How Are Staffing Agencies Run?

According to the American Staffing Association, staffing agencies hired 11.2 million temporary and contract workers in 2008. Staffing agencies work directly with employers to fill job vacancies and locate the most qualified job seekers.

Function

Staffing agencies advertise job openings, administer employment exams, conduct background checks, and interview job applicants in order to place workers in temporary or permanent positions.

Staff Recruiters

Recruiters develop business relationships with local employers, locate qualified workers, and match them with jobs. They also negotiate temporary and permanent work contracts and maintain regular communication with workers throughout their assignments.

Working with Employers

Staffing agencies are contracted or compete with other agencies to fill temporary, temporary to permanent, or permanent positions at large corporations, small businesses and government agencies. Agencies are paid a fee for each worker they successfully place or a percentage of the worker's salary amount.

Job Search Services

Staffing agencies offer job search assistance to workers free of charge. Before assigning them to a position, the agency will interview the applicants to determine the best match and conduct pre-employment tests to assess their skills.

Payroll and Benefits

Staffing agencies handle the payroll administration, monitoring and training for their temporary workers. Most agencies also offer temporary workers health benefits.

References

• collegegrad.com: Using Employment Agencies Successfully
• American Staffing Association: Staffing Facts