Temporary Job Agencies
A temporary job agency provides a stepping-stone between unemployment and permanent employment. Like other businesses, some agencies change names, go out of business, or are taken over by larger companies. There are several agencies, however, that have been stood the test of time. Here is some information about temporary job placement agencies.
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Types
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Many temporary job agencies have been in business for several decades and have offices worldwide. Others are newer and may have offices only within one region or even one city.
Two long-standing and worldwide temporary agencies are Manpower Inc. and Kelly Services. Snelling is another service that has been around for a long time, but unlike Manpower and Kelly Services, Snelling has offices only in the United States.
Features
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Some agencies specialize in placing skilled office workers, business professionals or medical professionals, while other agencies place workers primarily in manufacturing jobs. Many agencies, however, do both. The largest companies, such as Kelly Services and Manpower, work with industrial sectors and professional sectors.
Kelly Services is one of the oldest temporary staffing agencies, founded in 1946. Kelly provides jobs in light industrial and professional positions in the medical field and business.
Manpower Inc., established in 1948, and Snelling, established in 1951, also offer placement for a variety of skill levels, from warehouse labor to professional positions.
Benefits
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Temporary job agencies provide income while allowing flexibility. This is ideal for people in between jobs or recent graudates. Temporary jobs through agencies are also perfect for university students who need summer jobs.
The pay you receive for a temporary job depends on the staffing company and the type of job. However, hourly wages are usually above minimum wage.
Many agencies, such as Manpower, offer free or low-cost training to temporary workers.Training includes computer skills and other office skills. Joining a temporary agency is a cost-effective way to earn income while gaining marketable skills.
In addition, most temporary job agencies now offer health insurance plans.
Time Frame
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If you apply with a temporary agency, you should set aside at least two hours for filling out the application and completing any testing that the agency may require (including drug testing). The amount of time required depends on the agency, and whether you fill out an application online first, but the initial process usually takes more time than filling out a standard job application. Most agencies also interview after you have applied and gone through any skills testing. The interview may take place the same day or another day. Interviews normally last between fifteen minutes to one hour.
After you have joined the temporary agency, you may be required to call in daily or weekly, depending on the company, in order to remain active in their files.
Considerations
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Temporary staffing agencies make money by charging companies fees. Many companies are willing to pay the fees because the agencies screen applicants in advance, saving the company the time and money it takes to do that. In addition, when a company brings in temporary workers, it does not have to give those workers vacation pay, sick leave pay or insurance benefits.
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