The Complete Guide To Temporary Staffing Agencies
How Do Temp Agencies Work?
What Temp Agencies Do for Their Clients
The main objective of temp agencies is to match qualified candidates with clients looking to fill temporary, non-employee positions. Traditionally speaking, these specialized job agencies were formed in order to provide large businesses with a large volume of talent, but many have evolved to include temp-to-hire and, in some cases, full-time position placements. In those situations, the temp agency acts as a de facto, contracted human resources department, managing the hiring of the client’s short-term and long-term workers.
In addition to placement, background checks, drug testing, reference screening, and skills training are conducted by temp agencies, particularly the larger, more all-inclusive firms.
Because the temp agency’s contract is on the line if it doesn’t deliver reliable talent, clients see this as an incentive that could lead to boosted productivity, particularly in the short-term. It’s not all roses, though: One of the biggest challenges companies find in working with temp agencies is that time-to-fill rates can be exceedingly long, making it an inconvenient (if not entirely unrealistic) solution for companies that frequently need to fill shifts or secure qualified talent on short notice.
What Temp Agencies Do for Their Workers
The temp agency employment model has long been considered a go-to for all categories of workers, including flexible, part-time, seasonal, and temp-to-hire hopefuls. Generally, job seekers will contact the temp agency first, although some highly-skilled candidates may be recruited for specific projects. Upon completing an initial application and interview process, the agency may or may not welcome the applicant on board.
For those lucky temporary workers who do get selected, they will be entered into the temp agency’s database and will be contacted whenever a position opens up that matches their skill set, availability, and location. These jobs may last as little as one workday or may turn into a coveted temp-to-hire position. Although the temp will usually report to work at the contracting company, they will still be paid by the agency.
One very important thing that all temporary workers should understand is that they should never pay their agency any fees or percentages upfront.
The Most Sought-After Skill Sets in the Temp Work World
Temp agencies, particularly full-service ones, are hiring workers from all kinds of backgrounds – from tech to manufacturing, food service, administrative work, and beyond – to meet the demand for project-based or short-term talent as companies seek a more dynamic workforce.
In addition to skilled workers, temp agencies are also known to hire candidates with little or no experience in the workforce. Job seekers looking to sign up with an agency should inquire about its specialties and current contracts before starting the – often lengthy – application process.
What Schedules Look Like for Temporary Workers
So, what does the weekly schedule of the average temporary worker look like? Well, like most answers on the subject, it can vary greatly.
Of course, one of the benefits of placement through temp agencies, especially in regards to temps who want to maintain a flexible or part-time schedule, is that the worker has full control over their availability. They can tell their agency when they are and when they aren’t available, something that is not always possible in customary employee-employer arrangements.
Still, longer-term contracts with temp agencies may not offer this convenience. If a worker has a three-month contract, for instance, they’re required to show up at assigned times and work the shifts required for the full contract period, often with even less flexibility (paid time off for healthcare appointments, for instance) than they’d have in a traditional, full-time role.
No matter your breadth of experience, current availability, or lifestyle, today’s vast amount of temporary work options has made for a gold rush of opportunities for both skilled and unskilled workers alike. Just remember, the key to making it work as a temp is to know your goals and educate yourself before you embark on your flexible work journey.