The Ultimate Guide to Understanding How Staffing Agencies Work
A Job Seekers Perspective:

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to work with a staffing agency, you’re not the only one. A lot of people hesitate because they’re unsure how it works or worry there’s a hidden fee somewhere. The truth is simple: for job seekers, it’s completely free.
A good staffing agency isn’t just there to fill openings. It’s a partner that helps you navigate your career path, connect with reputable employers, and find work that actually fits your goals. At Sedona Staffing, that’s the part we love most—helping people get where they want to go.
So, What a Staffing Agency Actually Do?
At its core, a staffing agency connects people looking for work with companies that need help. Employers come to us when they have open roles they want filled quickly and correctly. We learn what they need, then match them with qualified candidates. For job seekers, the process is just as straightforward. You tell us what kind of job you’re after, what schedule works for you, and what experience you bring. From there, our recruiters look for opportunities that make sense. Many of these jobs aren’t even posted publicly, which means you get access to openings you might not find on your own.
How We Get Paid (and Why You Don’t Pay a Thing)
One of the most common misconceptions is that staffing agencies take a cut of your paycheck. That’s not how it works. When a company hires through Sedona, they pay us for the recruiting service. That fee covers the time, tools, and expertise it takes to advertise the job, screen candidates, run background checks, and manage payroll if it’s a temporary placement. You, the job seeker, receive the full pay rate the company offers which is a competitive rate for the role and location of the employment opportunity.
The Kinds of Jobs You Can Find
Not every position looks the same. Some people want flexibility, others are looking for a long-term home. Staffing agencies typically work with three main types of placements:
- Temporary assignments are short-term roles that let you earn income, build experience, or fill a gap between jobs.
 - Temp-to-hire positions start out temporary but can turn into full-time employment once both sides see a good fit.
 - Direct hire means Sedona handles the recruiting, but you’re hired directly by the company as a permanent employee.
 
Common Myths, Cleared Up
“They only offer entry-level or short-term jobs.”
It depends. Whilst there are some staffing agencies that may only offer limited entry-level or short-term jobs, at Sedona Staffing we place people in office, industrial, professional, and technical roles 
at all levels. 
“I’ll make more money if I apply directly.”
In most cases, the pay is the same. The difference is that with Sedona, you have someone advocating for you behind the scenes. Often times getting your resume past the AI gatekeepers into the hands of the hiring manager is the most frustrating aspect of a job search. One of the greatest benefits about choosing a staffing agency, like Sedona, is that we have relationships with many of the area's top hiring managers giving you a much greater chance at many employment opportunities compared to if you went at it alone. 
“Once I’m placed, they forget about me.”
 Again, it depends. We can not speak for others, but at Sedona Staffing your recruiter checks in to see how things are going and helps if something isn’t working out. Our goal is long term satisfaction for both the employer and job seekers because that is the best case scenario for everyone involved!
More Than a Middleman
It’s easy to assume a staffing agency just passes along resumes. In reality, our job is much more personal. We learn what matters to both the company and the candidate, then find the right match. We can tell you what kind of environment a company offers, what skills stand out in their hiring process, and how to make the most of your interview. That insight comes from relationships we’ve built with local employers over time—not from algorithms or job boards. Why People Choose Sedona?
●     We’re local, which means we know the businesses, the managers, and the opportunities in your area.
●     You’ll have one recruiter who gets to know you and helps guide your search from start to finish.
●     We offer a variety of roles—from office and customer service to skilled trades and manufacturing.
●     Our focus is on employer + job seeker matching and follow-through, not just filling a position.
Quick Q&A
Q: Do I have to stay with Sedona once I accept an assignment?
A: No. You can discuss future opportunities anytime. We’ll help you transition professionally if you want to make a change.
Q: Can I apply for more than one job?
A: Yes. Your recruiter will recommend openings that align with your skills and preferences.
Q: Are there benefits?
A: Many Sedona associates qualify for health coverage, holiday pay, or bonuses depending on hours and assignment length. View all benefits 
here.
Q: How soon can I start?
A: Sometimes right away. It depends on the role and the employer’s hiring timeline, but we work fast.
Final Thoughts
Working with a staffing agency isn’t a shortcut; it’s a smarter route. You get access to local employers, personalized guidance, and a recruiter who’s invested in your success—all at no cost to you. At Sedona Staffing, we believe finding a job should feel less like a guessing game and more like a partnership. Whether you’re between jobs, ready for a career shift, or simply exploring what’s next, we’re here to help you make the next move with confidence.
This article is for informational purposes only and job placement or employment is not guaranteed. This article was written by our team of staffing experts. We leverage advanced AI tools to assist with research and composition, and every piece is reviewed and edited by our team.

