It can be tough to navigate your job search alone. From the laundry list of to-dos&mdash;like resume changes, applications, and interview scheduling&mdash;to long wait times between each step in the hiring process, you likely have a lot on your plate.
Even so, it can be intimidating to ask for help from a staffing or employment agency and even tougher to find an agency that will help you chart a course from hopeful to hired and offer much-needed guidance and support along the way.
Online employment agencies are some of the best free resources in the job market. The right one will help you tackle your job search with confidence.
So what sets top-tier online employment agencies apart from traditional staffing partners? And how do these organizations go beyond employer demands to support job seekers in their network?
<h2>Employment Agencies Versus Staffing Agencies</h2>
While employment agencies and staffing agencies provide similar services, several key differences set them apart and dictate how candidates should leverage them when searching for jobs.
Staffing agencies typically focus on placing applicants in positions as quickly as possible. These organizations are designed to fill temporary roles, which means staffing agencies aren't ideal for candidates who want a long-term career in a particular industry or employers that want to <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/hiring-vs-workforce-development-stop-patching-holes-start-preparing-for-tomorrow" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/hiring-vs-workforce-development-stop-patching-holes-start-preparing-for-tomorrow" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">add lasting value to their workforce</a>. They technically staff the employees they place in open roles, which means a job seeker may land a position without interviewing directly with their new employers.
You might choose to work with a staffing agency if you want to dip your toes into a new industry or spend several months getting hands-on experience in a relevant field before moving on to something more permanent.
On the other hand, online employment agencies seek to place candidates in long-term positions and offer ongoing support for their employer partners. They traditionally provide more services than a staffing agency. They might even work with employers to backfill specific roles, expand talent pools, and create proactive hiring strategies that add value to their workforce over time.
<h2>Four Ways Online Employment Agencies Support Job Seekers</h2>
The right employment partner can be your greatest asset in the job market. Below are several ways online employment agencies support candidates at every step of their career journeys.
<h3>1. Access to Current Opportunities</h3>
There's nothing more frustrating than reading the details of an open role, only to click "apply" and find out the posting is no longer active. Unlike job boards where anyone can post at any time, online employment agencies manage open roles on their sites to ensure they only present relevant, available opportunities to job seekers.
When you work with an employment agency, you'll gain access to jobs from employers in their dedicated network, with the confidence that postings are accurate, active, and come from reputable sources.
Your agency partner should also have <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/3-benefits-of-working-with-a-recruiter" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/3-benefits-of-working-with-a-recruiter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">professional connections in your target industry or field</a>, which means they could access certain opportunities you can't find on Google or a public talent marketplace. They also serve as a trustworthy partner to each employer they work with, which puts you in a positive light even before your first call or interview.
<h3>2. Holistic Career Counseling</h3>
In an ideal world, we'd all have a perfectly composed career plan and accompanying checklist for what we want out of a job. In reality, it can be challenging to create an attainable career roadmap or even decide what positions you want to pursue. Not every career path or career development plan is linear, and it can feel overwhelming to tackle everything on your own.
Candidate-focused online employment agencies go beyond standard career matching to offer career counseling and advocacy services as well. Whether you're knee-deep in job applications or just starting to think about your next career move, your partner should support you with:
<ul>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Career pathing and goal setting</li>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Resume updates and improvements</li>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Ongoing career mentoring</li>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Upskilling recommendations</li>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Apprenticeships and internships</li>
</ul>
You may even turn to an employment agency before your job search officially begins to <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/navigating-your-career-journey-5-ways-to-reach-your-career-development-goals" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/navigating-your-career-journey-5-ways-to-reach-your-career-development-goals " target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">set career development goals</a>, explore potential career paths, or determine which upskilling courses you need to land your ideal role.
<h3>3. Upskilling Courses and Resources</h3>
