Should I apply for jobs when I already have a relationship with a staffing agency?

Question

I gave my resume to a staffing agency to find me a permanent position. The staffing agent said that I should not apply for any jobs myself; instead, I should notify the rep of any jobs I see that I would like to apply for.

Should I do what he says, or should I apply for jobs on my own, anyway? What could it hurt?

He still hasn't explained to my satisfaction why I should search for a job through him.

He claims that if I apply for a job and then he submits my resume for a *different* job within the same company, the recruiter will get confused about...errr...something...this is where is didn't make any sense.

Any idea as to whether or not I should rely on this staffing agent solely to submit my resume?

Answer 1

You need to remember that the agency is all about getting their fee, either from you or from the hiring company. Your pursuit of a job outside their efforts can compromise that.

How can you be certain that they are looking at the same companies you may find opportunities with? How can you be certain that if you find an opportunity, that the agency has a relationship with that company so that your resume is accepted?

In the end, the person who needs to be most accountable for finding you a job is yourself. Screw the agency. If you see a good fit for yourself, go ahead and pursue it.

That agency is working with lots of people, but you are only working for yourself.

Take care of yourself.

Answer 2

He's only nervous because then he wouldn't get paid by the other company for "finding" you. The agencies I have gone to called me to tell me about an open position and I had to give a "yes" or "no" of whether I was interested in it. They usually told me which company it was for, so then I just didn't apply separately to that company. I wouldn't solely depend on the agency - you have to look out for yourself, and that means getting yourself out there!! Good luck!!

Answer 3

It sounds to me like your agent just wants a little more comission. I am in a similar situation and I have been submitting resumes on my own. You should never limit your resources, especially for something like a job hunt.

Answer 4

People's advice is usually right on! I would Listen to your Job REP. So that the Recruiter won't get confused ! Unless you talk to the recrutier personally ! I don't know if this information is helpful so best of luck at whatever you decide to do !

Answer 5

Apply everywhere and anywhere that has openings. The staffing agency just wants their cut. Don't worry about them.

Answer 6

NEVER soley rely on a staffing agency to get you employment. Definitely do your own research to get a job.

Answer 7

Staffin agencies wanna make money by placing you.
They are there to search for a job on your behalf, but they should try keep you from lookin for one yourself.
Look for a job and dont let them know

Answer 8

two possible answers:
1) he wants comission indeed
2) or perhaps he will "embelish" your postulation for the job writing a cover letter or stuff like that ...

rule out the last one if you can by asking him to show you on the net or the mail he sent or whatever mean , and then proceed to submit

Answer 9

it is perfectly fine to also persue employment opportunities on your own.

the reason they told you not to look by yourself is because when they place you, they will get a cut of what the client is paying you per hour. So they are trying to protect their investment.

Use all means possible to get yourself a job.

Good Luck ;-)