If you are in the market for a job, don’t count out temp agencies. These job placement agencies have positions available in almost every location and career field. Believe it or not, many people work as temps full time - and applying for work at most agencies can easily be done online.
Benefits of Working for Temp Agencies
One of the best benefits of working for a temp agency is that you have the flexibility to work when you want. For instance, if you need to find a job to get you through the holiday season or to help meet the bills while your partner is laid-off, a temp job will be perfect for you.
When you work through a temp agency, potential employers know that you generally do not plan to be around long-term and there is no misunderstanding or hard feelings when you do leave. In addition, if you try to find a job for the ‘short-term’ outside of a temp agency, most employers who are hiring directly will overlook you and will generally opt for an individual they know will be around longer.
When it comes to flexibility, temp agencies are a great way for mothers to find jobs that are available for when they want to work. Some Mums will work through temp agencies while their children are in school and then take a break during the summer so they can stay at home with their children. Mums can essentially set their own schedules.
Besides pay being the obvious benefit of working for a temp agency, many of today’s top temp agencies offer their workers full benefit packages. These packages include vacation time, medical, dental and life insurance and retirement plans. When checking out potential temp agencies you should ask about their benefits, what the requirements are to quality for the benefits and inquire as to how much the company contributes toward the benefits.
Another benefit of working through a temp agency is being able to experience work in different careers/industries and learning new skills. This type of experience will give you the knowledge you need to determine if a career in a particular field is what you would enjoy doing long-term. If not, move on and try out another career field.
Temp Agencies and Permanent Employment
If you are looking for a permanent position, don’t count out temporary agencies. They may hold the keys to that permanent job you have always wanted. Some businesses, large companies and medical groups do their hiring directly through temp employment agencies. They let these agencies do all the employee screenings for them and any temps that an agency sends to them is viewed as ‘temp to perm’ - this means that if you meet the expectations of the employer as a temp worker you have the opportunity to be hired permanently after a set period of time.
Duration of Temp Jobs
Temp jobs may last a day, week, many months, or lead to a permanent job. Individuals who work as temps full-time as their career often find the change of atmosphere from job-to-job refreshing and the ability to take or leave a job without hindering their position at the temp agency priceless. If you are a person who likes change, who likes meeting new people and who likes to be challenged by new experiences, working as a temp and going from job-to-job can be a fulfilling career.
Downside of Temp Work
You should know before entering a temp agency that it’s possible to find yourself placed in a temp-position doing a task that the full-time, permanent employees at a business do not want to do. The work may be tedious and repetitive or just completely different than the type of work that is the norm for that company. For instance you may be sent to work at a large department store, but instead of interacting with customers and making sales, you may find yourself doing inventory or paperwork.
Another downside to temp work is being on a temp job and discovering that you are placed in a position where you are unable to use your skills to their advantage. This can be frustrating and difficult - especially if you see errors being made by permanent employees. Keeping your ego in check may be difficult if you find yourself in one of these positions.
By and far the biggest downside to going through a temp agency to find a job is that there may be times when no work is available. Dry seasons are common in certain fields and you will need to plan accordingly. Happy job hunting!
Recommended Reading
For more information and advice on being a temp, take a look at the following books:
The Permanent Temp: Make More $$$ Temping
Temp: How To Survive & Thrive in the World of Temporary Employment
How to Be A Permanent Temp
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