What’s the Hiring Process and How Can a Staffing Recruiter Help?

 

What’s the Hiring Process and How Can a Staffing Recruiter Help?

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes like what happens to your resume after you hit “submit” on that job application? Or what goes on behind the scenes when you email your CV to a staffing company? Today, we’re pulling back the curtain to give you an insider’s look at the staffing company hiring process – from the moment your resume lands in a recruiter’s inbox to the day you start your new job.

How Staffing Companies Process Your Resume

Scenario 1: Active Job Search Match

When your resume arrives and matches an active client search, the process moves quickly. Recruiters conduct an initial screening within 24-48 hours, evaluating your qualifications against specific job requirements. If you’re a strong candidate, expect contact within two business days for a preliminary phone interview.

The recruiter will assess your technical skills, experience level, salary expectations, and availability. They also evaluate cultural fit based on the client company’s work environment and team dynamics.

Scenario 2: No Current Opening

When no immediate position exists, qualified candidates enter the recruiter’s talent database with detailed skill tags and career information. Professional recruiters maintain these databases to quickly identify candidates when new opportunities arise.

Many recruiters will still contact promising candidates to build relationships and understand career goals. This proactive approach often leads to future opportunities when clients develop new hiring needs.

Additionally, recruiters are always building a pipeline of candidates for companies they work with regularly and know their hiring requirements.  If your resume looks like a good fit, regardless of whether they have an open search, they might “pitch” you to their client.

How Does the Hiring Process Work Through Staffing Companies?

The staffing company hiring process typically involves these stages:

• Initial Contact and Screening – Phone or virtual interview covering background, skills, and career objectives (30-60 minutes)
• Skills Assessment – Technical testing or portfolio review when required by the position
• Client Submission – Resume and recruiter recommendation submitted to hiring company
• Client Interview Process – One or more interviews arranged and coordinated by the recruiter
• Reference and Background Checks – Conducted for finalist candidates
• Offer Negotiation – Recruiter facilitates salary and terms discussions
• Onboarding Support – Assistance with paperwork and start date coordination

Timeline Expectations: How Long Does a Hiring Process Take?

According to Corporate Navigators’ 2024 research, the national average hiring process takes 44 days, increased from 40 days in previous years. However, staffing companies typically complete placements faster due to established client relationships and streamlined processes.

Staffing company timelines generally range from 2-4 weeks total, with Broadbean research indicating that professional recruiting services can reduce placement time by up to 50% compared to traditional hiring methods.

Staffing Company vs. Direct Application Process

Staffing Company Advantages:

• Personal advocate promoting your candidacy
• Insider knowledge about company culture and expectations
• Interview preparation and feedback
• Salary negotiation support
• Access to non-advertised positions
• Faster decision timelines

Direct Application Process:

• Longer response times due to HR queue processing
• Limited company insights
• Self-managed interview preparation
• Independent salary negotiation
• Competition with larger candidate pools

The 5 Traits of an Exceptional Recruiter

Professional recruiters who deliver superior results demonstrate these characteristics:

• Industry Expertise They possess deep knowledge of market trends, salary ranges, and company cultures within their specialty areas. This expertise enables accurate candidate-job matching and realistic expectation setting.
• Transparent Communication Top recruiters provide honest feedback about your market position, interview performance, and opportunity viability. They maintain regular contact throughout the process with specific updates.
• Relationship Focus They invest time understanding your career goals, motivations, and professional preferences beyond just technical qualifications. This approach leads to better long-term placements.
• Problem-Solving Ability Skilled recruiters anticipate and address potential obstacles in the hiring process, from scheduling conflicts to offer negotiations. They work creatively to overcome challenges.
• Long-Term Perspective Professional recruiters think strategically about your career trajectory, sometimes recommending positions that position you for future advancement rather than just immediate placement.

What to Expect from Your Recruiter

Professional staffing companies should provide:

• Regular Communication – Status updates on applications, interview feedback, and next steps
• Interview Preparation – Detailed briefings about company culture, role expectations, and interviewer backgrounds
• Market Intelligence – Current salary data and industry trends relevant to your search
• Professional Advocacy – Active promotion of your candidacy during client discussions
• Negotiation Support – Guidance on compensation and benefits discussions

 

 Recruiter Compensation and Business Model

Staffing companies operate on a fee-for-service model where the client company pays placement fees when they hire candidates. These fees typically range from 15-305% of the placed candidate’s first-year compensation.

