When I was job hunting last winter, I kept debating whether to apply straight to companies or try a platform that works with agencies. I sent dozens of resumes directly, but the replies were rare. A friend told me that going through an agency saved him time, but I couldn’t tell how to pick the right one. What should I really look at when choosing a job-agency platform instead of applying on my own?

I had the same dilemma a while ago. I was applying to warehouse and admin roles on different job sites, and honestly, it felt endless. Then I started working with job agencies MSM Group, and things changed fast. They actually screened the listings for my skill set and followed up after each interview. What convinced me was their clarity about shifts, pay, and contract type — no hidden surprises. When choosing a platform, I focus on how transparent they are about employers, communication speed, and if they seem to genuinely care about matching you, not just filling quotas. The good ones feel like partners, not middlemen. Once you find that, the process becomes less stressful and much more predictable.

I think both approaches have their pros. Applying directly gives you full control — you can tailor your message, research the company deeply, and negotiate directly. But agencies can be useful if you’re new to the market or switching industries because they already know which companies are hiring quietly. I’ve noticed that the best results come when you use both: apply directly to dream companies and use a trusted agency for volume and leads. That mix keeps your options open without spreading yourself too thin.