Employment

Job placement services help people find work in their field of interest. They can give you the inside edge and connect you with prospective employers that may not advertise in the paper or on Internet job sites. Sometimes they have additional resources that can help you in your job search.

Who Provides Job Placement?
Some schools–particularly academies for specialized professions such as graphic arts or computer technology–offer placement services for graduates. Organizations often contact these schools when looking for entry-level employees. Generally the more reputable the school, the better your chances are for job placement.

There are also independent job placement services available, sometimes for a fee. Be wary when considering one of these services. Find out exactly what its idea of job placement entails. Some companies simply provide access to a database of employers, but you have to do all the legwork. Others, such as recruiters, actually send your resume to potential employers and set up interviews for you. Recruiters should never charge you for their services–the company that hires you pays the recruiters fee.

Also be aware that very few services guarantee job placement. A third party can only do so much. They can put you in touch with the right people and provide advice, but it is up to you to give a great interview, impress the employer, follow up and seal the deal.