10 answers
Angy
Student
Milan, Lombardy, Italy
23
Questions
Asked
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How do staffing/recruiting agencies work?
Hello guys. I am a 18 years old European and once I finish high school (in less than a month) I want to get a remote job(possibly with a US company) with a good salary so that I’d be able to move to California and study. I want to be a BDR/SDR for a Tech company, I am doing two internships right now with US customers to put it on my resume. But those are startups and won’t hire me for a salary based position so I am not interested. I really need to get a job with it since I really wanna move abroad. I also have two Blogs that have traffic that talks about CRM and the other one liquors. Also I am doing another internship as a content manager for another startup. For me it be fine to work as a BDR or as a digital marketer. For me honestly it’s the same and since they’d be remote I’d be down to do both of them and have two jobs if that was what it took. Do you think staffing agencies/recruiting agencies could work? Do agenzie that take your profile and go out searching for you to get jobs and take a cut from the employer exsist? If so, do they work? I really need to find a job like this and the faster the better.
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9 answers
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
480
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
This is a great question, Angy, and Susan has given you solid advice. I don't know about the niche platforms she suggested, but LinkedIn and Indeed.com allow you to set up job agents that push potential opportunities to you. Also, managers and recruiters search LinkedIn, so I would select "Open to Work" on your profile.
However, I would not depend entirely on staffing/recruiting agencies. They are paid by the hiring entity so they work for the hiring entity. This matters because their focus is usually on filling a specific role versus getting someone placed, which is what you are interested in. You may contact them when they have an opportunity appropriate for you - which I hope happens -- but it may not.
In the meantime, put this request out in your network (including family, network, and friends). You said the two start-up's don't have money for salaries. If they like your work, maybe they could connect you with others in their network or through their board members who could pay you. I hope this helps - good luck!
However, I would not depend entirely on staffing/recruiting agencies. They are paid by the hiring entity so they work for the hiring entity. This matters because their focus is usually on filling a specific role versus getting someone placed, which is what you are interested in. You may contact them when they have an opportunity appropriate for you - which I hope happens -- but it may not.
In the meantime, put this request out in your network (including family, network, and friends). You said the two start-up's don't have money for salaries. If they like your work, maybe they could connect you with others in their network or through their board members who could pay you. I hope this helps - good luck!
Rumyana Kaludova
Human Resources: Global Recruiting Business Partner
7
Answers
Sofia, Bulgaria
Updated
Rumyana’s Answer
Hello Angy,
Great to read you are so active in your job search utilizing so many existing platforms and channels and internships to learn - this is admirable and as a recruiter myself I would say you have the profile the business is looking for - proactive, adaptable, solving problems and having a diverse skillset :) Based on the way you have positioned your message and your communication style I can personally confirm you would be a great Marketer/Sales Professional and you need to focus on roles which allow you to be meeting with customers (F2F or remote).
Now, to answer your question on how recruiting agencies work I would like to share the following. A recruiting agency is a service provider company where a business customer would go if 1. They have struggled finding candidates on their own utilizing the standard job platforms (most of the cases) or 2. If the company is setting up a new entity in a new location/country and do not have an internal recruiting/HR function (rarely the case). So in a nutshell a business company pays service fee to recruiting agency so they can help them identify profiles they can hire. Since this is a costly service it is typically used for very niche and senior type of roles (Director level, IT specialists, some very niche type of roles in specific industries). In my experience I haven't seen a recruitment agency work with a more junior profile and I personally wouldn't rely on such at this stage of your early career. Connecting with recruiters on LinkedIn, based in the desired destination/working for desired employer, can definitely be a great 1st step.
However it is also important to note that as a foreigner/foreign student in the US (if admitted to university there), you may not be eligible to work a full-time job in the beginning but rather part-time/internship opportunities based on the type of visa you will have as a student and the works rights it gives you there (unless you have another citizenship/personal situation).
Hope that helps, wishing you good luck!
Rumyana
Great to read you are so active in your job search utilizing so many existing platforms and channels and internships to learn - this is admirable and as a recruiter myself I would say you have the profile the business is looking for - proactive, adaptable, solving problems and having a diverse skillset :) Based on the way you have positioned your message and your communication style I can personally confirm you would be a great Marketer/Sales Professional and you need to focus on roles which allow you to be meeting with customers (F2F or remote).
Now, to answer your question on how recruiting agencies work I would like to share the following. A recruiting agency is a service provider company where a business customer would go if 1. They have struggled finding candidates on their own utilizing the standard job platforms (most of the cases) or 2. If the company is setting up a new entity in a new location/country and do not have an internal recruiting/HR function (rarely the case). So in a nutshell a business company pays service fee to recruiting agency so they can help them identify profiles they can hire. Since this is a costly service it is typically used for very niche and senior type of roles (Director level, IT specialists, some very niche type of roles in specific industries). In my experience I haven't seen a recruitment agency work with a more junior profile and I personally wouldn't rely on such at this stage of your early career. Connecting with recruiters on LinkedIn, based in the desired destination/working for desired employer, can definitely be a great 1st step.
