There are a lot of misconceptions out there about staffing agencies that cause people to shy away from using them to find jobs. The truth is that these agencies can be an excellent resource in helping individuals who are seeking employment. Here are the top five myths we have busted to show how staffing agencies can help boost your career.

Myth #1: Staffing agencies charge a fee to help you find a job.

Reality: Reputable staffing agencies will never charge employees for finding them a job. Staffing agencies typically charge the fees to their clients, the companies that hire the agency to look for employees. The only thing that you, as a potential employee, need to do is apply and check up on your application regularly.

Myth #2: Staffing firms are only for temporary jobs, or they only hire for certain types of work.

Reality: The truth is that this will depend on the individual agency, their specialty, their clients, and available assignments. Many of today’s staffing agencies place individuals at all levels, in virtually every industry. While the initial assignment might only be for a limited time, it is not uncommon for temporary jobs to become full-time offers of employment. EA Staffing offers positions in a variety of different industries lasting for various lengths of time.

Myth #3: Staffing agencies do not offer any benefits.

Reality: This is also dependent upon the individual agency. At EA Staffing, we offer medical insurance to any employee that has worked 100 hours on an assignment through our company. The hours are calculated at the beginning of each month, so if an employee works 40 hours per week, they may qualify for insurance in as little as three to four weeks, instead of the typical 90 day waiting period that you find at most direct hire companies.

Myth #4: Temporary jobs only pay less than full-time jobs.

Reality: Most staffing agencies offer competitive rates that are on par with industry standards. In fact, some temporary jobs pay more than regular jobs. Why? Because companies want quality employees who will do quality work. Otherwise, they would not be spending the extra money to use an agency to hire employees in the first place.

 Myth #5: Taking a temporary job will keep you from finding full-time work and it can’t be used on a résumé.

Reality: Temporary assignments can (and should!) be used on résumés. As mentioned previously, many temporary assignments can lead to permanent work. Working a temporary assignment can open doors to opportunities that may not have been available otherwise. In addition, it is better to have an employment history that includes temporary work than a history that is filled with long periods of unemployment.

Know of any other staffing agency myths that need to be debunked? Let us know!

     Every staffing agency has its own unique process that applicants have to go through when applying for jobs. Some may have more lengthy processes than others, but each agency has a certain way that they sort through perspective job applicants. EA Staffing is no different; we have our own procedures and policies that we follow to help expedite the interview process and match our employers with the most qualified applicant.

     The first thing all perspective employees must do is submit an application. The application can be accessed from the EA Staffing website, or it is also available on the computers located in the EA Staffing lobby. The application is relatively brief and asks for basic background information such as work history, contact information, education, etc. Once the application has been submitted, it can take up to 24 hours for the application to be merged into our system. Once the application has been received we will schedule the applicant for an interview.

     An interview with EA Staffing should be approached the same as any other interview. It is very important that applicants show up on time, well groomed, and dressed for success. First impressions count with us the same as they would with any other company. EA Staffing may be a staffing service, but it is still a job interview, and we are seeking employees who are prompt, reliable, and who present themselves in a professional manner. There is no need to show up in a suit and tie, but we want to see candidates who care enough about the interview to properly prepare for it.

     Once an applicant has interviewed, they will typically be placed on what is called the “hotlist.” This is the list that our placement specialists will search through each week when they have new job openings. There are hundreds of applicants on file with EA Staffing. It is impossible for us to know who is still looking for work unless the applicants call us to let us know, so the list just tells us who is still available to work. Job candidates must call once a week to stay on the hotlist; otherwise they may not be contacted for employment.

     It is important to understand that employment through EA Staffing is not guaranteed.  It is our job to provide the most qualified candidates to our customers, and that is exactly what we strive to do. And while we would love to be able to place every single applicant, that would be impossible. In the meantime, polish up those résumés, submit those applications, and remember to be nice to the receptionist!

We have all heard the saying, “Dress for success,” at least once in our lives. But what does it really mean? In a short article on, About.com, by Alison Doyle, the practice of dressing for an interview is outlined.

