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Whats the deal with Temp agencies?
Hello Ladies!
Just a random question, have any of you ever been to a temporary agency? I have been thinking of going to one for a couple of months, but I really have no idea what to expect before I go in, and don't even know how they work! First of all, do you have to make an appointment, or just show up randomly? And also, should you prepare anything in advance? I mean, other than a resume!
I really want to go and try to find some kind of receptionist/secretary work (I am not looking into a full blown career right now so it really doesn't matter where) that is closer to home and there is a temporary agency about 15 minutes from my house, so I'm hoping that means there are some good prospects...currently I work part time but its a 45 minute commute, the workplace environment is very hostile and there is really no room to advance. I've been applying all over monster and craigslist, but its a really tough market, so I'm willing to take the next step.
Have any of you had any experiences with temp agencies?
Re: Whats the deal with Temp agencies?
I've worked with several temp agencies. They all do about the same, they rank your qualifications, and submit them to the company looking for the temp, or the hire. Then you either show up or interview for the position, depending on how the job is set up. Even if you are the best the agency has, the hiring company may not accept your resume. Be careful of temp agencies that are looking out for their best interest above yours. I've worked for several of them, where they put you into hostile work environments, with high expectations, because the temp agency is making money on you being there, and if you're hired will make a ton of money.
Definately call ahead to the temp agency, and discuss your qualifications with the agency before you just show up. Many accept walk ins, but it's better to have them be prepared for you, instead of sitting in the waiting area for hours while their schedule clears out.
Also, in my experience of job hunting, most of the jobs on craigslist and a few on monster are scams. Be careful what you are getting yourself into.
Over the years, I've registered with a few different temp agencies...but wasn't placed through one until the last two positions I've had. Overall, the experience has been good with the temp agencies. One of the temp agencies actually contacted me for a position they were looking to fill after they found my resume on monster. The second I had registered with several years prior but had never been placed through them before as my salary expectations were higher than what they typically had, after landing the first job through the first temp agency I quit looking for a while and then the second place happened across my resume on monster while looking to fill an HR position. Both temp to perm...the first company was a nightmare (and I think the company has since gone belly up) and the second I totally lucked out. I'd recommend it. We hire most of our admins through OfficeTeam and Manpower, both national companies. With Office Team, I had to set up an appointment and go in for an interview with the recruiter and take several of the software tests.
Having worked in administration for a temp agency here are my tips:
* Definitely make an appointment to be sure they give you their full time and attention and don't just try to "fit you in".
* Along with the most recent copy of your resume they will require you to do some basic skills testing on the computer (MS Office suite for the work you are looking for)
* Then they will do an interview and ask what your expectations are for jobs/salary/schedule/commuting etc.
* I recommend being as flexible as you can if you want them to have the best chance to place you quickly.
Good luck!