| If you are looking for a job, going to a temp agency | | | | please. Many temps find that their performance as a |
| can be a positive step. Even if you have a career | | | | fill-in leads to part or full-time employment, and are |
| goal but cannot find a job in your chosen field at | | | | then able to climb the corporate ladder to a satisfying |
| present, working in temporary positions has some | | | | career. It is a good way to enter a company that |
| very real advantages. | | | | may not be hiring permanent employees at the time. |
| To begin with, of course, you will be getting a | | | | Some individuals with quite strong office skills prefer |
| paycheck. This is always the underlying reason for | | | | the variety and flexibility of temporary employment; |
| working, after all. Temp agencies usually have a | | | | they enjoy experiencing different work environments |
| hourly wage that is sufficient to allow you some | | | | and often take a break between assignments. |
| independence. Often this hourly wage will be higher | | | | Others may only want to work seasonally, such as |
| than the customary rate for the job, since the | | | | teachers during summer vacation or those who work |
| agency may set its own rates. | | | | at tax time. The worker may also refuse |
| Most white-collar temp agencies require a minimum | | | | assignments, although this is not a practice to follow |
| level of typing skill, computer knowledge, and a | | | | often. |
| familiarity with the most common business software | | | | One of the main drawbacks is not getting benefits, |
| programs. The basic skill requirements are not too | | | | such as retirement plans and health care. This will not |
| stringent, but the more you know, the more likely | | | | matter if you are covered by a spouse's health plan, |
| you are to get steady employment. There are | | | | or if you have a saving program for those rainy days |
| agencies that specialize in certain areas of | | | | of senior citizen status or illness. Since you will be an |
| employment, such as financial fields such as | | | | employee of the agency, in most cases, they will |
| accounting and tax preparation. | | | | handle withholding of social security and taxes in the |
| The simple fact of working will show more initiative | | | | normal manner. |
| to a future employer than if you stay idle while | | | | There are some agencies that require their workers |
| looking for the ideal job. Although some recruiters do | | | | to perform as independent contractors, but this is |
| not place much reliance on temporary experience, | | | | not usual. You will be an employee of the agency, |
| the act of using certain office software or working | | | | not the company where you will be placed. |
| for a roofing company for three months will be | | | | Placement agencies do not offer any kind of benefits |
| something you can point to in an interview. | | | | or guarantees of employment. |
| If you have skills that lead the employment agency | | | | A temp agency performs a beneficial service for |
| to place you in a certain job, you may be offered | | | | businesses that need interim or seasonal employees, |
| permanent hire status by a firm that you are able to | | | | and for those who need a job for the short term. |