How to Get Work With a Temp Agency

Even the number of jobs with temp agencies, or temporary employment services, has decreased during the world wide recession. Still, temp jobs are still out there. This is a source of income that should not be overlooked during your quest for a full-time position.

Things You'll Need

• List of temp agencies
• Job history data

Instructions

1. Be flexible. The application you fill out at the temp agency will ask what days and shifts you are willing to work. Make you availability as broad as possible. The application will also ask what job types you would consider. There too, include every job type you qualify for so as to improve your chances of being called in.

2. Arrive at the temp agency with your job history and references. This should include the names of past supervisors and their phone numbers. A drug test will most likely be administered.

3. Be proactive. After applying with the temp agency, call back each day to check on the availability of work.

4. Be a good worker. Any negative comments from the client company where you've done work will certainly put you at the bottom of their call-back list.

5. If you're not being asked to work, call up the temp agency and ask why you're not getting assignments. They'll usually be quite forthright with you.

6. The jobs typically last for a few days. When it's over, get back on the phone with the temp agency and indicate your interest for another temporary job.

7. If you are receiving unemployment benefits it may or may not be profitable to take on a temporary job. Once upon a time, I found temp work working in my chosen field. The pay was good enough to make to make it more attractive economically than sitting at home waiting for the phone to ring.

Tips & Warnings

• Some temp jobs are classified as temp-to-hire, meaning it could become a permanent position.

• Temp jobs are great because it allows you the flexibility of not working when interview opportunities arise.