Consumer Tips

Employment

There are several different types of employment related firms, each offering a range of services. To choose the type that best fits your needs, it is important to understand the difference between them.

Private personnel placement services are the most common type. They try to bring job seekers and employers together on a one to one basis. For this service the agency charges a fee to the company, but only after a worker has been hired.

Search firms provide management consulting service for client companies. Their services include learning about the personnel needs of the company and then locating qualified people to fill positions. Payment for this type of service is arranged between the agency and the company. Workers hired through the search firm do not pay.

Executive counseling services are in the business of preparing workers to make career decisions, improve resumes and boost interviewing skills. Their purpose is not to find positions for job seekers. Because of their nature, these firms cannot guarantee you will land a job. Some clients claim these firms promise a lot but do little for a large fee. For this reason, it is a good idea to find out what you are getting into before signing a contract. Ask to see materials prepared for clients with similar backgrounds, and for the names of some former clients. Get in writing a clear explanation of what the firm will and will not do, what the costs will be and what time period the contract covers.