Never underestimate the power of a temp agency. This service isn’t just for folks interested in an assignment here and there. Most temp agencies today are in the business of filling temporary staffing needs for companies and finding long-term or permanent work for those that want it. Temp agencies are also called employment agencies, employment services, and temporary staffing agencies.
Many temp assignments lead to permanent positions and some are an excellent way to get your foot in the door at a company that might not be the most accessible. Once inside, you can begin to show the company what you’ve got, without having to go through an interview process or waiting for months on end for a call back. The temp agency does the screening for the company, which is one of the reasons the agency makes such a nice commission if you get hired for a full-time job.
In today’s job market, working through a temp agency or working at a temp agency while you’re looking for the ideal job might be the way to go. For starters, you’ll have a variety of assignments to choose from and in most cases, you can control how often you work. This comes in handy when you need a flexible schedule that allows time for interviews. There is such a thing as a career temp, but if you’re looking for something a bit more stable, let the agency know this and they’ll try to match you with long-term assignments and companies that they know may be looking to hire now or in the future.
To locate a temp agency in your area, all you have to do is search online using your favorite search engine or flip through the yellow pages. Compile a list of around 10 agencies and check out their websites. Some agencies may specialize in jobs in the arts while others may be dedicated to providing clerical staff for local companies.
Still, some may specialize in retail, the food and beverage industry, media jobs, temporary medical staffing or blue collar jobs. This is why researching each temp agency is important. You don’t want to waste your time signing up with an agency that doesn’t specialize in jobs that match your skill set.
Once you’ve located several agencies that you think are a good match, forward your resume. The agency will guide you through the process of submitting your resume and any other supporting documentation online. If they think you might be a good fit, you will receive a call for an interview. Be prepared to spend at least 2 hours at the agency interviewing, taking tests, and filling out paperwork.
Once you’re a member of the talent pool, you will leave the office with several timecards for your first few assignments. If you are ready and willing to work within 24 hours, if assignments are available, you will get a call—so be ready. Some assignments are even same day, so if you’re willing to work on short notice, you could receive a significant amount of work early on.
If you’re really interested in finding a long-term assignment or a permanent job, never turn down an assignment if you can help it. It’s not uncommon for a 2-week long assignment to lead to a full-time job in the world of temping.
For more information about temp agencies, read Top Temp Agencies by Time Out New York. Many of the agencies listed in this article have offices across the country.
