Why Use a Recruitment Agency to Find a Job in Manufacturing?

If you’re interested in the manufacturing industry but aren’t sure where to start, you aren’t alone. Hiring in the manufacturing industry is steady  and wages have improved recently. Whether you’re looking for a job as a machinist, floor manager or a more skilled position, it’s a great time to start a career in manufacturing. We spoke with Senior Account Recruiting Manager Jessica Thurnes who has over three years of experience of helping people find jobs in manufacturing. She explains the benefits of working with a recruiter to find the opportunity that matches your goals and skills.

Can a recruitment agency find a job?

The answer for any good recruitment company is “yes”. However, this can be contingent on your level of experience, skills, qualifications, and other criteria. The more experience, education, and skills you have the more marketable you are to potential employers. Still, whether you’re a newly minted machinist or a seasoned production line worker, most recruitment companies should have the connections to companies that are looking to hire at all levels.

“Aerotek partners with our clients very closely from a consultative perspective to understand business needs. This includes forecasting projections when it comes to hiring and how that will impact a client’s bottom line. Working with a recruiter can help candidates have insight on companies that are hiring before those job postings are even announced online. Additionally, Aerotek recruiters are very thorough with our clients and candidates to understand things beyond the job description such as culture and employee value propositions to ensure both parties are set up for success,” says Thurnes. 

How do recruitment agencies work?

Recruitment agencies are almost like matchmakers. Companies are looking to recruit new workers, and would-be employees are looking for jobs. Recruitment agencies function like a conduit and help connect the two. Companies will approach the agencies if they’re in need of talent, and workers will approach the agencies if they’re looking to find a particular job.

Recruitment agencies will take a profile of you, your resume, your experience, and your career goals and leverage that information to market you to potential companies. They may conduct interviews at the recruitment agency, and then you may interview with an actual company before you get hired. The recruitment agency takes both your and the company’s needs into account before “pairing” you up with interviews. 

Do recruitment agencies take a cut of your salary?

The answer may vary with each recruitment agency, but in general, no. Recruitment agencies may charge the company a percentage of a newly hired employee’s salary, but that comes out of the company’s wallet, not yours. Recruitment agencies may charge you a flat fee or monthly rate for using their service. You might also work on the recruitment agency’s payroll, where they contract you out to the other company. 

“Job seekers should never worry about losing part of their pay or a cost associated with working with Aerotek. We work with our clients to share the cost of hiring so that those looking for work are not impacted financially to work,’ says Thurnes.

Why use a recruitment agency to find a job?

There are several compelling reasons to use a recruitment agency on your next job search. Remember, they’re the experts in the manufacturing job market, so you’ll be getting some premium assistance if you choose a reputable one to help. 

1. They'll Connect You Quicker

   This is especially true if you’re just entering the manufacturing field. You might not know where to begin, which companies are hiring, and so on. A good recruitment agency will know the ins and outs of the market and better connect you to a company that has the position you’re looking for. 
   
   “The Aerotek team takes a lot of pride in building relationships with our clients to meet their business needs. This allows us to work very closely with hiring managers, HR and other representatives to ensure we are getting feedback on applications of job seekers. This mutually benefits both sides of the hiring process. Recruiters are also always willing to share multiple opportunities with candidates and will be able to explain which position best matches them to their goals — whether you are looking to start right away, need a specific schedule, or passively looking for a better opportunity. We also understand the financial burden of being unemployed and are a free resource to get you back on your feet as soon as possible,” says Thurnes.

2. You're On Their Payroll

   This isn’t true of every recruitment agency, but it is an arrangement many offer. Instead of working directly for the company, you’ll stay on the recruitment agency’s roster. This is advantageous in several ways — you’ll have a job after your contract with a company ends, and you’ll have someone to connect you to other options if it doesn’t work out with a particular employer. 

3. They May Know About Other Opportunities

   Staffing firms usually work with multiple clients. If the original job opening isn’t a great fit for you, they may know of similar opportunities available. Or they can keep you in mind when new job openings become available.
   
   “There are many advantages of being employed by a staffing agency. The last 6 months have been tumultuous with the economy from direct hire to agency contractors experiencing unexpected layoffs with little notice. This can be a very stressful time, however working with a staffing agency will give insight to other job opportunities that start right away. My team will always prioritize job seekers in this position because our people truly are everything to us. I have often had current employees call me due to scheduling conflicts in their current assignment. Your recruiter will be there to help with our client to see if there is an opportunity to shift schedules or start searching for a new position for you right away,” says Thurnes.

How to Register With a Recruitment Agency

Registering with a recruitment agency is a straightforward process — it’s easy to prepare for and can be a very useful career move. Below are the steps to register.

1. Prepare Your Materials

   Most recruitment agencies will require a few forms of identification, a license to work, a resume or CV and relevant qualifications or educational certifications. 

2. Reach Out

   Do your research and look for a reputable recruitment agency in manufacturing and give them a call. 

3. Interview

   If a recruiting agency is interested in bringing you aboard, or has a potential employer interested, you’ll be invited to interview with them, and then with the actual company later. 

There are several clear benefits that come from working with a recruiter to find a job in manufacturing. They’re experts in the manufacturing market and can help you find the job you’re looking for. 

“Having an ongoing relationship with a recruiter will build trust, confidence, and career coaching. Your recruiter wants you to succeed and find something you love doing. If you ever find yourself back on the job market your recruiter will be there to pick you back up! Our team loves to help your family and friends as well during their job search,” says Thurnes.

When you're ready to find your next job in manufacturing, search our job board.