Employment agencies are in the business of bringing workers and employers together.
Employers sometimes hire private employment agencies to find candidates for specific positions. Sometimes, job postings tell job seekers to send their resumés directly to this kind of agency.
Some agencies specialize in placing people who have specific qualifications, such as business administration or engineering design. Using an agency can help you find the right job.
If the right job for you isn’t available right now, the agency will keep your resumé on file for when the right job comes up.
Be cautious when you use agencies
Under the Consumer Protection Act [pdf], employment agencies must be licensed to operate in Alberta.
Find employment agency's with active licenses
Use this lookup tool to find out if a business is licensed.
Given the amount of free work search help and information available, be cautious of agencies that ask for payment to help you with your work search. Before you sign an agreement with any agency, read it carefully and be sure you understand the terms.
If you use an agency, make sure it’s only one of several strategies you use.
Know your rights
NOTE: Employment agencies may charge employers for recruitment services and may charge individuals for separate services such as resumé preparation or job-skills training, but they cannot charge a fee for finding employment.
The Consumer Protection Act dictates that employment agencies must not:
Harass, threaten, or exert undue pressure on consumers
Provide false or misleading information about jobs
Send workers to a job where a strike or lockout is in place without informing the worker first
Provide false or misleading information about legal rights, immigration, or living and working conditions in Alberta
Require deposits, security, or bonds
Imply that a provincial license means the Government of Alberta endorses the agency
Employment agencies in Alberta are also required to provide certain information about a job offer, including:
Job description
Terms of employment (if known)
Employer's phone number
Employer's postal address
Employer's email address (if available)
Find employment agencies in Alberta
Search Alberta Employment and Training Services to find a licensed employment agency near you.