Staffing/Placement Firms vs. Your Own Search

[Hunt]

I'm wondering if anyone has any input on using a placement agency looking for a job, or doing the work yourself? The industry I'm looking in is oil & gas engineering work.

I'm looking for a permanent position, so I don't want to be contracted out by a staffing agency.

Has anyone had more success using an agency? For example, having more offers, or higher paying salaries?

Or is searching on your own just as/more effective?

Any input would be appreciated.

[Chigu]

A lot of agencies out there, i.e. professional staffing firms are not just for contract work. Many are for full-time! The advantages of using an executive search firm is that you don't have do do the legwork, and many jobs are not posted for the general public to see. For a full-time position the agency gets a one-time payment from the employer.

Disadvantage is that they agency wants money, and may try to persuade you to take a job that others won't. But the decision is all yours. Check out professional search firms (not manpower, or apple one, or pinstripe etc). I know for the finance profession they have Lannick Associates, and Robert Half etc etc.