What is the key to getting a great Admin/Accounts Payable job without a staffing agency?

Question

I have tried the agency thing twice and both times came out feeling used and mislead. They say one thing and do another. I do not want to use an agency again. Whats the key to getting a great Admin/Acounts Payable job with out an agency. I am fully qualified for these kinds of positions, plenty of experience, easy to get along with, strong work ethic and punctual to a T. So why is it so hard to find something?

Answer 1

Not all agencies are the same. You have tried 2, some will be decent others wont. Get your resume or cv out to as many employers as you can and keep following them up.

Answer 2

Also, you need to quit feeling "bad" and ask many many questions about the job, before the interview!  They should be giving you more information about the location and all aspects of the job description. do not agree to go unless you feel comfortable about it.  you can also ask for another agent who can really help you (and not just someone who wants to set up for the commission).

This one agent long time ago convinced me to go out interviewing 2 hours commute from where I lived. after i thought about it, i was like, there's no way i would work out there unless i moved out closer to the job, and 1, was it worth it 2, was it a nice area?  i answered NO to myself on both counts so i cancelled.  she tried to make me feel guilty about cancelling but that wasnt my problem--she was matching me up incorrectly as well.

A lot of people just want to place someone so they can get paid.  So you need to be choosy with the job contents and also the agent person.  if they wont give you much info, then oh well for them.  Start contacting many different agencies so that if you lose an agency, then you wont feel panicked.  also, not everyone is so messed up, it really depends on the individual.  i have a friend who is a recruiter and he is a really good one, he wont match up anyone that doesnt fit and also takes into the searcher's wants/needs.  Unfortunately he doesnt live in the US but i'm just saying there are people out there who really want to do a good job and who isnt just after the money.

Dont lose hope.  It's going to take a lot of effort but if you do it will be worth it and you have a peace of mind at least.

Also, i think it depends largely on where you live.  as the 1st girl stated, you may have to move if there are not many job opportunities available in your area.  just something to think about and keep in mind.

Answer 3

Its a tough market---with people being laid off and companies down-sizing, even qualified individuals may have a difficult time finding a job. Perhaps there aren't jobs available that match your quals in your area, so you may need to consider relocating or looking outside your area. In economics, this situation is referred to as a combination of "Functional Unemployment" (referring to jobs not matching people in the area, or not matching skills) and "Cyclical Unemployment" (economic downturn).