However it is also important to note that as a foreigner/foreign student in the US (if admitted to university there), you may not be eligible to work a full-time job in the beginning but rather part-time/internship opportunities based on the type of visa you will have as a student and the works rights it gives you there (unless you have another citizenship/personal situation).
Hope that helps, wishing you good luck!
Rumyana
Oh okay thanks for the kind words. I just fear that with just applying to places I wouldn’t get noticed and end up without a job. Does your company by any chances hire for sales or marketing positions? I tried to connect with as many people on LinkedIn and I got a interview for after school. I just thought that maybe with a agency that is specialised in that I could improve my chances
Angy
Hello Angy,
I work for a global IT company and the type of openings we have for early career professionals require the following:
>For internship roles: you need to be a full-time student in the country you are applying for a role
>For graduate Entry level roles: you need to have a University degree obtained in the last 12 months
Many IT companies would operate the same way so keep that on mind when reading the job requirements. Feel free to send me a LinkedIn connection invite - you can find me by my name Rumyana Kaludova.
Rumyana Kaludova
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
1058
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Angy, you should know that staffing and recruiting agencies can help you find remote jobs by connecting you with companies that are hiring, especially in the tech space. These agencies are paid by employers, not job seekers, and they match your skills and goals with job openings. Some focus on temporary roles, while others help with full-time positions. Both could work for Business Development Representative, Sales Development Representative, or digital marketing jobs. There are agencies that actively search for jobs that fit your profile, and some even help with resumes or interview prep. Be careful to avoid any agency that asks you to pay upfront or doesn’t provide real job listings. With your internships, blog work, and content experience, you already have a strong foundation for entry-level tech roles. Focus on applying through remote job boards and specialized agencies, keep improving your resume and LinkedIn, and stay consistent.
Susan B
Talent Management, Human Resources Executive
4
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Susan’s Answer
Hi,
Thanks for the question!
There answer is all of the above! There are agencies that help with full, part, and gig jobs. Each platform caters to different needs, whether you’re seeking a stable full-time position, flexible part-time work, or gig-based opportunities. Consider your preferences and requirements to choose the platform that best aligns with your career goals. A few examples are below.
• Aquent: Specializes in placing professionals in marketing, creative, and digital roles. Offers both temporary and permanent positions
• Upwork: A leading platform for freelancers offering services in writing, design, programming, and more.
• Fiverr: Allows freelancers to offer services across various categories, including graphic design, writing, and programming.
Also, consider using LinkedIn for job searching purposes.
Best of 🍀 !
Thanks for the question!
There answer is all of the above! There are agencies that help with full, part, and gig jobs. Each platform caters to different needs, whether you’re seeking a stable full-time position, flexible part-time work, or gig-based opportunities. Consider your preferences and requirements to choose the platform that best aligns with your career goals. A few examples are below.
• Aquent: Specializes in placing professionals in marketing, creative, and digital roles. Offers both temporary and permanent positions
• Upwork: A leading platform for freelancers offering services in writing, design, programming, and more.
• Fiverr: Allows freelancers to offer services across various categories, including graphic design, writing, and programming.
Also, consider using LinkedIn for job searching purposes.
Best of 🍀 !
Liz Wood
5
Answers
Bradenton, Florida
Updated
Liz’s Answer
Employers hire staffing agencies to find potential candidates. These agencies often use websites like LinkedIn, ZipRecruiter, and Indeed to search for job seekers. Earlier, we discussed how to make your resume stand out on these platforms. Another strategy is to focus on companies you want to work for. Many have a Careers page where you can look for open positions. You can also set up alerts to get notified when new jobs are posted.
Thomas Park
Consulting
5
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
Hi Angy,
Working with a staffing agency can potentially accelerate your job search. Agencies typically charge employers a % of your first year base salary to hire you rather than charge a candidate. Agencies will have a network of companies they already work with to hire for open positions and they typically have direct relationships with hiring managers, so if you go through an agency, they may be able to bypass the application tracking system and get interviews directly with decision makers. They usually would be a supplement to your search rather than be a replacement. I would avoid working with any agencies that ask you to pay upfront as reputable agencies always ask the employer to pay a fee.
There are also some 3rd party agencies that act as a "sales bootcamp" and train new BDRs/SDRs and then help you find a job after. Those may also be good options to potentially explore.