Upskilling is one of the best ways to advance your career and add tangible skills to your resume. As the name suggests, upskilling helps you learn a new technical skill or expand your proficiency in a specific field. Upskilling courses are typically online, and students earn an award or professional certificate upon course completion.
While staffing agencies are focused on finding you a job you already qualify for, the right employment partner can help you connect the dots between your existing skills and your future career goals. They'll offer access to upskilling courses, discounted resources, and unique apprenticeship opportunities to help you <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/building-the-360deg-view-of-you-how-to-develop-a-job-skills-inventory" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/building-the-360deg-view-of-you-how-to-develop-a-job-skills-inventory" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">grow your skillset</a> and prepare for the role you want.
After you complete each course, you'll be able to expand your professional network by connecting with your fellow graduates and instructors. These connections can help you identify job seekers with similar interests and employers looking for applicants with your skills and qualifications.
Upskilling gives you a tangible way to <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/five-ways-to-level-up-your-resume" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/five-ways-to-level-up-your-resume" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">present your skills on a resume</a> or job application. And while resumes aren't everything in the job market, they're often the first thing a recruiter sees when searching for new talent.
<h3>4. Self-Service Tools</h3>
You'll need to complete several tasks before and during your job search to make it a success. Along with applying to jobs, brushing up on your tech skills, and getting in touch with potential employers, you want to be sure your resume is in tip-top shape and you're <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/making-a-great-first-impression-five-tips-for-a-successful-interview" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/making-a-great-first-impression-five-tips-for-a-successful-interview" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ready for that upcoming job interview</a>.
While you'll likely work on certain job search milestones with your mentor or a recruiter, it's also nice to have some flexible, autonomous tasks you can complete on your own. Online employment agencies that focus on holistic career support provide self-service tools for candidates in their talent network.
Look for an employment partner that provides helpful resources and powerful tools to fuel your job search. For example, CareerCircle's website offers a range of self-service career tools, including:
<ul>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">A free <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/resume-builder" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/resume-builder" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Resume Builder</a> that helps candidates create or update their resumes online in minutes.</li>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">An <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/quizzes/interview-prep" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/quizzes/interview-prep" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Interview Prep Quiz</a> that walks candidates through each phase of the interview process and tests their interview readiness.</li>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet"><a href="https://www.careercircle.com/traitify" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/traitify" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Traitify Assessments</a> that evaluate candidates' personalities and align them with potential career paths.</li>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Interactive Intro Videos that candidates can display on their <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/candidates/signup" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/candidates/signup" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Candidate 360&deg; profiles</a> to make great first impressions with employers.</li>
</ul>
In general, look for an employment partner focused on supporting its candidates rather than making them jump through hoops to apply for jobs or identify the next best steps in their career journeys. You may find this support in the form of career mentoring, insightful webinars and blog posts, or one-on-one coaching services with recruiters.
<h2>Power Your Job Search With CareerCircle</h2>
CareerCircle is more than an employment agency. We help each candidate navigate every step of their job search and <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/how-equitable-staffing-recruiting-companies-match-candidates-careers" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/how-equitable-staffing-recruiting-companies-match-candidates-careers" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">match them to right-fit employers</a> through our exclusive talent network.
Members gain access to upskilling resources, mentorship, career coaching, and more. Our team can help you revamp your resume, map out your career development goals, prepare for job interviews, and more through our free, candidate-focused online platform.
Create a candidate profile today to present the 360&deg; view of your skills and talents to hiring managers in your target industry.
[<a href="https://www.careercircle.com/candidates/signup" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/candidates/signup" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Become a Member</a>]

