Pursuing part-time work as a clerk or a personnel assistant is a good way to explore this field. Large department stores and other large firms usually have personnel departments and are good places to begin looking for part-time or temporary work. You may also find part-time work in your school's counseling department. Discussions with employment firm workers are another good way to learn about the rewards and responsibilities in this field. College students should discuss their career objectives with the career placement counselors at their university.

There are several types of positions within the employment firm field, each having specific job responsibilities.

Personnel recruiters seek out and recruit qualified applicants for existing job openings with companies. They maintain contacts within the local business community and may travel extensively to find qualified applicants. After interviewing applicants, recruiters recommend those most qualified to fill positions within a company. To aid in the analysis of applicants, recruiters may arrange skills tests, evaluate the applicant's work history, and check personal references. Much of this work is done by phone or through computer matching services.

Recruiters present applicants with an accurate picture of companies seeking employees. They need to know about the company's personnel policy in regard to wages, salaries, and promotional possibilities. They must also be familiar with equal employment opportunity and affirmative action guidelines.

Employment interviewers often have many of the same responsibilities as personnel recruiters but may also have administrative tasks such as giving skills tests or conducting a background check on the applicant.

Employment consultants help job seekers find employment and help businesses find workers for existing positions. They interview job seekers and use tests to evaluate the skills and abilities of applicants. They discuss such issues as job responsibilities and benefits. They then attempt to find job openings that match the skills and interests of individual applicants. Employment consultants often put an applicant directly in touch with a potential employer. If a specific opening does not exist, they may contact firms to see if they need an applicant or suggest that the applicant train themselves in skills to qualify for existing positions.

Consultants may also offer suggestions on resume writing, interviewing techniques, and personal appearance to help applicants secure a position. Often, a consultant will have expertise in a particular area, such as accounting or law, and work with applicants interested in jobs in that field.

Employment clerks function as intake workers and interview job seekers to get pertinent information, such as work history, education, and occupational interests. They refer the applicant to an employment consultant or counselor. Employment clerks have administrative duties such as checking applicant references, filing applications, and compiling personnel records.

Employment agency managers supervise the business operations of an employment agency. They establish agency rules and regulations, prepare agency budgets, purchase appropriate equipment and supplies, and resolve client complaints. In general they oversee the day-to-day operations of the agency. They also hire and evaluate staff workers and oversee their training.

Government personnel specialists do essentially the same work as their counterparts in private companies, except they deal with openings that are subject to civil service regulations. Much of government personnel work concentrates on job analysis because civil service jobs are strictly classified according to entry requirements, duties, and wages and salaries.