Finding an Agency
If you decide to register with an employment agency, your best bet is to find one recommended by a friend or associate. As mentioned previously, you can find local employment agencies advertised in the help-wanted sections of local newspapers. You can also find them listed in local telephone directories. Of course, you can always search for employment agencies on the Web. One Web site that lists agencies is the American Staffing Association. Go to
Once you gather names and phone numbers of several employment agencies, it's time to make contact with them. Call the firm to find out if it specializes in your area of expertise and how it will go about marketing your qualifications. After selecting a few agencies, send each one a resume with a cover letter. They will probably ask you to send it via e-mail, so be sure to read Chapter 6, which will help you design an electronic resume.
Making contact with an agency is no different than making contact with an employer. You should always be professional whether you are contacting an agency on the telephone, in person, by mail, or by e-mail. Treat them as you would a potential employer. If you are visiting an agency, even just to drop off a copy of your resume, dress professionally.
Make a follow-up call a week or two later and try to schedule an interview.
Above all, don't expect too much. Only a small number of all professional, managerial, and executive jobs are listed with these agencies. Use them as an addition to your job-search campaign, not as a centerpiece.