Online employment agencies are some of the best free resources in the job market. Ready to tackle your job search with confidence?

How Online Employment Agencies Benefit Job Seekers

It can be tough to navigate your job search alone. From the laundry list of to-dos—like resume changes, applications, and interview scheduling—to long wait times between each step in the hiring process, you likely have a lot on your plate.

The Power of Partnership: How Online Employment Agencies Benefit Job Seekers

When you think about what it means to be "qualified," where does your mind go? Do you think about someone who has every required skill for the job? Do you picture a candidate that simply meets the criteria to fit a position and nothing else?
At CareerCircle, we believe those characteristics are just the tip of the iceberg.
We <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/from-promises-to-progress-how-to-promote-equity-in-staffing-and-recruiting" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/from-promises-to-progress-how-to-promote-equity-in-staffing-and-recruiting" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">promote workforce equity</a> by challenging America's employers to rethink what it means to be qualified for a role and reevaluate how they measure talent and potential to succeed.
<h2>What does it mean to be "qualified" for a job?</h2>
Today, the idea of a "qualified" candidate is so much different than it was been in the past. Recruiters and hiring teams are realizing the importance of taking in the big picture when considering someone for an open role, rather than relying on a standard resume to "grade" each applicant's fit for the job.
While it's essential to have the baseline skills that a position requires, it's just as crucial to have something of an "x-factor" on top of that.
Consider a stay-at-home mom, for example. Her<a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/how-to-uncover-the-hidden-soft-skills-you-already-own" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/how-to-uncover-the-hidden-soft-skills-you-already-own" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> list of intangibles</a> is every bit as deep and impressive as any of her traditional professional qualifications. There's no doubt that she's mastered budget management or the ability to handle challenging personalities during her time at home.
<h2>Changing the way the industry views talent</h2>
At CareerCircle, we believe that these are the kinds of skills that should be highlighted and celebrated when evaluating the workforce. We all have hidden potential: talents that are arguably more beneficial to a role than the standard ones that the job listing may require.
We acknowledge these hidden traits and look at the entire candidate to help them present their most authentic selves to potential employers. When we pledge to "rethink qualified," we're making a promise to <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/advocacy-in-action-erasing-the-opportunity-divide-in-the-workforce" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/advocacy-in-action-erasing-the-opportunity-divide-in-the-workforce" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">challenge a dated hiring process</a>. Our platform lets candidates show off the complete picture of who they are, not just what they've done in their previous jobs.
Our member profiles are designed to encapsulate everything that makes each candidate unique, including transferrable skills, personal passions, and experiences that play into their fit for a role. We also allow them to make a human connection with potential employers from the onset, with video introductions that encourage employers to consider more than resumes and technical skills.
When it comes to employers, we inspire them to <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/hiring-vs-workforce-development-stop-patching-holes-start-preparing-for-tomorrow" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/hiring-vs-workforce-development-stop-patching-holes-start-preparing-for-tomorrow" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">think differently about hiring</a>, and to take the entire person into account when choosing the right person for the role.
We do this by showing them that when they, too, "rethink qualified," they will no longer simply fill roles, but instead will begin to build a longstanding talent pipeline that will actively grow their workforce from within.
<h2>Bridging the divide between equality and equity</h2>
While we've made significant progress toward <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/building-the-workforce-of-the-future-the-value-of-equitable-hiring-practices" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/building-the-workforce-of-the-future-the-value-of-equitable-hiring-practices" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">building an equitable workforce</a>, there's still significant progress to be made. Offering job seekers equal opportunities to apply for an open role doesn't fully account for each person's unique situation or potential setbacks, such as a lack of training resources or a gap in their technical skills.
CareerCircle's mission is to support candidates at every step in their career journey, not just during their job search or application process. We enable candidates to uncover their hidden soft skills, boost confidence, and upskill in a variety of high-demand industries so that they can meet and exceed their <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/navigating-your-career-journey-5-ways-to-reach-your-career-development-goals" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/navigating-your-career-journey-5-ways-to-reach-your-career-development-goals" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">career goals</a>. 
Our <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/courses" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/courses" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">upskilling courses</a> provide high-value career development resources to underserved communities. We also offer mentorship and advocacy programs to help candidates realize their full potential, explore learning opportunities, and navigate every step of their career journey with confidence and support.
-
At CareerCircle, we believe qualified talent is where you'd least expect it. Whether it's that stay-at-home mom mentioned above or a construction worker with hidden skills that would make them the ideal software engineer, we know that sometimes all they need is a little extra help.
We "rethink qualified" because we want to help more people find their true calling. By putting a little bit of extra thought and heart into it, we can give the workforce, and employers alike, the confidence to achieve something more.
To learn more about our mission and commitment to workforce equity, <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/impact" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/impact" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">read about our impact</a> on America's workforce.

We promote workforce equity by challenging America's employers to rethink what it means to be qualified for a role.

How CareerCircle Champions Workforce Equity & Equality

We promote workforce equity by challenging America's employers to rethink what it means to be qualified for a role and reevaluate how they measure talent and potential to succeed.

