Finding a new career path can be overwhelming, but staffing agencies simplify the process by connecting you directly with employers. Aerotek is one of the largest staffing firms in North America, specializing in industries like manufacturing, logistics, construction, and aviation. By understanding how their system works, you can streamline your job search and gain access to positions that might not be listed on traditional job boards.
Understanding the Role of a Staffing Agency
Before you begin your search, it is important to understand what a staffing agency actually does. Agencies like Aerotek act as a bridge between companies looking for workers and individuals looking for employment. They handle the initial screening, interviewing, and sometimes the payroll for the workers they place.
When you apply for a position through an agency, you are often working with a recruiter. This recruiter’s goal is to find the right candidate for their client. This means that if you are a good fit, the recruiter becomes your advocate, helping you navigate the hiring process and presenting your skills in the best possible light.
Identify Your Target Industry
Aerotek focuses on specific sectors, so your first step should be determining if your skills align with their core areas. They are highly active in technical and industrial fields. Knowing where you fit allows you to tailor your resume more effectively.
Manufacturing and Production
This includes roles such as assembly line workers, machine operators, and quality control inspectors. These positions are often available at various skill levels, from entry-level to highly specialized technical roles.
Logistics and Warehouse
If you have experience with forklifts, inventory management, or general warehouse labor, there is a high demand for these skills. These roles are critical for supply chain operations and often offer consistent hours.
Construction and Skilled Trades
For those in the trades, agencies often have openings for electricians, welders, carpenters, and pipefitters. These roles frequently involve large-scale commercial or industrial projects.
Aviation and Engineering
Aerotek also serves specialized sectors like aviation maintenance and various engineering disciplines. These roles typically require specific certifications or degrees but often come with higher pay scales and long-term career potential.
How to Search for Job Openings
Searching for jobs effectively requires using multiple tools. While you can look at general job boards, going directly to the source is usually the most efficient method for finding the latest opportunities.
- Visit the Official Career Portal: The most direct way to find openings is through the agency’s own website. You can filter by location, job title, and industry to find roles that match your needs.
- Set Up Job Alerts: Many online portals allow you to save your search criteria. By setting up alerts, you will receive an email notification as soon as a new job matching your profile is posted.
- Use Professional Social Media: Recruiters are very active on platforms like LinkedIn. Following the company and connecting with local recruiters can give you a head start on unadvertised roles.
The Application and Screening Process
Once you find a position that interests you, the application process begins. This is slightly different from applying directly to a company, as there are usually more steps involved in the initial screening.
Submit Your Online Profile
You will need to create a profile and upload your resume. Ensure that your contact information is current and that your resume is in a standard format like a PDF or Word document. This makes it easier for their automated systems to read your data.
The Initial Recruiter Call
If your resume matches a client’s needs, a recruiter will reach out for a brief phone screening. This is not a full interview but a way for them to verify your experience, availability, and salary expectations. Be professional and ready to discuss your work history.
Skills Assessment
Depending on the role, you may be asked to complete a skills assessment. For administrative roles, this might be a typing test. For industrial roles, it could involve safety knowledge or specific technical questions. These tests prove to the employer that you have the necessary capabilities.
Working Effectively with Your Recruiter
Your relationship with your recruiter is one of the most important parts of the process. They are the ones who decide which resumes to send to the hiring manager at the client company. Building a positive rapport can lead to more opportunities.
Be honest about what you are looking for in a job. If a specific shift or location doesn’t work for you, say so. This prevents you from being placed in a role that isn’t a good fit, which saves time for everyone involved.
Follow up regularly but respectfully. If you haven’t heard back after an interview, a quick email to your recruiter shows that you are still interested and proactive. However, avoid calling multiple times a day, as recruiters manage many candidates at once.
Optimizing Your Resume for Staffing Success
Because recruiters scan hundreds of resumes, yours needs to be clear and concise. Focus on your most recent experience and use bullet points to highlight your specific achievements.
- Use Keywords: Look at the job description and include specific terms mentioned there. If they ask for “CNC Operation,” make sure those exact words appear on your resume.
- Highlight Certifications: For industrial and technical roles, certifications like OSHA-10, CDL, or specific trade licenses are highly valuable. Place these in a visible section near the top.
- Quantify Your Results: Instead of saying you “improved efficiency,” say you “increased production output by 15% over six months.” Numbers provide concrete proof of your value.
Preparing for the Client Interview
If the recruiter likes your profile, they will present you to the client. If the client is interested, you will have a formal interview with them. This is your chance to secure the job.
Research the company you are interviewing with. Even though you applied through an agency, you should know what the company makes or what services they provide. This shows that you are serious about the specific role.
Practice the STAR method for behavioral questions. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. When asked how you handled a difficult situation, describe the context, what you needed to do, what you actually did, and the positive outcome that followed.
Understanding Different Employment Types
Staffing agencies offer various types of employment contracts. Understanding these will help you decide which jobs to apply for based on your long-term goals.
Contract Positions
These are short-term roles, often for a specific project or to cover a busy season. They are great for gaining quick experience or filling gaps in your employment history.
Contract-to-Hire
This is a common model where you work as a contract employee for a set period (usually 3 to 6 months). If you perform well, the company has the option to hire you as a permanent employee. This acts as a “trial period” for both you and the employer.
Direct Placement
In this scenario, the agency recruits you, but you are hired directly by the company from day one. These are typically permanent, full-time positions with the client’s benefit package.
Final Steps After Getting the Job
Once you receive an offer, there are a few final administrative tasks. You will likely need to pass a background check and a drug screen. Ensure you complete these promptly to avoid any delays in your start date.
On your first day, arrive early and be prepared to learn. Even if you are an expert in your field, every company has its own specific safety protocols and workflows. Showing a willingness to adapt will help you succeed in your new role and potentially lead to permanent opportunities.
Conclusion
Landing a job through a staffing agency like Aerotek is a structured process that rewards preparation and clear communication. By identifying the right industry, optimizing your resume, and building a strong relationship with your recruiter, you can find a role that fits your skills and career goals. Start by updating your profile today and exploring the current openings in your area to take the next step in your professional journey. For more tips on job searching and career development, feel free to explore our other helpful articles.