Staffing agencies have long played a vital role in the workforce for decades, yet misconceptions still cloud their true value. Both businesses and job seekers sometimes dismiss seeking their services due to misunderstandings about what they offer.
Today, we’re setting the record straight. We’ll tackle some of the most common staffing myths and show why they don’t hold up—so you can make informed decisions that benefit your career or your company.
Myth 1: Staffing agencies are only for temporary jobs
One of the biggest misconceptions is that staffing firms only offer temporary jobs.
While temporary placements are a core part of staffing services, agencies also connect candidates with permanent positions. Whether you’re looking for a short-term assignment, a long-term career, or something in between, a staffing agency can help you find the right fit. For businesses, staffing agencies provide access to pre-vetted talent at all levels, from entry level to management, helping them fill seasonal needs, address staffing shortages, or scale their workforce efficiently.
There’s one more misunderstanding we need to clear up: the notion that temporary jobs are always part-time. In fact, close to 75% of temporary roles are full-time positions. What defines them as “temporary” is that they have a set duration.
Myth 2: It’s expensive to use a staffing agency
For job seekers, staffing agencies are completely free. They get paid by the employer, not the candidate. That means candidates get professional job search assistance without spending a dime.
Employers often assume that hiring through a staffing firm is too costly. But a good staffing agency can save businesses money. Agencies take on the costs and resources needed for recruiting, screening, interviewing, and onboarding, allowing businesses to focus on their core operations. And a bad hire? That can cost far more than the investment in a staffing agency. A reputable agency helps mitigate the impact of turnover by handling recruiting, screening, and replacement—reducing the time and internal cost burden on the company. More importantly, their thorough screening and onboarding processes help reduce turnover in the first place.
Myth 3: Staffing agencies don’t care about candidates
Some job seekers worry that staffing firms only care about filling positions, not about them as individual people. While that can happen, a good staffing agency thrives on relationships. They recognize that their success depends on matching candidates with roles that fit their skills, experience, and career goals. Many recruiters offer resume tips, interview coaching, and career advice to help candidates succeed long-term.
Myth 4: They only have low-skilled jobs available
Another common myth is that staffing firms only place people in entry-level or low-wage jobs. While agencies do fill these jobs, you should know that entry-level and light industrial positions are essential to many industries and can offer competitive wages and career growth opportunities. Staffing agencies also recruit for specialized and high-level positions in fields like IT, finance, healthcare, and engineering. In fact, many companies rely on staffing firms to find top-tier professionals they can’t source on their own—or to streamline the hiring process and reduce risk when filling critical roles.
Myth 5: Less control over hiring
Some companies are afraid that they’ll lose control over the hiring process if they work with an agency. The truth is that staffing firms work as partners, not as replacements for Human Resources or internal recruiters. Employers can still choose to make the final hiring decisions and can set specific job requirements. The agency simply helps the process, bringing in pre-vetted candidates who meet the company’s needs.
Myth 6: Staffing agencies don’t understand my industry
Some businesses worry that staffing firms don’t have specific industry knowledge. That might be true of a generalist agency—but many firms specialize in specific industries, with recruiters who understand the roles you’re trying to fill. These agencies employ experienced recruiters who know exactly what qualifications and experience are needed for each role.
Myth 7: Job seekers should avoid staffing agencies if they want a “real” job
Some job seekers believe they should only apply directly to employers, thinking staffing agencies don’t offer legitimate opportunities. In reality, the jobs offered through staffing firms are absolutely real—and often come with unique advantages. Many companies partner exclusively with agencies to fill roles quickly and efficiently, meaning these jobs aren’t posted on public job boards. By working with a staffing agency, you gain access to a broader range of openings, including ones you might not find on your own.
Myth 8: Hiring is faster without a staffing agency
Some companies believe managing the hiring process in-house will save time—but that often isn’t the case. Writing job postings, sorting through resumes, scheduling interviews, and conducting background checks can be a major drain on internal resources. Staffing agencies streamline this process by providing access to a ready-made pool of pre-screened candidates. When speed matters, working with a staffing agency can help fill roles faster and internal staff can get back to focusing on core business.
Myth 9: Staffing agencies only help large companies
While big corporations do use staffing agencies, small and mid-sized businesses can benefit just as much. Smaller companies may not have dedicated HR teams, which can make hiring even more challenging. A staffing agency can act as an extension of your hiring team, helping you find the right talent without stretching internal resources too thin.
Myth 10: Candidates have to accept every job a staffing agency offers
Some job seekers worry that once they partner with a staffing agency, they’ll be pressured to take every role that comes their way. In reality, you’re always in control of your job search. A reputable agency won’t push you into jobs that aren’t a good fit. Instead, a good recruiter will take the time to understand your skills, preferences, and career goals—working with you to find the right opportunity, not just any job.
That said, working with a staffing agency is a two-way partnership. To get the best results, job seekers should communicate openly with their recruiter about preferences, deal-breakers, and long-term goals. If you regularly decline opportunities without sharing why, it becomes difficult for your recruiter to fine-tune the search.
Whether it’s location, pay, schedule, or industry, the more clarity you provide, the better your recruiter can align opportunities with what you truly want. Remember, recruiters are investing time and effort to match you with the right fit—so staying engaged and honest throughout the process helps both sides succeed.
Unlock the Benefits of a Staffing Agency
So, whether you’re a company looking for talent or a job seeker searching for opportunities, don’t let common staffing myths stop you from exploring what a good agency can offer. The right agency can be a game-changer, helping businesses grow and individuals build fulfilling careers. Connect with our team today to find the right talent for your business or the perfect job opportunity for your career.
