Post a Job

Staffing Agencies in Bend and Beyond: What to Know and Who to Contact

Staffing Agencies in Bend, OR

Staffing agencies are a great way to find work. Whether you’re looking to make ends meet with a temporary assignment or are looking for a full-time executive role, staffing agencies can help connect you with local employers in need of your skills.

But before you connect with a staffing agency, it’s important to know how these firms operate. The more you know before you start the process, the easier and more productive the relationship will be.

What you need to know about working staffing agencies

While every firm has its own practices and procedures, there are a few general rules to keep in mind when you engage with staffing agencies. 

1. Staffing agencies are paid by the employer

Staffing agencies are businesses that help other companies find, hire, and manage workers. It can be tough to find the right talent to keep a business running⁠—especially when the work is short term or requires a technical skill. Companies pay staffing agencies to assist with this recruiting challenge.

Most firms are paid on commission, earning a payment only if they successfully place a candidate with an employer. This cost is always covered by the employer, above and beyond of the compensation they provide the candidate. 

This is important, so we’ll repeat the point. You, as a job seekers, should never have to pay to be placed through a staffing agency. If a recruiter asks you for money in order to get a job, run!

2. The agency’s primary responsibility is to the employer

Here’s the downside to not paying the staffing agency’s fees…

Staffing agencies make their money from employers⁠; their customers are businesses that need specific types of workers. As such, a staffing agency’s primary responsibility is to those businesses, NOT to job seekers.  Their obligation is to deliver the right candidates to their customers, not ensure every candidate finds a job. 

3. There is no guarantee of employment

Staffing agencies can only place candidates who meet the needs of their paying clients. As such, there’s no guarantee that the agency can get you a job. 

The more flexible you are, the more opportunities you’re likely to find through an agency. If you’re open to part time and temp work, you’re more likely to be placed. 

4. Agencies may specialize in specific industries or types of work

As you’ll see below, there are many staffing agencies in Central Oregon. While many of these firms compete for the same candidates and employer vacancies, others specialize in particular industries.  Healthcare and technology, for example, are two sectors that often use specialty niche recruitment firms.

If you have a specific industry focus, you should try to find a staffing agency that operates in this sector. A firm with deep, existing connections in your industry of choice will be much more effective in finding you a placement.

5. Relationships matter

Like most things related to a job search, when it comes to working with a staffing agency, relationships matter. It’s important to have a positive, trusting, and open relationship whatever employment firm you work with. The better you communicate with your agency, the more likely they are to advocate on your behalf with employers. 

You’re likely to have multiple options when choosing a staffing agency. We encourage job seekers to connect with at least three different firms before making any decision. Learn about the firm’s specialization, the employers they currently work with, and their track record of placing candidates. More importantly, spend some time getting to know the recruiter who you’d be working with. If you don’t know and like your recruiter, you’re setting yourself up for failure. 

Staffing Agencies in Central Oregon

Below is a list of some of the many staffing and employment agencies that operate in Central Oregon.

Note: while we’ve organized agencies by city, most firms will serve job seekers and employers anywhere the region. (In other words, an agency in Bend may have employment opportunities in Redmond, La Pine, or anywhere else in Central Oregon. 

Staffing agencies in Bend, Oregon

Staffing Agencies in Madras, Oregon

Staffing Agencies in Prineville, Oregon

Staffing Agencies in Redmond, Oregon

Related Articles