Jobs are certainly on the forefront of many minds these days. Although Oklahoma’s unemployment rate is much lower than the national average, it is still an issue that faces our state economy. And employment agencies across the state are stepping up to the plate to offer some creative ways to help fill the unemployment gap.
Part-Time Pros, founded by Carey Baker, is one such company.
Since its founding almost four years ago, Part Time Pros has put to work almost 1,000 Tulsans.
“We recruit professionally degreed people who are seeking to work contract, full time or part time and place them with companies who have hiring needs,” says Baker, “especially as companies look more for ways to trim fat and are looking for part-time workers to meet their needs.”
Robert Half International serves as a resource for insight into emerging workplace and employment trends.
“We offer industry-focused research tools that are useful for employers,” says Mark Malone, regional vice president for Robert Half International. “We also provide online training and continuing education programs to our applicants looking for jobs.”
Robert Half International specifically works in the fields of accounting and finance, administrative support and information technology.
For those looking for more temporary work, Express Services (formally Express Personnel) is a good place to look.
“We have found through our research that the hiring outlook continues to remain steady for administrative and commercial jobs,” says Jennifer Anderson, vice president of marketing and communications for Express Services. “In addition to temp jobs, we also offer professional search and human resources for a wide variety of industries.”
Premier Staffing also offers temporary and contract positions.
“We are a locally owned staffing company,” says Steve Collins, vice president of operations for Premier Staffing. “We also offer contract-to-hire, payrolling and PEO services.”
Another option for temp to hire jobs is Key Personnel. This company offers services in Tulsa and Bartlesville.
“We offer direct hire jobs as well,” says Stan McCabe, regional director for Key Personnel. “We work in five different industries – accounting, legal, light industrial, administrative and medical.”
All staffing agencies suggest doing your homework before interviewing for a job.
“The internet makes it relatively easy to gather hints about a firm’s culture,” says Malone. “Start by visiting the company’s website, then talk to some of the company’s current or former employees. This can offer you valuable insight.”
Professionalism and being proactive are also extremely important.
“It is imperative you follow up with an employer after your interview,” says Baker. “Your phone call and/or letter could be the difference it makes to land the position.”
McCabe’s number one tip for people looking for a job is to make sure your social media sites are up to date.
“More and more, recruiters will go straight to a person’s Linked In profile or Facebook page to find out about the applicant,” says McCabe. “More often than not, they will look at this before they even call a reference, so it is important that you keep this information updated and accurate.”
According to Collins, you should treat your job search like a full-time job.
“As with any full-time job, you have to get up each day, get dressed and go to work,” says Collins. “The difference is your current job description is ‘finding a job.’ Work it nine to five each day of the week.”