Working with a staffing agency can potentially accelerate your job search. Agencies typically charge employers a % of your first year base salary to hire you rather than charge a candidate. Agencies will have a network of companies they already work with to hire for open positions and they typically have direct relationships with hiring managers, so if you go through an agency, they may be able to bypass the application tracking system and get interviews directly with decision makers. They usually would be a supplement to your search rather than be a replacement. I would avoid working with any agencies that ask you to pay upfront as reputable agencies always ask the employer to pay a fee.
There are also some 3rd party agencies that act as a "sales bootcamp" and train new BDRs/SDRs and then help you find a job after. Those may also be good options to potentially explore.
Paul Spectar
Remote Staffing / Global Talent
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Staffing and recruiting agencies generally work as an extension of a company’s hiring team. Instead of the employer managing everything internally, the agency helps with sourcing candidates, screening for skills and fit, coordinating interviews, and often supporting onboarding and compliance.
Where it gets more specialized is with remote hiring. A remote recruitment agency doesn’t just match resumes to job descriptions. It also handles challenges like hiring across time zones, understanding local regulations, and making sure candidates are set up to work effectively with distributed teams.
From my experience working with global teams, this model is especially useful for growing companies that need to scale quickly but don’t have the time or infrastructure to manage end-to-end recruitment on their own. Agencies that manage the full recruitment lifecycle reduce hiring risk and free up leaders to focus on business growth.
Where it gets more specialized is with remote hiring. A remote recruitment agency doesn’t just match resumes to job descriptions. It also handles challenges like hiring across time zones, understanding local regulations, and making sure candidates are set up to work effectively with distributed teams.
From my experience working with global teams, this model is especially useful for growing companies that need to scale quickly but don’t have the time or infrastructure to manage end-to-end recruitment on their own. Agencies that manage the full recruitment lifecycle reduce hiring risk and free up leaders to focus on business growth.
Supreeta Krishnamurthy
Human Capital Consulting
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Supreeta’s Answer
Hello! Its nice to hear that you did 2 internships in the US. This goes a long way. There are couple of different ways you can land a job.
1. Update your resume. Use Chat GPT and other tools as appropriate to craft a solid story showcasing your skills, relevant experience and strengths. Highlight your recent internship experience and what you learnt from it.
2. Use LinkedIn effectively to look for jobs. Activate Premium membership. That gives you a ton on insights on your application, market trends and more so you can see how you are doing compared to other potential candidates
3. Go all out and apply directly on career sites of companies you are interested in and have open roles.
4. Connect with friends, former colleagues, connections to help refer you to roles at companies you are interested in. Referrals tend to hold more weight than direct applications.
5. Recruitment Agencies for entry level positions would be my last option as they are focused mostly on senior positions and may not have enough open roles to advocate for you. But if you are aware of any agencies that specialize in your type of work, they may have options to get you on their payroll and deploy you to a client. Definitely worth exploring.
Hope this is helpful information!
1. Update your resume. Use Chat GPT and other tools as appropriate to craft a solid story showcasing your skills, relevant experience and strengths. Highlight your recent internship experience and what you learnt from it.
2. Use LinkedIn effectively to look for jobs. Activate Premium membership. That gives you a ton on insights on your application, market trends and more so you can see how you are doing compared to other potential candidates
3. Go all out and apply directly on career sites of companies you are interested in and have open roles.
4. Connect with friends, former colleagues, connections to help refer you to roles at companies you are interested in. Referrals tend to hold more weight than direct applications.
5. Recruitment Agencies for entry level positions would be my last option as they are focused mostly on senior positions and may not have enough open roles to advocate for you. But if you are aware of any agencies that specialize in your type of work, they may have options to get you on their payroll and deploy you to a client. Definitely worth exploring.
Hope this is helpful information!
Di An
Consulting
10
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Di’s Answer
Hi Angy,
Depending on the staffing agency, some times they are fully outsourced recruiting agencies, which means they are responsible to manage all of the roles posted for a specific company and they manage the recruitment cycle from resume review to offer end to end for all of the roles. There are also recruiting agencies that are more specific for roles that companies are looking for, and they may be either on a retained contract or they are one of several recruiting agencies that may be involved in the search. Regardless of the case, you should be able to use recruiting agencies that are sourcing roles you are looking for and interested in, especially if they are reaching out to you directly.
I also see some responses about linkedin for job searching purposes and that's a great channel as well.
Best of luck in your search!
Di
Depending on the staffing agency, some times they are fully outsourced recruiting agencies, which means they are responsible to manage all of the roles posted for a specific company and they manage the recruitment cycle from resume review to offer end to end for all of the roles. There are also recruiting agencies that are more specific for roles that companies are looking for, and they may be either on a retained contract or they are one of several recruiting agencies that may be involved in the search. Regardless of the case, you should be able to use recruiting agencies that are sourcing roles you are looking for and interested in, especially if they are reaching out to you directly.
I also see some responses about linkedin for job searching purposes and that's a great channel as well.
Best of luck in your search!
Di