If you are looking for a job, going to a temp agency can be a positive step. Even if you have a career goal but cannot find a job in your chosen field at present, working in temporary positions has some very real advantages.

To begin with, of course, you will be getting a paycheck. This is always the underlying reason for working, after all. Temp agencies usually have a hourly wage that is sufficient to allow you some independence. Often this hourly wage will be higher than the customary rate for the job, since the agency may set its own rates.

Most white-collar temp agencies require a minimum level of typing skill, computer knowledge, and a familiarity with the most common business software programs. The basic skill requirements are not too stringent, but the more you know, the more likely you are to get steady employment. There are agencies that specialize in certain areas of employment, such as financial fields such as accounting and tax preparation.

The simple fact of working will show more initiative to a future employer than if you stay idle while looking for the ideal job. Although some recruiters do not place much reliance on temporary experience, the act of using certain office software or working for a roofing company for three months will be something you can point to in an interview.

If you have skills that lead the employment agency to place you in a certain job, you may be offered permanent hire status by a firm that you are able to please. Many temps find that their performance as a fill-in leads to part or full-time employment, and are then able to climb the corporate ladder to a satisfying career. It is a good way to enter a company that may not be hiring permanent employees at the time.

Some individuals with quite strong office skills prefer the variety and flexibility of temporary employment; they enjoy experiencing different work environments and often take a break between assignments. Others may only want to work seasonally, such as teachers during summer vacation or those who work at tax time. The worker may also refuse assignments, although this is not a practice to follow often.

One of the main drawbacks is not getting benefits, such as retirement plans and health care. This will not matter if you are covered by a spouse’s health plan, or if you have a saving program for those rainy days of senior citizen status or illness. Since you will be an employee of the agency, in most cases, they will handle withholding of social security and taxes in the normal manner.

There are some agencies that require their workers to perform as independent contractors, but this is not usual. You will be an employee of the agency, not the company where you will be placed. Placement agencies do not offer any kind of benefits or guarantees of employment.

A temp agency performs a beneficial service for businesses that need interim or seasonal employees, and for those who need a job for the short term.

Author Bio: Since 1951, employement agencies has assisted organizations solve wide-ranging human performance problems, staff their organizations efficiently and effectively, and realize targeted objectives.

Category: Business
Keywords: temp agency, business, temp service, temporary employment, recruitment, staffing services