Dear Matt: When applying to staffing firms, is it inappropriate to apply to multiple firms at one time? Is there anything wrong with applying to more than three staffing firms at one time? If so, why?
Matt: I agree with Greg Jensen, general manager of Pro Staff (prostaff.com) of Minneapolis, who says working with a staffing firm is an excellent way to find a new temporary, contract or permanent work arrangement. Many times these jobs are not publicly posted - so working with a staffingfirm can give you anadvantage.
Every staffing firm recruiter I've talked to, including Jensen, says the same thing: It's not a negative to work with more than three different firms at a time, but you have to be organized and prepared to be able to manage the work that comes with applying to multiple firms.
It's also important to inform the company that you are applying with other staffing firms.
David Picha, a senior technical sales representative for Shoreview-based Prime Staff (primestaff.com), says it's important to take precautions when applying to multiple firms.
"No firm has all of the openings in your area that you may be a match for, so applying to several firms is not a bad idea," says Picha. "You should, however, be cautious about which firms you apply to by understanding what they specialize in, how they will handle your information (your résumé and current status), and how they will present you with opportunities."
Matt Krumrie is a freelance writer from Inver Grove Heights, and has nine years of experience reporting on the employment industry. The first Sunday of each month this column will answer readers' questions. E-mail questions or subject ideas to askmatt@startribune.com.