This structure means candidates never pay for staffing services. The alignment of financial incentives ensures recruiters are motivated to secure the best possible opportunities for candidates.

According to the American Staffing Association, approximately 11 million people find employment through staffing companies annually. Research from altLINE shows that 64% of employers plan to increase their use of professional recruiting services.

Candidate Success Examples

This feedback Lloyd receives from our talent community demonstrates the communication and support standards that professional staffing companies should maintain throughout the hiring process.

Everything You Need to Know About Getting a Job: Complete Guide

• Preparation Phase
  Update your resume with quantifiable achievements and relevant keywords. Optimize your LinkedIn profile with current information and professional presentation. Research target companies and assess your skill gaps.  Remember an ATS (applicant tracking system) is likely to first see your resume and check for matching keywords to a job opening.
• Application Strategy
  Use multiple channels including job boards, company websites, and staffing firms. Activate your professional network and maintain organized tracking of applications and responses.
• Interview Preparation
  Research each company thoroughly including recent news and competitive positioning. Practice behavioral and technical questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate genuine interest.

  

• Interview Performance
  If you are doing an in-person interview, arrive professionally dressed and punctually. Use active listening and engage meaningfully with interviewer questions. Follow up within 24 hours with a thank you message reinforcing key conversation points.
  If you are doing a virtual interview, make sure there are no outside distractions and that your camera and microphone are in good working order.  Select a background that is neutral so that YOU will be the focus of the interview.

Ethical Behavior and Workforce Compliance

Firms like Lloyd that are members of the American Staffing Association, follow a strict code of ethics and their recruiters are nationally certified.  This mean both candidates and clients are assured of best practices that guide their operations and interactions and you will not be subject to unfair or illegal workforce questions or actions.

• Negotiation and Acceptance
  Research market compensation rates for your role and location. Consider total compensation including benefits and growth opportunities. Document all agreed terms in writing through formal offer letters.
• Timeline Planning
  Plan for 4-8 weeks total process time: resume to interview (1-2 weeks), interview to decision (1-2 weeks), offer to start date (2-4 weeks). Staffing companies often accelerate these timelines through established relationships.
• Service Investment
  Staffing services remain free to candidates with professional support including salary negotiation and market intelligence. This support typically results in better compensation outcomes than independent job searches.
• Success Metrics
  Professional recruiting services help millions of candidates annually with faster placement times and access to exclusive opportunities. Candidates working with recruiters often achieve better role matches and compensation packages.
• Professional Support Standards
  Expect regular communication, comprehensive interview coaching, salary negotiation guidance, multiple opportunity access, career development advice, and complete confidentiality.
• Success Strategies
  Respond promptly to recruiter communications. Consider roles that stretch your skills for growth opportunities. Build authentic professional relationships. Continuously develop relevant skills. Trust the professional process for optimal outcomes.

Conclusion

Understanding what’s the hiring process involves when working with staffing companies helps candidates make informed decisions about their job search strategy. Professional recruiters offer significant advantages including market expertise, client relationships, and negotiation support.

The key to success lies in partnering with recruiters who demonstrate industry knowledge, transparent communication, and genuine commitment to your career advancement. When preparing for the job application process, consider how professional recruiting support can accelerate your timeline and improve your outcomes.

Remember that quality recruiting services are always free to candidates, funded by employer fees upon successful placement. This alignment ensures your recruiter is motivated to secure the best possible opportunity for your career goals.

For more reading…
The Role of Recruiters in the hiring Process

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Nancy Schuman, CSP is the former Chief Commuications Officer for LLoyd Staffing.
A recruitment and career specialist, Nancy has more than 40 years in the staffing industry  – 27 of them with LLoyd.  Now semi-retired, she remains an advocate for career education; she has advised thousands of candidates on their resumes and job searches while also serving as the Careers columnist for a large weekly Long Island newspaper. Nancy has written 11 popular books for job seekers and business professionals.  You can find her Author’s page and books on Amazon.  She continues to blog for Lloyd and coach job seekers at all levels, offering advice for today’s competitive workplace.