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 counselingresume preparationjob leadsinterview arrangementsmany 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

Search Firms

Act as brokers - maintain two files

Job Openings Candidates

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 CaveatsCounselor 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 Caveats

Busiest day = MondayAvoid contacting Monday

Make appointment by phone!

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 FirmsHired 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 FirmsMaintain database of high-level talent.They are usually not looking for a job.

Search firm will call for referrals

Using Executive Search FirmsIf 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)

LibraryTelephone Directory

Charge for directories

Career Advisory FirmsServe as employment counselorsListed in metropolitan papersCounseling is expensiveSometimes called "outplacement firms"

Be careful about promises of placementVery high cost and no placement service

Employment SpecialistsInvolved 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

If you would like to If you would like to learn more, learn more, Career Career Planning StrategiesPlanning Strategies textbook will supply textbook will supply additional information additional information on this topic.on this topic.