Searching for a job is tough. It’s time consuming and it can get depressing to send out dozens of resumes and hear nothing in return. The job market is competitive and getting a full-time, permanent job can take several months of searching. And in the meantime, your bills will start to pile up.
If you want to make some much-needed income while searching for a job, then consider working with a temporary staffing agency. We know, staffing agencies are surrounded by myths and misconceptions. And you might be hesitant to sign up.
Need more information first? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.
1. What are the advantages of working with a temporary staffing agency?
Working with a temp staffing agency can make your job search easier. The agency’s recruiters will do all of the legwork, like finding you jobs and contacting hiring managers. They’ll offer you resume and interview tips. They’ll give you access to the hidden job market—employment opportunities that aren’t advertised online. They’ll give you a great recommendation and they’ll go to bat for you.
Plus, temp work will give you some competitive compensation while you search for permanent employment, if that’s what you’re looking for. And in the meantime, you’ll gain a wealth of new skills, new experience, and new contacts in your industry.
2. What industries use temp workers?
You can find temp workers in virtually every industry. The majority are still in the professional/office setting, but you’ll also be able to find temp work through a temporary staffing agency for industrial/blue collar jobs and even technical fields like nursing or information technology. Temp employees work in factories, in hospitals, in the government, in construction, in retail, and in many other sectors. No matter what field you want to be in, you’ll be able to find a temporary staffing agency that can help you get your foot in the door.
3. What are my rights as a temporary worker?
As a temporary worker, you have the same rights and protections as full-time, permanent employees under the Employment Standards Act. Only a select few types of employees aren’t covered under the ESA.
As a temp worker, you’ll still have the right to minimum wage, holiday pay, breaks, etc.
4. Will the temporary staffing agency take a cut of my pay cheque?
This is probably the most commonly asked question about staffing firms. The temporary staffing agency you work with will absolutely not take a dime from your pay cheques or ask for money up-front for its help and guidance on your job search. Staffing agencies get paid by the client companies that engage their services, not their workers.
5. How long do assignments last?
The length of temp assignments is completely dependent on the client’s needs. You could work part-time for a few days. You could work full-time for several months. Or anything in between. It really depends on the work that needs to be done. But generally, temp positions last one to three months.
6. Who is my employer?
Even though you’ll be outsourced to client companies, your employer will be the temporary staffing agency you work with. Your pay cheques and benefits will be provided by the agency.
7. Is there a possibility of a temp job turning into a permanent job?
Yes, absolutely. There is a new trend in the business world. More and more employers are now hiring on temp workers in order to reduce their hiring risks. When they hire temp workers before permanent workers, they can test out their skills and see how they fit into the company culture and work environment. In turn, they can make more informed hiring decisions. Work hard, make a good impression, and you might be able to turn a temp job into a permanent job.
