Employment agencies can be another resource in your job search.
Employment agencies focus on matching your skills with employer job openings. The employer generally pays their fees so there is no cost to you. They are also called staffing, recruiting, or temp agencies. They work a little differently depending on the type of positions they fill.
Recruiting services search for qualified candidates for permanent, full-time positions. These firms are also called headhunters or executive search firms. They recruit, screen, and then refer candidates to an employer to consider. The benefits of using a recruiting service include:
Staffing services match workers with short-term or temporary-to-permanent positions. They're sometimes known as contract firms or employment agencies. When you finish a short-term work assignment, the agency looks for another assignment for you. The benefits of using a staffing service and doing temporary work include:
A temporary assignment can last a few hours, a few weeks, or several months. Sometimes employers offer permanent positions to temp workers who work out well.
Temporary employees generally do not receive paid days off (vacation, sick days, or holidays). Most staffing agencies also do not offer health insurance, but some may make it available after you have worked for a set period of time.
Before you work with any employment agency, find out what services you can expect and what will be expected of you. Make sure you ask whether it will cost you anything.
For short-term contract work, ask about the pay rate, benefits, and length of assignments. Also, let them know the hours and days you're able to work, if you are available overtime, and your transportation and salary needs. Some additional tips:
It is a good idea for you to sign up with more than one temp agency. If you get a work assignment, let the other agencies know that you will not be available for a while, and contact them when you complete that assignment.