Are you unhappy at work? Is your current job failing to meet your financial needs? Maybe you’ve recently lost your job, or have been on an extended break. Whatever the reason, you’re facing the challenge of returning to the job market and searching for your next opportunity. Even in the best of
circumstances, re-entering the job market after some time away can be one of the most intimidating and stressful times in your life. Not only are you tasked with figuring out your next career move, but you have to do the hard work of finding openings and making yourself noticed in an environment that may have changed dramatically since your last search. With so many new elements in play – and so many big decisions on your shoulders – the transition back to the job market has no shortage of shocks and surprises, making it easy to feel alone.

That’s where we come in. In a world of endless advice, endless choices and endless change, an employment agency can be the anchor you need to take the uncertainty and isolation out of returning to the job market. An employment agency understands what you’re dealing with and is your one-stop shop for the experience, tools and resources you need to make your return a successful one.

Here are the six ways employment agencies are essential in helping you return to the job market.

1: They Get to Know You

Ultimately, every individual returning to the job market is different. You have different goals, different backgrounds, different reasons for returning and different expectations. An employment agency is your advocate during the transition. Unlike an online job marketplace or classified ad, employment agency recruiters want to get to the heart of what you bring to the hiring table. In short, they want to get to know you. Their goal is making great employment matches, so they take the time to learn about your aptitudes, experiences and needs to determine where you can be successful.

2: They Have Your Next Job

While many professionals returning to work want to remain in a similar position, just as many aren’t sure of their next move, or are ready for a change. Putting your employment in the hands of an employment agency can bring you the clarity you need. After they’ve understood your unique skills and attributes, an employment agency gives you the vital information about fields needing your particular skills, who’s hiring, and what positions will help you get the career you want. An employment agency worth it’s salt thinks both analytically and creatively about your employment potential and can guide you into unexplored or unconsidered career paths. Most importantly, employment agencies are a direct connection to interested employers, so when the right opportunity opens up you’ll be one of the first in line.

3: They Know the Details

Professionals returning to the job market have an understandably different set of needs from entry level employees.  You need to know the details – like salaries, opportunities for advancement and workplace culture – to decide if a job will work for you. Employment agencies have the information you need to help with every step of the job search, from deciding whether to apply to how to negotiate your salary once you’re hired.

4: They Get You to Work

Sometimes, finding the ideal industry or right salary range isn’t your first priority. When you find yourself returning to the job market, you don’t always have the luxury to be picky. You just need to get back to work. Employment agencies, especially those that aren’t specialised by industry, connect you to temporary, contract or permanent jobs almost immediately, so you’re never losing income even while you’re still job hunting for your next opportunity.

5: They Help You Search

The legwork of finding that next opportunity is a full-time job in itself and can be especially daunting if you haven’t done it in a while. As soon as you set up a profile or make a call, employment agencies start finding you matches based on your credentials and requirements. Turning to an employment agency takes the search off your plate, freeing you to take an interim job, courses, or any other steps that will get you back into the working game.

6: They Keep You Current

Is your LinkedIn profile up to date? Are you taking advantage of personal branding? Involved with the right professional associations? Is your networking strategy creative enough? Overwhelmed? Of course! Who wouldn’t be? Staying current in today’s job market – and trying to keep up with all of the advice about how to do it – is overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be. An employment agency can tune out the noise and tell you what you really need to get the job, regardless of your age, skill level or experience. They have the insider knowledge about what today’s employers expect and can get you started in acquiring what you need to keep up. At Alpha North Group, we give our candidates real, manageable ways to navigate today’s job market, and even have a dedicated space where they can access the internet if they aren’t equipped to get online at home. Employment agencies understand the challenges of modern work and strive to keep their candidates informed and in control of the process.

Every day, professionals returning to the job market make Alpha North Group their first call. We make the transition easy and connect them to great employers who want their expertise and experience. We can do the same for you. Contact us today.