Temp work is a time-limited position, usually lasting six months or less. There are pros and cons to working with a temp agency for work. However, for many, the pros outweigh the cons.
As an employer, a lack of skilled workers can cause production delays or even business failure. As a job seeker, the ability to quickly fill a temporary position to start getting a paycheck within about a week is attractive. The benefits to temp work make working with a temp agency worth it.
Short-term job positions have developed significantly in the past few decades. The temporary position makes it easy for individuals to set their hours and pursue multiple interests, which can be a beneficial career path for someone who likes variety and change.
Temp work gives college students and entry-level candidates the experience necessary to find a full-time job. A recruiter at a temp agency can get a resume directly in front of a hiring manager, skipping the HR application process, which makes it a great way to get in the door of a company and start working quickly.
Finding work in a specific field can be incredibly challenging for young people who are just starting their careers and older people trying to move into a new career. Many fields require you to have the experience to get a job, but you can’t get experience without a job.
So, what do you do? Many people are finding the answer to the problem is temp work. Working for a temp agency gets you in the door to gain the experience you need for a long-term position in the future.
As a business owner, you may come across times where you have special projects requiring extra labor to help complete on time or a specific skill needed to handle a particular task.
This article will share the best alternative to hiring full-time employees by going through a temp agency to bring on the skilled laborers you need, get projects completed on time, and reach maximum productivity.
What Is a Temp Agency?
A temporary or temp agency is a staffing agency dedicated to placing job seekers into short-term and long-term contract positions with various companies and industries. Usually, companies seek out staffing agencies to fill their open contract and temporary positions due to the expertise, ease, and speed.
The agency would do the initial headhunting, interviewing, background screenings, and reference checks which could be a time-consuming and complex process. Then, they find placement for qualified individuals in temporary positions within a company seeking extra workers.
Benefits of Using a Temp Agency
As a job seeker, when you submit your application to a job posting online, it likely goes into a database full of other applications just like yours. The benefit of using a temp agency is that your resume gets directly in front of a hiring manager.
By skipping the databases and resume piles, you get timely feedback regarding your application, which doesn’t always happen when you apply on your own.
Working with a temp agency means you have a recruiter to place you in front of managers at sought-after employers to help you succeed. Recruiters will help you every step of the way and have your best interest at heart.
As a business owner, quickly finding skilled professionals to help you with specific tasks or projects helps avoid delays. Working with a temp agency gives you access to experts in various fields that you could contract to tackle a special project.
For instance, a Fortune 500 company may need a project manager for a short-term project, so they will hire a temporary experienced professional for the job.
How Temp Agencies Work
Temp agencies find workers for companies that need additional people to fill in on a short-term basis. The company benefits by avoiding the time and costs it takes to place an ad on one of the job boards online, reviewing applications, interviewing, and possibly training a new employee.
There is also the cost savings of only paying a flat hourly rate to the temp agency, which issues a paycheck to the contracted worker and handles all the payroll withholdings and benefits.
The temp agency finds job seekers and places them with the appropriate company that matches their skill set and needs.
The temp worker is only on the job as long as they are needed – which could be for a few days, weeks, or months. There are times where a company will keep a temp worker on the job for years or hire the temp worker permanently.
Is Temp Work Common?
Temp jobs are on the rise, and experts expect this trend to continue, which means employers are starting to think more about hiring all permanent workers. The move to more temporary hiring shows employers are willing to try out potential candidates for permanent jobs or contract work as needed.
Companies are finding it’s a great way to get a job done to increase efficiency and productivity while saving money.
Working With a Temp Agency
There are various types of temp agencies; some specialize in particular industries like industrial or accounting, while others specialize in specific jobs, like administrative or clerical. Working with an agency experienced in your field will help the process of finding placement go quicker and smoother.
As a job seeker, expect to be interviewed by the agency just as you would if you went directly to the employer, so show up prepared and dressed for success. Depending on the position you are seeking, you may be required to take a typing test. Most agencies collect their fee from the employer so working with one typically is free to you.
Pros and Cons of Working With a Temp Agency
For Employees
Pros – Temp staffing offers many great benefits, including a bridge to permanent jobs and gaining the experience you need for your resume. Almost nine out of 10 staffing employees say that temporary work makes them more employable. One-third of temporary employees were offered permanent positions by clients where they worked on assignments, so it’s an excellent way to open doors for greater opportunities.
Cons – Future employers may see too many jobs in a short period and consider it a lack of commitment and work ethic or indicate it has something to do with your performance.
For Employers
Pros – Ability to hire workers when needed without keeping the full-time employee on staff after the assignment or project is complete. It’s a great way to cut costs while increasing productivity and quickly get the necessary tasks completed.
Cons – Hiring temp workers will cost you more per hour than a full-time general employee. You won’t have to pay for benefits for the employee, so essentially, it evens out but looking at the hourly rate, you will notice the difference in pay.
Are Temp Agencies Worth It?
A temp agency can be worth it, depending on your staffing or employment needs. There are benefits for both the employee and employer for working with a temp agency. Finding the right temp agency to fit your skills and needs will help you get the most out of the working relationship.
Be upfront and honest with the agency from the start to ensure you find the best placement for you or your organizational needs.
Conclusion
A temp agency will help job seekers find work that doesn’t require long-term commitments. That works well for college students looking for work between their school schedules or individuals looking to gain additional skills and experience.
Some temp workers are offered full-time positions when their assignment is complete, making it a great stepping stone to a long-term position.
Working with a temp agency is an excellent way to find skilled workers for short-term assignments or projects. As a business owner, you are probably aware of the time-consuming and complex hiring process.
When you work with an agency, the hiring process is handled for you, including the HR administrative work, saving you time and money. A reputable temp agency will have a network of skilled job seekers looking to start work right away. Having immediate access to the experienced professionals you need means your projects will get completed faster than they would if you had to do the employee search and hiring yourself.
If you’re looking to hire skilled workers or are a skilled individual looking for employment, we have an excellent hiring alternative for you.
Contact Pocketbook Agency today, and we will be your helping hand to find the right match for you. We have the experience, knowledge, and network to fit your needs quickly.
Sources:
Staffing: A Vital Workforce That Supports the Economy | American Staffing