Job Seekers: FAQ | Brilliant Staffing

What is a recruiting / consulting firm?

A recruiting or consulting firm (also known as a search or staffing firm) refers to an organization of executive recruiters who assist job seekers find temporary, temporary-to-hire, contract, interim and/or permanent jobs within the corporate sector. Depending on your experience, professional qualifications, academic achievements and personal preferences, recruiters match professionals with the most suitable opportunities that align the two together. At Brilliant, our recruiters are experts in the industry and have access to market data, trends, salary data and other information that can positively impact your job search.

What does Brilliant specialize in?

Brilliant specializes in the temporary, temp-to-hire, interim or project, and direct hire of accounting, finance and information technology professionals for the Greater Chicago and South Florida labor markets.

Do I have to pay to meet with a recruiter?

The hiring company and recruiting / consulting firm cover any costs associated with your job search—regardless if it’s for a contract or permanent position. If you are asked to provide any sort of payment to a recruiter or staffing firm, report the firm immediately.

I’ve never worked with a recruiting / consulting firm before. How does it work?

When you work with a recruiting or consulting firm for a temporary or contract role, you are employed by the firm during the length of your assignment. However, you will report onsite directly to the client company. To ensure everything is running smoothly, an executive recruiter from the staffing firm will contact you on a regular basis to gain feedback on the project and other information regarding your experience. If you are looking for a direct-hire (permanent) role, Brilliant can help you identify a position that matches your skillset and level.

Does Brilliant offer benefits to its contract employees?

While all recruiting / consulting firms differ, Brilliant offers its contract employees full health benefits including medical, dental and vision after 60 days of employment, as well as 401k options after six months. Brilliant also offers paid time off and holiday pay, depending on the length of the assignment and hiring company. Some restrictions may apply.

How long does it take a recruiting / consulting firm to find me a job?

Since each professional’s experience is different, a recruiting / consulting firm cannot predict how long it will take to find you the right fit for a position. Executive recruiters are dedicated to finding you the ideal opportunity and will contact you as soon as they find a position that matches your qualifications and skillset.

How soon can I meet with a recruiter?

All recruiting and staffing firms differ. At Brilliant, our goal is to move quickly to identify a project or role for you. We can usually meet the same day that you contact one of our recruiters.

Where can I find a recruiting / consulting firm?

There are recruiting / consulting firms located all around the world. Brilliant, specifically, represents the Greater Chicago and South Florida markets. Upon request, we can serve other areas of the United States.

Does Brilliant perform drug tests and background checks?

Each recruiting / consulting firm varies. Brilliant conducts drug screenings, professional reference and background checks, education verification and skill-assessments.

What’s the average length of assignment if the position is not permanent?

The average length of assignment varies according to the position, hiring company, recruiting / consulting firm and the individual. For Brilliant, the average length of a contract assignment or project is five to six months.

Does Brilliant provide resume building assistance?

Each recruiting / consulting firm varies. At Brilliant, we offer resume assistance, interview tips and best practices for your job search. Visit the Resources section of our website for more information.

Why do recruiters want to meet in person? Why can’t it just be over the phone?

Brilliant likes to build long-term relationships with its candidates. Meeting face-to-face is a good way to learn more about a person and get to know their goals and objectives. It also helps the recruiters give proper feedback on interview skills and techniques. When necessary, Brilliant can accommodate various video conferencing tools.

How do I get paid from a recruiting / consulting firm? Do they have direct deposit?

Each recruiting / consulting firm varies. At Brilliant, we administer paychecks every Friday. Yes! We have direct deposit. Once you start, you will be able to go online and set up your bank account.

What employee / Visa statuses does Brilliant accept?

Each recruiting / consulting firm varies. At Brilliant, as long as you are a Visa holder and have the appropriate documentation, we can assist you in your job search.

Does Brilliant sponsor non-U.S. citizen candidates?

No.

How are overtime hours handled in my paycheck?

Each recruiting and staffing firm varies. At Brilliant, with prior approval, any hours worked beyond 40 hours are paid at time and a half.

I have my own corporation, can you accommodate me on a corp-to-corp basis?

Yes! As long as you have the appropriate documentation, such as your articles of incorporation, we can work with you on a corp-to-corp basis.

How often should I check in for new opportunities?

Each recruiting and staffing firm varies. At Brilliant, we recommend checking out our website every two weeks for new available positions. Additionally, we will reach out to you when a suitable position arises.

Do recruiting and staffing firms provide compensation information or salary data?

Each recruiting and staffing firm varies. At Brilliant, we compile annual salary guides for accounting, finance and information technology professionals in the Greater Chicago and South Florida labor markets. You can access this information here.

What kind of awards has Brilliant won?

Since our inception in 2009, Brilliant has ranked on various award lists, including Forbes America’s Best Professional Recruiting Firms three years in a row (including No. 2 in 2018), Forbes America’s Best Executive Recruiting Firms in 2017, Crain’s Chicago Business Fast 50 for five straight years (including No. 1 in 2015), Staffing Industry Analysts Fastest-Growing U.S. Staffing Firms for four straight years (including No. 2 in 2015), Inavero’s Best of Staffing Talent for North America four years in a row, Inc. 5000 for three straight years, Best Places to Work South Florida in 2017 and 2019, 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® five straight years, and others.

Still not sure you want to work with a recruiter?