Students find jobs through placement agencies

    53

    By ESTHER COVINGTO

    Many students wishing to find summer employment are turning to employment services instead of the classified ads.

    “I went to an employment service because it was easier than bringing resumes to separate businesses,” said Torrey Korab, a junior from Renton, Wash., majoring in audiology.

    Korab, who works in the customer service department at Sears, found her job through Volt Services Group. “I brought my resume to Volt and within two hours, I had my job,” Korab said.

    Chad Renshaw, Branch Manager of Volt Services Group in Provo, said students choose an employment service because of the efficiency.

    “We have 50 to 100 businesses who advertise with us. Students will come because they know with the variety of positions available, we will be able to place them,” Renshaw said.

    Renshaw said Volt employs 120 to 150 students each summer. “Usually we have 200 applicants, but do not place them all. Many students have difficult schedules, and some don’t like the jobs we have. We make an effort to match people with positions they are happy with.”

    Volt matches applicants with potential positions through a series of tests. Renshaw said the clerical exam is a four-part written exam that tests spelling, typing, math and filing. In addition, he said all applicants are given a computer proficiency test.

    “We also check previous work experience, education and related skills. We don’t want to place a student in a position he is over- or under-qualified for,” he said.

    Alisa Gilbert, a 20-year-old from Mission Viejo, Calif., was not pleased with the service at the employment service she went to.

    “I needed a full-time job immediately and went to an agency. However, after a few days, I hadn’t heard from them, so I looked in the classifieds and found a good job,” Gilbert said.

    Renshaw said most students are pleased with the service, and most businesses are pleased with the employees hired by the service.

    “Although most of the employment is temporary, many of the businesses retain the employees we hired for them,” Renshaw said.

    Becky Mefford, a secretary at Geneva Steel, found her job through SOS Staffing Services. Mefford has worked for Geneva Steel since January. She’s not worried about job security, even though her job is a temporary position.

    “Some of the people working here have been here three years, and they are still considered temporary,” Mefford said.

    Korab said an employment service is time-efficient, and she will return when she is looking for another job.

    “I plan on using the service until I get enough work experience for an impressive resume. I would recommend a job service to anyone needing a job. The people at the service help you know what’s available and place you. You get all the goods at an employment service,” Korab said.

    Renshaw said the goal of the service is to help people get a foot in the door. “We try to help everyone get a job they will be happy with,” Renshaw said.

    Most employment services are free of charge to students.

    Print Friendly, PDF & Email