JOBTALKSJOBTALKS
Professional Employment Services
Indiana UniversityKelley School of BusinessC. Randall Powell, Ph.D
Contents used in this presentation are adapted from Career Planning Strategies and used with the permission of the author.
Professional Employment Services
job counseling
resume preparation
job leads
interview arrangements
many other services
Job Search Help
Using Third Party Assistance(six types of services)
College Career CentersGovernment employment servicesPrivate employment agenciesPrivate executive professional search firmsCareer advisory firmsEmployment specialists
Do Not Expect Miracles
You must get your own job!
But: staff members are experts their information valuable most charge for their services
Reputations
How do you identify the bad apples?How do you identify the bad apples?
Visit the agencyGet referrals from friendsMost are reputable
Agency SelectionConsiderationScope: national international or local?Efficient operation?Qualified counselor?Specialization in certain fields?Who pays?
Need to visit to get answers!
Agency Fees
Many jobs, few applicants (employer pays)
Few jobs, many applicants (applicant pays)
Up to 25% of annual salary
Take a resume with you
Contacting Agencies
Take a resume with you
Yellow pages, want adsMost openings are localBe specific about goalsDon't use for counseling
Agency Advice
Don't sign until you readGet to know your counselor
Beware of promises!Beware of promises!
Agency Caveats
Counselor is a salespersonMoney made when you are placed
If not legitimate match referrals,Drop the agency!
Agency Caveats
Pursue several leads simultaneouslyPursue several leads simultaneously
After interview, checkback with agency
Agency CaveatsMost openings are with smaller firms
Applicants contact large firms directlyApplicants should contact large firms directly
Agency CaveatsSome agencies rely on newspaper ads
Read ads carefullyGive glamorous titlesMay not be openings
Professional Search Firms
Hired by employersRecruit high level execsDon't deal with individuals
Owe allegiances to employer
Executive Search FirmsPaid a retainer to find high level person
Firm is paid %
Search firms will not talk to you unless you have several years of experience
Executive Search Firms
Maintain database of high-level talent.They are usually not looking for a job.
Search firm will call for referrals
Using Executive Search Firms
If qualified, turn to personal contactsDon't personally contactHave someone recommend you
It is better to be recruitedIt is better to be recruited
Executive Search Firms
Directory of Executive Recruiters(checkwebsites)
Library
Telephone Directory
Charge for directories
Career Advisory Firms
Serve as employment counselorsListed in metropolitan papersCounseling is expensiveSometimes called "outplacement firms"
Be careful about promises of placementVery high cost and no placement service
Employment Specialists
Involved in "mechanics" of job searchCover letters and mass mailings for a feeResume and printing services
Direct mail firm on your behalf(expensive but useful if there are time constraints)Direct mail firm on your behalf(expensive but useful if there are time constraints)
SummaryJob openings may not be advertised
Professional services bringyou and the employer together
Key is to wisely prospect
Employment services are part ofsupporting cast.
Your efforts pay biggest dividendsYour efforts pay biggest dividends