- Temp agencies are temporary staffing firms that serve as a middleman between employers and job-seekers. When companies need a temporary increase in person-hours, they contact a staffing agency and acquire workers to fill the temporary position. The staffing agency serves numerous companies in this manner, and employs various people capable of handling temporary positions for this reason.
- A company making use of a temporary agency to fill temporary positions attains a number of advantages. Foremost among these is the ability to avoid having to conduct a search for a qualified worker every time a position needs filling. Companies using temp agencies simply request workers for the required positions, without having to advertise. Companies making use of temp agencies may also fire an unsatisfactory employee at any time without paying severance or unemployment.
- Generally speaking, it is easier to get a job at a temp agency than at most companies that will make use of a temp agency. Once a person becomes employed at a temp agency, hours are generally much more flexible than at a full-time job, since the work is at-will. Temp agencies also offer a chance for their employees to experience a number of different careers and work environments, which can be useful for people who are considering a change of career.
- Working for a temporary agency may pay very differently than the company's normal rate for the same work. This can sometimes be an above-average wage, but may sometimes be lower than usual. Many temp agencies do not offer benefits, which means that even a temp worker working full time will not have the health insurance and other benefits that most full-time workers receive. Temp agency work is also highly unreliable, as a company may decide to stop using a temporary worker at any time, with no warning.
- Since most temporary agencies service a variety of companies, job applicants with widely-applicable skills will be at an advantage in seeking employment. Skills that fall into this category include proficiencies with various office standard computer programs, such as word processing software and spreadsheet software. Some temporary agencies specialize in a particular sector, such as law, in which case some background knowledge in that area is useful to attaining work as a para-legal assistant.
- Applying to a temporary agency is generally easier than applying to a regular job. A temporary agency is constantly hiring people, and so they tend to have a more refined process than at a regular company. There is no need to pretend you are interested in the company since it is clear your purpose at a temporary agency is to make money. Applicants will need an updated resume, and can usually apply online through the temp agency's website. An example of a temp agency's website is provided below.
