If you are considering working for a temp agency, you might have questions about what to expect. This guide will provide comprehensive information about working for an agency, from understanding the types of roles available to pay details.
What Is It Like to Work for a Temp or Staffing Agency?
As a temporary employee, you become an employee of the agency, rather than the company where you are placed. Here is a glimpse into what you can expect:
- Diverse Work Environments: Depending on the agency’s clients, you may work in different industries or roles. This variety can offer valuable experience and help you build a diverse skill set.
- Flexibility: Temp agencies often provide opportunities for short-term or project-based work. This flexibility can be ideal if you want to explore different fields.
- Support: Staffing agencies typically offer support in terms of job placement and career counseling. They can help you understand your goals, schedule, prepare for the interview, and more.
- Opportunity for Permanent Placement: Many temp positions have the potential to turn into permanent roles. If you perform well and fit well with the client company, there might be opportunities for a long-term position, providing a pathway to a stable career.
Pros and Cons of Working for a Temp Agency
Working with a temp agency offers valuable experience across diverse roles and industries, but these positions are often short term compared to permanent roles. Here are some pros and cons of working for a temp agency:
Pros:
- Experience: Working through a temp agency allows you to gain experience in various roles and industries, which can be beneficial for career development.
- Flexibility: Temp roles can be short-term, giving you the freedom to work on projects that interest you without a long-term commitment.
- Networking Opportunities: You will have the chance to meet and work with different people, potentially opening doors for future opportunities.
- Skill Development: Each new role presents a chance to learn and develop new skills, making you a more versatile and attractive candidate for future positions.
Cons:
- Short-Term Assignments: Temporary positions are not long-term. A temporary assignment may conclude sooner than anticipated, although many can lead to permanent opportunities.
- Limited Benefits: Temporary roles might offer fewer benefits than permanent positions.
- Placement Issues: You might get placed in a position that turns out to not be a good fit for you. In this case, you can talk with the staffing agency to find a new placement.
- Potential for Gaps in Employment: If assignments are irregular, there may be times when you are not working, potentially impacting the stability of your income. While the assignments are typically temporary, the agency has a vast network to help them secure another role quickly.
Types of Roles or Positions Available Through Temp Agencies
Temp agencies cater to a wide range of industries and roles. Some common positions you might find include:
- Administrative Roles: Office assistants, receptionists, data entry clerks, and executive assistants.
- Industrial and Manufacturing: Assembly line workers, warehouse staff, and machine operators, forklift driver, picker and packer, machine packaging, stock clerk, material handler, shipping and receiving clerk, and more.
- Customer Service: Call center representatives, support agents, and retail associates.
- Healthcare: Medical assistants, nurses’ aides, and other support roles.
- Information Technology: IT support, software developers, and network administrators.
- Finance and Accounting: Bookkeepers, accountants, and financial analysts.
The exact roles will vary depending on the agency’s clients and your skill set and experience.
How Do I Get Paid When I Work for a Temp Agency?
When you work for a staffing agency, the payment typically comes from the agency itself rather than directly from the company where you are placed. Most temporary positions are compensated hourly, although some roles may offer a salary. The agency will inform you of your pay rate before the assignment. Payment schedules vary, with many agencies paying weekly. It is important to understand the payment schedule and any requirements for submitting time sheets.
Your pay will be subject to standard deductions, such as taxes. Additionally, some agencies may offer benefits like health insurance, though this can vary depending on the agency and the assignment. Many agencies also provide the option of direct deposit, allowing your pay to be automatically transferred to your bank account, which facilitates timely and secure payment.
Conclusion
By understanding what to expect and how to navigate the process through this guide, you can make the most of your temporary assignments and potentially pave the way for future career opportunities. Working for a staffing agency can offer flexibility, diverse experiences, and valuable networking opportunities, but it is important to be aware of the potential downsides.
If you are considering working for a temp agency or a staffing agency, take the time to research different agencies, understand their terms, and be prepared for the varied experiences that come with temporary work. This approach will help you make informed decisions and maximize the benefits of your temporary employment.
Why AtWork
With AtWork, you will find a team of experts who care about matching you with the right job. Many of our locations offer benefits for their employees, such as medical insurance, paid holidays, paid vacation, and additional perks. We specialize in providing job seekers opportunities in administrative and clerical, manufacturing, professional, and warehouse industries. Through this guide and partnering with AtWork, it will be easy to navigate the process of working for a staffing agency.
AtWork is a national, award-winning staffing company with local owners and a culture of caring about those we serve. For more than 30 years, we have built partnerships that go beyond simply filling open positions. This is how we are AtWork For You:
- Locally owned – We live in your market. Our owners are there to provide personalized service, troubleshoot, and quickly solve for your needs. We understand the market, industries, and employment opportunities.
- True partners – We listen, we care, and we work to build relationships with our clients. We treat our candidates and clients with respect and professionalism. Each year, our partners rate us with industry-leading scores as one of the best staffing agencies through Clearly Rated.
- Solutions based – Our goal is a brighter future for everyone. By understanding your needs, pain points, and opportunities, we offer creative solutions, exceptional execution, and timely communication.
- Personalized support – Our industry-certified professionals provide rigorous recruiting, onboarding services, skills testing, safety training, ongoing communication with candidates, benchmarking, and consulting.
Let us show you the AtWork Difference today. Visit atwork.com to review job openings and to connect with one of our offices
