Recruitment Agency

[Jen12]

I feel badly that I've been off this forum for so long, but I haven't been on my bike lately. I gotta get out there....

Anyway, I'm curious if anyone here works for a recruiting agency. I have a background in corporate recruiting, so I've used agencies as vendors, but I'm considering exploring working on the other side and wondering if anyone has any isight.

Long story, but I have about ten years in HR, the last four of which were dedicated to recruiting for an insurance company. The company shut down my office, so I decided to completely change focus and return to school to get my teaching credential. I've subbed for three years and can't afford to do it any longer, and sadly, teaching jobs are few and far between in my state and in the surrounding states. Although teachers are not being laid off by the hundreds like they've been the last couple of years, the districts seem to be absorbing retirements by just increasing class sizes and not hiring anyone new. The field is incredibly difficult to get into, so after much denial and many tears, it's time to grow up and go back to the corporate world. I went on one interview for an HR position and remembered how much I hated the field, so I started thinking about how I could use my experience in new ways.

So...helping people find jobs from an agency standpoint...how is it? It seems like some agencies are broken into sales reps and recruiters and some agencies require you to do both ends...what is it like dealing with multiple customers? Is it something you'd recommend if you're in the field? Any advice?

[Kiwi Stoker]

DH is currently job hunting and I just have to say LINKEDIN.

Even if you HATE Facebook get into Linkedin- the corporate version. DH has paid for all the extra features and has already have an HR company contact him from his profile plus gained contacts on jobs he has seen advertised online- putting his name out there.

The Recruitment agency has said that Linkedin has been indentfied as the new way of recuriting people, so not only would might it get you a job thorugh it, you may have to use it in your job.

DH has found job ads and then searched for people working for the company linked to his contacts and asked for intros. It means his name "rises" to the top of the pile as he comes through multiple channels. He has also been put forward by contacts for unadvertised roles in their companies.

I would get familiar with Linkedin as it could be the future.

[Geonz]

You might also consider creative interpretations of teaching careers, if you're drawn to doing that. Tutoring, hosting courses in something you're knowledgeable in for homeschoolers and/or other refugees from the school systems...

and get on yer bike ;) I, too, have come back to TE after a spell of Not Enough Time Riding ...

[shootingstar]

Consider becoming a facilitator /instructor for organizations. After all you are equipped with knowledge of people's skills and competencies.