A niche staffing firm is a staffing agency that specializes in a specific industry or a specific position. Some can be more generalized than others. For example, one niche staffing firm may focus on matching candidates to any and all types of IT jobs for various industries, while another might focus only on IT jobs in banking or only on finding Java developers or web designers.
Unfortunately, there is a misconception that staffing agencies only fill low-level, low-paying positions, so many job seekers don’t take advantage of the free services they offer. Though this might have been true a few decades ago, when staffing companies focused mainly on filling admin-type jobs and general labour positions, nothing could be further from the truth today.
Now, staffing agencies work in virtually all industries and also fill high-level and specialized positions as well. If you’re in a specialized field, and have qualifications, education, and skills for a specific career, then you could benefit from engaging a niche staffing firm.
Here’s why.
Expert Market Knowledge
Recruiters at a niche staffing firm are deeply involved in their specific area of expertise. And as a result, they have valuable expert market knowledge that you could benefit from. A niche recruiter will be able to help you understand what type of position you’d be best suited for if you’re not sure, which companies are hiring right now and would be a good match, which types of positions are currently open and which ones companies aren’t generally hiring for, what pay scale you can expect, what type of resume, skills, experience, or education hiring managers are looking for, and so much more.
With all of this relevant information, you’ll be able to make better decisions on your job search and have a better shot at getting hired for the right job in order to find your dream career.
Access to the Hidden Job Market
When it comes to high-level positions, many leading companies do not advertise to the public. They know that online job boards typically lead to applications from mediocre candidates without the specialized skills and experience they require. Instead, they go straight to their niche staffing agency partners for help in filling these types of positions.
So if you’re only looking for job opportunities on online job boards, you’re not going to see these great temporary and permanent positions. When you register with a niche recruiter, however, you will be able to gain access to many more job opportunities that you didn’t even know were out there.
Less Competition
Competition is fierce in the job market, even when you have relevant experience, skills, and education in your field. Every time you send out a resume to an online job posting, you can expect that hundreds of other people have done the same thing, so you’re up against a lot of competition. When you work with a niche staffing firm, however, you’ll get to apply to the hidden jobs that the majority of job seekers don’t have access to. This will dramatically cut down your competition, so you have a better shot at getting the job.
A Partner
When you engage a niche staffing firm, you’ll gain a partner. You’ll get all of the help you need from your recruiters. They’ll do all of the legwork for you. They’ll help you modify your resume and cover letter to match the interests of hiring managers. They’ll give you interview tips. They’ll go to bat and give you a great referral. And they’ll even be there for you to negotiate hours, pay, and perks. Searching for a job is tough, and it can be highly advantageous to have a supporter on your side, helping you get through the process.