Rethink Qualified: How CareerCircle Champions Workforce Equity & Equality

Every time you hire a new employee, you're investing in the ongoing success of your company. But sometimes, finding the ideal fit for each open role is much easier said than done. If you have trouble finding qualified, motivated candidates, you aren't alone. Seventy-five percent of hiring managers <a href="https://www.shrm.org/hr-today/trends-and-forecasting/research-and-surveys/Documents/SHRM%20Skills%20Gap%202019.pdf" data-gc-link="https://www.shrm.org/hr-today/trends-and-forecasting/research-and-surveys/Documents/SHRM%20Skills%20Gap%202019.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">credit hiring challenges to skill shortages</a> in their applicant pools.
Fortunately, these skill shortages don't necessarily mean that the right candidate doesn't exist. Instead, perceived talent shortages often tie back to how employers source, evaluate, and hire employees.
Rather than using resumes or years of experience as penultimate qualifiers for a job applicant, employers should open opportunities to candidates with non-traditional qualifications, such as the candidate's recent completion of an upskill course in their field or industry.
But what exactly does that mean? And how do employers benefit from recently upskilled hires instead of those with a lengthy track record of success?
<h2>What is Upskilling?</h2>
Employee upskilling is the process of learning a new professional skill or advancing an existing one. It typically involves an <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/courses" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/courses" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">online training course</a> with a certification or award upon completion.
Upskilling gives working professionals the opportunity to <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/acing-the-modern-workplace-how-upskilling-promotes-personal-career-development" rel="follow">get certified in relevant skillsets</a>, ramp up in a new industry, or expand upon their existing technical skills. It also enables them to evolve their skills alongside new technologies and industry-specific best practices.
On the other side of the aisle, upskilling allows potential employers to evaluate candidates on acquired skills and performance instead of their limited work history or the experience listed on their resume.
<h2>How Does Upskilling Benefit Employers? </h2>
Employee upskilling gives candidates a chance to advance their careers and increases employers' odds of bringing the right talent into open roles.
Sourcing recently upskilled talent isn't a nice-to-have hiring tactic. In fact, the practice is quickly becoming a necessity to <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/getting-ahead-of-the-talent-deficit-5-ways-to-improve-your-staffing-and-recruiting-efforts" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/getting-ahead-of-the-talent-deficit-5-ways-to-improve-your-staffing-and-recruiting-efforts" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">improve recruiting efforts</a> and source qualified employees with in-demand skills.
Here are several reasons your organization should consider hiring recently upskilled candidates:
<h3>1. Gain access to a larger talent pool.</h3>
Upskilling is an invaluable tool for professionals without extensive experience in their desired field. When employers provide upskilling opportunities to underserved communities, like veterans and workforce returners, they're equitably expanding the talent marketplace. This means driving more qualified, diverse candidates into your talent pipeline.
Rather than limiting yourself to candidates who've been in the industry for a while or those with a robust resume, you can connect with upskilled candidates to expand your reach and bring new talent to your organization. You might even take it a step further by working with talent partners to <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/equity-in-hiring-introducing-careercircles-employ-1000-challenge" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/equity-in-hiring-introducing-careercircles-employ-1000-challenge" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">provide upskilling opportunities</a> and scholarships to underrepresented groups.
<h3>2. Bring new perspectives to the team.</h3>
Employee upskilling can bring an array of perspectives and experiences to your workforce. Perhaps their experience as a stay-at-home parent gave them unparalleled multi-tasking skills, or they excelled in teamwork during military service that could revolutionize the way your teams work together.
More than their unique skills, these employees will also bring new perspectives and diverse backgrounds to DE&amp;I, culture, and team morale discussions. It's easy to get lost in the corporate shuffle and get used to "the way things have always been done." <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/building-the-workforce-of-the-future-the-value-of-equitable-hiring-practices" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/building-the-workforce-of-the-future-the-value-of-equitable-hiring-practices" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Improving thought diversity across your organization</a> can help you rethink your approach to people operations and address any conscious or unconscious biases that exist amongst your employees.
<h3>3. Add motivated, teachable employees to your workforce.</h3>
Employee upskilling is a great way to learn relevant skills and earn impressive certifications in their target industry. But more than the specific accolades they earn, candidate upskilling experience reflects an <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/learnability-todays-it-factor" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/learnability-todays-it-factor" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ability to learn new skills</a> that will benefit their career, and your organization, over time.
Staffing based on technical skills alone can lead to challenges down the line; it&rsquo;s much easier to upskill a passionate employee than it is to retain an unmotivated one. As an employer, you can feel confident that your upskilled new hires are teachable, trainable, and can take direction from other working professionals. What's more, their willingness to upskill demonstrates motivation and work ethic, which means they'll likely perform well in their new role and take advantage of any continued learning or development opportunities you send their way.
<h3>Connect with Qualified Candidates Through CareerCircle</h3>
CareerCircle's <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/employers/signup" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/employers/signup" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">online platform</a> is designed to help candidates upskill while simultaneously connecting employers with qualified talent.
We provide candidates with career development resources, upskilling courses, and professional tools that enable their career growth and align their skillsets to employers' needs. By partnering with leading brands like Google and Salesforce, we offer job seekers unique learning experiences in data science, cybersecurity, full-stack development, and other in-demand fields.
From there, our recruiters support your staffing and recruiting needs by carefully vetting each of our member candidates and connecting you with the professionals who best align with your technical requirements, company culture, and immediate hiring needs. We holistically support your talent pipeline, from <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/the-power-of-partnership-how-staffing-agencies-promote-equitable-workforce-development" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/the-power-of-partnership-how-staffing-agencies-promote-equitable-workforce-development" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">workforce planning</a> to job placements and every step in between.
Ready to see how CareerCircle can support your long-term talent development needs?
<a href="https://www.careercircle.com/employers/signup" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/employers/signup" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Join the CareerCircle platform</a> for free to start connecting with diverse, recently upskilled candidates in your field.

Skill shortages don't mean that the right candidate doesn't exist. It often relates to how employers source, evaluate, and hire employees.

How Employee Upskilling Helps Employers Grow Their Workforce

Skill shortages don't mean that the right candidate doesn't exist. Instead, perceived talent shortages often relate to how employers source, evaluate, and hire employees.

Connecting Candidates to Careers: How Employee Upskilling Helps Employers Grow Their Workforce

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142 Articles

The Power of Partnership: How Online Employment Agencies Benefit Job Seekers

Rethink Qualified: How CareerCircle Champions Workforce Equity & Equality

Connecting Candidates to Careers: How Employee Upskilling Helps Employers Grow Their Workforce