If you’re looking for a job—whether temporary, permanent, entry-level, or executive—you might have come across the term staffing agency. But what does a staffing agency actually do for job seekers? More than just matching resumes to openings, these agencies play a critical role in helping candidates land jobs faster, smarter, and often with less stress.
In this article, we’ll break down exactly how staffing agencies work for job seekers, what services they provide, and why they might be the strategic ally you didn’t know you needed in today’s competitive job market.
What Is a Staffing Agency?
A staffing agency (also called an employment agency or recruiting firm) is an organization that connects employers with qualified candidates. They act as intermediaries, helping companies fill open positions while also assisting job seekers in finding opportunities that match their skills, goals, and experience.
Staffing agencies may specialize in particular industries like healthcare, IT, finance, or manufacturing, and they often have both temporary and permanent placement options.
Key Services Staffing Agencies Provide for Job Seekers
1. Access to Hidden Job Markets
Staffing agencies often have access to jobs that aren’t advertised publicly. According to The Interview Guys, up to 70% of jobs are never posted online. These are often filled through recruiter networks or internal referrals.
Staffing agencies open this “hidden job market” to job seekers by leveraging their relationships with employers.
2. Resume and Interview Coaching
Agencies work closely with candidates to optimize their resumes and prepare for interviews. This includes:
- Resume formatting to match applicant tracking systems (ATS)
- Highlighting in-demand skills
- Practicing interview questions specific to the job
Many staffing agencies offer this support at no cost to the job seeker.
3. Skills Assessment and Career Guidance
Most agencies conduct skills testing to match you with the right roles. These might include:
- Typing speed
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Technical assessments (e.g., coding tests)
Some also offer career coaching, helping candidates navigate their next career steps based on industry trends.
4. Faster Placement into Jobs
When employers partner with agencies, they often want to fill roles quickly. As a result, working with a staffing firm can cut down the time it takes to land a job.
Agencies also pre-vet candidates, which speeds up the hiring process significantly.
5. Temporary-to-Permanent Opportunities
While the majority of our roles are temp-to-perm or direct hire, we still fill a number of temporary positions. Of those, approximately 38% of our temporary placements are either extended or converted to permanent roles, highlighting the strong value and alignment we create between candidates and employers.
This is higher than the industry average of around one-third, according to the American Staffing Association.
6. Negotiation and Onboarding Support
Staffing agencies often handle key parts of the hiring process, including:
- Salary negotiations – They advocate on your behalf to ensure your compensation aligns with your skills, experience, and market rates.
- Benefit discussions – From health insurance to PTO, they help clarify and sometimes negotiate the benefits you’ll receive if hired.
- Onboarding paperwork – Agencies often streamline the administrative side of hiring, guiding you through tax forms, direct deposit setup, background checks, and more.
By managing these important steps, staffing agencies act as your advocate, helping you secure fair compensation, understand your benefits, and start your new job with confidence and clarity.
Common Misconceptions About Staffing Agencies
"They only offer temp jobs."
While temporary placements are common, many agencies also recruit for full-time, permanent roles. Some specialize exclusively in high-level executive placements. At City Personnel, over 80% of our job openings are full-time positions, whether temp-to-perm or direct hire.
"I have to pay to use their services."
Job seekers do not pay to work with a staffing agency. Agencies are paid by the employer once a placement is made.
"It’s not a real job."
Jobs through staffing agencies are legitimate employment opportunities. Many even come with benefits such as health insurance and paid time off, depending on the agency and the employer.
Is a Staffing Agency Right for You?
If you’re looking to save time, expand your network, and get insider access to roles you might not find elsewhere, a staffing agency can be a powerful ally. They’re especially useful if you’re:
- Entering the workforce for the first time
- Returning after a career break
- Switching industries
- Looking for flexible or temp-to-perm work
Ultimately, a good staffing agency works for you—not just the employer.
