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...a staffing agency!!!

I've been unemployed for almost seven years. I've been actively looking since my daughter started pre-school. I haven't found anything yet. Today I received a call from a staffing agency for an interview. I know it's just to gather information to be able to place me in a position, but I'm so excited!! This is finally a step in the right direction.

Huge question (and I'm trying to keep this from being moved to general), but how much should I tell him about my situation? I need a job to be able to leave and support the three of us, and I need a flexible employer that will allow me to work from home if my daughter gets sick or if the schools closes (I have no help for on-call babysitting) etc... UGH! What do I do? What do I say?

HELP!! I'm excited, nervous, scared, all rolled into one.

Can I ask for a little mojo to, please?

Please, oh please, let this work out.

**Update - Another question.**

I just found a job posting that is under a different temp agency. Should I still apply for this one? Do I let the other temp agency know? I haven't signed anything with the temp agency, yet. Thanks!

[This message edited by simplydevastated at 2:12 PM, March 1st (Saturday)]

Congrats!

I'm so happy for you!

For now, you say nothing about your plans. If they get wind that you are already thinking about being unavailable, the chances of them placing you anywhere are slim.

Just focus on your abilities, the tasks you like to do, the types of companies you'd like to work for, etc. The goal here is for you to get placed in with a company who has benefits with things like paid time off for situations like that. Now is not the time to bring it up.

Once you get placed, the hard reality is you are going to have to have a backup plan (and then a backup plan after that) so that you can focus on the job.

Baby steps here. Get them to want to place you first and we'll (that being the SI family) help you figure all the other details out later.

When's the interview?

AJ's MOM

Thank you. That's makes so much sense. I'm apparently not thinking clearly right now

The interview is March 6th at 10. He wanted to set it for the 3rd but we're supposed to get snow (for the love of god make it stop) and I don't know if school will be cancelled. So I set it for the 6th.

The office is in the same building (two stories up) from my husband's office.

Congratulations!

Take this with a grain of salt but here are some suggestions:

1. Look professional even if over dressed a bit
2. Ask for business cards for thank you notes - people email these days but I am old school
3. Don't talk about your family in detail or what you want. Get the offer first- flexible work schedule is a possibility but over time. Unless asked say you decided to not work for personal reasons - family but you are ready and excited about this opportunity.
4. Have a backup friend or babysitter for that day just in case school is closed.
5. Go 30 minutes early just in case there is a check in if you are early walk around the in another part if the building
6. Most importantly see if you like the position but still try- just because you have the offer it doesn't mean your obligated to take it
7. Have at least 3-5 questions to ask

Good luck! Be yourself!

Thanks fireproof.

I already have my suit picked out. It's a black suit with a pencil skirt and a white french-cuff blouse. Unfortunately, the last time I wore it was too my aunt's funeral, but I always get a lot of compliments.

The interview is with a staffing agency and not for an actual job. They just want to gather information, but the thank you card is still a great idea.

These are all great tips. I usually arrive very early for that exact reason. I'm also not familiar with the city because I usually avoid going there at all costs. So I plan to arrive early in case I get lost.

What would be good questions to ask a staffing agency?

[This message edited by simplydevastated at 4:36 PM, February 28th (Friday)]

I don't have any advice but this is great next step for you and will get you back into the work world. I am so pleased for you.

Agencies normally have a timesheet system if you are working temp jobs, so maybe ask about how that works.

Be sure to arrive early wherever they decide to send you, even scope out the parking/bus situation the day before if you can.

It never hurts to be prepared.

Be confident and be yourself.

Good luck!

Yaaay! Sending mojo.

I agree that keeping your "situation" out of it is best for now. You never know how flexible an employer is going to be until you get the job. I don't think it would hurt to mention that you have school aged children, though. Maybe people have BTDT and they can probably help feel out family friendly places.

Thank you so much, everyone! This is a huge help!

When I had an interview with a staffing agency I sent thank you cards. It went over great. It gives you the advantage over someone else because they will want to give a job to someone who takes more of any effort.

Kind of questions to ask:

What kind of staffing to they do?
Are any of the jobs long term or all short term?
What are they looking for in a candidate?

Good luck!

I would also research them online so you know a lot about them. As a hiring manager that always impressed me.

Thank you courageous. Those are all good questions. I've written them down.

I've also updated my first post because I have another question.

Thanks everyone.

Overhere it is always good to stay in touch with the agency. Walk in and pay them a short visit, every few days. That way, you will come to mind the moment there is a job opening. You don't want your file to end up somewhere in a drawer.

Major SI Job Mojo heading your way.

You can register with any number of staffing agencies. You don't have to tell anyone anything.

I was registered with three. I got a pretty good interview from one, and several callbacks, but it didn't pan out. I did make a good professional contact with the staffing person, though, and would heartily recommend her to anyone in my area looking for employment.