Insights / Career Advice

Interviewing with a Staffing Agency? Follow These Tips

Practical tips for job seekers on how a staffing agency interview differs from a typical company interview and how to prepare for it.

Job Seekers·3 min read

The short answer

A staffing agency often screens candidates not just for one role but for multiple open positions, so interviewers may ask broader questions. Focus your answers on relevant skills while staying open to related experience. Prepare by confirming your appointment, bringing printed paperwork, dressing appropriately, minding body language, and sending a thank-you note afterward.

Overview

Is there a difference in interviewing for a staffing agency vs. a company? Yes, and here are tips to help you make the most of your agency interview and move your career forward in 2018. The Position Gateway A staffing agency is often contracted to fill a specific position, and they will screen the candidate for how he/she may suit the job for which they applied. However, they often have multiple vacant positions available and will assess the candidate with those additional vacancies also in mind. So, a high caliber staffing agency will act as a “gateway” toward other positions where you, as the candidate, may be the best fit. It’s good to understand this benefit and to be prepared to put your best face forward. Take your cues from the agency representative, especially if the questions he/she ask seem to be broader in scope than expected. The Bigger Picture In keeping with a broader perspective, listen carefully to how the interviewer frames the questions. Focus your responses on the skills and achievements for the position inquired about, but if you feel led, mention that you could expand on your answer by eliciting related skills and accomplishments. Furthermore, because the agency interviewer will have the bigger picture in mind, you want to ensure your personality, as well as your skills and abilities, are well represented. Being prepared for the interview requires more than just showing up. Make sure you have cleared time on your calendar. Call the day before your interview to confirm the appointment. On the day of the interview, bring your paperwork with you. Having it printed out will show you are thorough and considerate. Dress appropriately and be mindful of body language. Be polite and respectful and listen to instructions. Follow-up with a proper thank-you note or email. Leaving with the right impression may be as important the interview itself. About Lingo Staffing Lingo is a full-service staffing firm dedicated to providing top quality services to its clients and its candidate pool. With extensive knowledge and experience in light industrial, administrative, and professional employment, Lingo encompasses the capabilities and resources necessary to help you get ahead. Our experience and commitment to client satisfaction make us the perfect choice to manage all of your staffing needs. Our staff guarantees exceptional customer service with an expedient response time. Our experts are located at an office near you: Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Tennessee, and Georgia. Lingo, the language of On Demand solutions. Contact us at an office convenient to you.

Frequently asked

How is interviewing with a staffing agency different from interviewing with a company?

A staffing agency may screen you for a specific position but often considers you for other open roles too, so questions can be broader in scope than a typical single-position interview.

Why might a staffing agency interviewer ask broader questions?

Because the agency may have multiple vacant positions available, it evaluates candidates with those additional opportunities in mind, acting as a 'gateway' to other roles you might fit well.

What should I do to prepare for a staffing agency interview?

Clear your calendar, confirm the appointment the day before, bring printed paperwork, dress appropriately, be mindful of body language, listen to instructions, and follow up with a thank-you note or email.

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