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Job Hunters

Working with an Employment Agency

When you are looking for a job, it can be helpful to work with an employment agency, but it is important to understand your rights and the agency's responsibilities under the law. Unfortunately, there have been numerous instances when unscrupulous and unlicensed agencies have taken advantage of unsuspecting jobseekers.

Download Consumer Protection Tips about Employment Agencies as PDF in:

Other Languages (PDF, 12/2017):

Download Job Hunter's Bill of Rights as PDF in:

See the sample required documents an employment agency must provide to job applicants.

See the required signage an employment agency must post in the main room.

Workforce1 Career Centers

Workforce1 is a service provided by the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) that prepares and connects qualified candidates to job opportunities in New York City. SBS makes strong matches for both candidates and employers by using a unique combination of recruitment expertise, industry knowledge, and skill-building workshops to strengthen candidates' employment prospects. Learn more about Workforce1 Career Centers.

Automated Employment Decision Tools

An automated employment decision tool (AEDT) is a computer-based tool that uses machine learning, statistical modeling, data analytics, or artificial intelligence to substantially help with employment decisions. 

Under NYC law, employers or employment agencies that want to use an AEDT must:

  • Ensure a bias audit was done before using the tool
  • Post a summary of the results of the bias audit on their website 
  • Notify job candidates and employees that the tool will be used to assess them and include instructions to request a reasonable accommodation
  • Post on their website notice about the type and source of the data used for the tool and data retention policy

Learn more about automated employment decision tools.

You can report an employer or employment agency that used an automated employment decision tool but did not:

  • Make sure the required bias audit was done or post a summary of the results of the bias audit 
  • Provide required notices

File a consumer complaint.