job centre

[shabani]

hi all,

Can anyone give me an American equivalent for "job centre"? Is it "employment agency"? if not, what is the difference between employment agency and the other one?

Thanks

[SoothingDave]

It depends on what you mean by "job centre."

https://jobcenterofwisconsin.com/

This is the official job center for the state of Wisconsin. This is run by the state. Each state in the US collects "unemployment insurance" from each worker and uses it to pay benefits to people who lose their jobs. They also run centers such as this to help people find new work. This can include training and help in creating resumes, etc.

There are also private agencies that help to place certain type of workers in positions. They are usually paid a fee by the companies that use their services to find qualified people to fill their vacancies. These are referred to colloquially as "headhunters."

Finally, there are private companies that provide labor services to other companies by hiring workers and contracting out their services to companies that need them. These are called "temp agencies," meaning they place workers in "temporary" positions.

[susiedqq]

Job banks and job fairs are also places you can look for a job.

[Tdol]

In the UK, job centres are run by the government, while an employment agency is private and may specialise in certain types of work.

[shabani]

thank you all,

so Americans do use the word "job center" too right?

[SoothingDave]

Sure. In reference to state-run centers, usually.