybe not shapes and colors, but there are MANY different types and sizes of agencies, so do your research before diving in.
• Most agencies will not charge job seekers a fee for their services. If a staffing agency asks you for your credit card information to secure a position, it’s not a legitimate offer!
• Some agencies will require you to set up an appointment with their staff and complete a variety of interviews and testing before considering you for their positions. This process can take anywhere from 2-3 hours, depending on the type of position you are seeking.
• It is not OK for a job seeker to drop their search in an agency’s lap or to expect any guarantee for employment. Most agencies will suggest that you continue to look on your own and register at several agencies while registered at their company.

Headhunters (otherwise known as Executive Search Firms) will work directly with candidates on a job search, either by contacting candidates to fill a specific position or through contacting employers on their candidate’s behalf. Their role is similiar to an agent… kind of like Jerry Maguire or Ari Gold.

Things to consider if you decide to work with a headhunter:

• Most headhunters choose whom they want to represent. Their services are usually reserved for C-level executives and professional positions (i.e., CIO’s, Physicians and Attorneys).
• Almost all headhunters charge for their services. Usually it is a flat fee or a percentage of your salary once hired. If the headhunter is successful the hiring company will usually pay for the service, but check first with the individual headhunter who wants to represent you.
• All headhunters are recruiters. Not all recruiters are headhunters. Just because someone tells you that they work as a recruiter does not mean that they are in business to “shop you around” to different companies for employment.

Career Coaches offer insight into the workplace and help those who are “lost in space” with their job search. Career coaches offer assistance with anything from figuring out the seeker’s skills/qualifications, targeting companies for the job seeker, creating the seeker’s resume and cover letter, interview preparation and negotiating job offers.

Some things to consider if you decide to work with a Career Coach:

• Career coaches are paid for their services by a job seeker, and their fees can vary greatly so be sure to find out the cost upfront. Some offer a guarantee while others expect to be compensated whether or not you find your dream job.
• Review the career coach’s credentials to see if they are qualified to assist you with your search. Many top-level career coaches are licensed professionals or PhD’s who have been specifically trained to be a life coach. Ask for referrals and testimonials to be sure this person has a track record of success.
• Career coaches are much more hands-on than the average staffing agency or executive search firm. Their job isn’t necessarily to find you a job; rather it is to help you make sense of the world of work and serve as a knowledgeable support system during your search.

Where you are in your job search, what kinds of positions you are seeking, and overall expectations will determine whose help you should enlist in your job search (if any at all!).  Most of these services differ in price, time invested, overall goals; therefore, no you shouldn’t expect these to be a “one size fits all” solution for your search. The one thing that all of these service providers would agree upon? At the end of the day it is your responsibility to find a job, so outsourcing your needs will only get you so far!

If you would like a referral for any of these services, please contact me!

Abby Schwarz is the Business and Employment Editor for Girls Guide. She is an HR/Recruiting Specialist for a local, woman-owned staffing agency in Clayton by day, and an active volunteer all over St. Louis by night. You can email her at abigail184 [at] gmail [dot]com, and follow her on Twitter.