One of the most important things to remember is when going to a first, second, or eighth interview is: What is the appropriate dress for the job? I am a big believer in dressing up, not down for an interview. At every job I have had whether it was working at a dry cleaner or my current administrative position I have always dressed up, business casual. This doesn’t mean if you are working in a factory that you must. It is important that the potential employers take you seriously. Professional dress is one of the ways to leave a great first impression.

If it is difficult or out of the question to dress business casual, then choose the next best option: nice pants, clean shirt, appropriate hem lines, all of these are must-haves in an interview outfit.  The best way to decide if your interview outfit is appropriate and worthy of landing you that dream job is to ask yourself, “Would I hire me in the outfit?”

About.com suggests certain attire for women and men.

Women should consider wearing:

• Solid color, conservative suit
• Coordinated blouse
• Moderate shoes
• Limited jewelry
• Neat, professional hairstyle
• Tan or light hosiery
• Sparse make-up & perfume
• Manicured nails
• Portfolio or briefcase

Men search your closets for:

• Solid color, conservative suit
• White long sleeve shirt
• Conservative tie
• Dark socks, professional shoes
• Very limited jewelry
• Neat, professional hairstyle
• Go easy on the aftershave
• Neatly trimmed nails
• Portfolio or briefcase

Source: http://bit.ly/fwAa

By: Hannah Scott

Administrative Assistant

Whether entering for the first time or returning to the job market, there is one daunting task that we all must accomplish. Yes, I am talking about completing a resume. In the beginning resumes do require time and effort but once you have put in the hard work you will have a great step in getting the perfect job for you!

The first tip when creating a resume is to know what goal you want to achieve. Whether you’re looking for a part time job to help supplement your income or to find that perfect long term career, having a structured and well-thought out resume is the way to get your name on the top of the list!

Another tip for building a resume is to research, research, research. It sounds simple but use Google, Yahoo, Bing, or whatever your favorite search engine may be. There are millions of websites that give great resume templates to use for free!

Here are a couple simple tips that go a long way in creating a professional resume. First, use the same verb tense in the entire resume. This makes the paragraphs flow easily. Secondly, resumes usually take up 1-2 pages. This makes it easy to read for the potential company hiring you. They want to know about you as easy and quick as possible. So you need to catch their eye quick!

The last tip in making the perfect resume for you is to be concise. With resumes it is important to get your point across in an easy to read format. Instead of using excessive verb-age to take up space, use sentences that state skills you used in previous jobs or work experience and state what was accomplished from those skills. An easy way to remember this: what skill did I use + what was the outcome of this skill. For example, in serving/restaurant experience you might say: coordinated steps of meals to generate a well-timed meal. The under lined section is what skill I used and the bold section is the outcome of my skill.

Once you have your resume completed, the hard part is over! All you have to do is add to it whenever you gain more experience towards your career goals.

 Hannah Scott

Office Assistant

Employers in Lafayette, Ind., are seeking applicants for a range of jobs, particularly in the industrial sector.

“Long known for our high employment rates and diverse manufacturing base, Lafayette has always had a strong industrial base, and now we’re experiencing a growth in prime jobs in advanced manufacturing,” said Melisa Dwenger, general manager of EA Staffing.

“Every day, this community is producing automobiles, truck trailers, large engines, fructose corn syrup, pharmaceuticals, gears and more,” she said. “We’ve got jobs to fill now and more coming. And many entry-level jobs offer benefits as well as opportunities for increased pay and responsibilities.”

Already in 2011, local manufacturers have announced 1,232 new jobs, including 200 that will soon be needed at an aluminum plant now under construction.

“This is a great time to consider a short commute to Lafayette, Ind., or even a move,” Dwenger said. “Lafayette’s cost of living is affordable, public schools are well-rated, public transportation available, and we’re a regional health care hub, which is also experiencing job growth. Training and education opportunities, too, are available at Ivy Tech Community College and Purdue University.”

EA Staffing Services is a division of Wabash Center, a nonprofit social service agency. EA Staffing links qualified employees and employers. Its profits benefit children and adults with special needs served by Wabash Center.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Melisa Dwenger, General Manager: 765/420-1414
mdwenger@eastaffingservice.com