Top Secrets of Staffing Agencies

We've been there on those Sunday afternoons, flipping through the local paper and hoping to land some type of great opportunity to email and send a fax off too. Surprisingly, they call us back a lot sooner than we expect and we have an interview later during week. Interview comes and we go and fill out an application and notice it at the top in bold print, "Staffing agency." Should we leave or walk out?

Despite the consistent advertising for new applicants to build its reputation, staffing agencies have too many standards and procedures that don't always apply to helplessly unemployed victims. Consequently, in order to achieve success at a staffing agency of any sort, a person must be able comply with policies and procedures.

Job time/travel

Job times and travel may not offer much convenience. If you are looking to work for a temp agency you must be able to handle what assignments they can offer. Even if assignments are out of the way or beyond your schedule, you must comply. Many temp agencies don't offer convenience; their idea is to simply find you a job. You could be cleaning elephant cages at a zoo or raising crops on a nearby farm. For college students, job time and travel is essential to maintaining a non-stressful college schedule. Since agencies don't give much leeway, if you are unable to work from 8:00-5:30, you are considered ineligible for hire. For a college student that can hurt because agency contracts usually benefit fulltime workers.

Temp assignments don't guarantee convenience

Staffing agencies require you to fill out bundles of paperwork upon the first day of hire. In addition, you are required to take tests to find your level of talent and ability in order for them to find a suitable position for you. But tests don't necessarily guarantee that a person is capable of handling a task or not. Thus, that's where misconceptions are often used to locate a potential job for a person.

It incenses me at the number of temp agencies I have visited who refuse to acknowledge the highlights and credentials of my resume. I have been referred to so many unsafe, unhealthy and unethical environments. What does this mean some of my other peers? Could it be discrimination? Wrong judgment? In one instance, I was even considered for working at a nearby prison. One time I drove a van with one windshield wiper, no brakes and was sent out with two guys who didn't know their way around.

I once called out for a single day with an emergency and was released the following day, by the temp agency. Perhaps, if you have a more crucial situation in your world to deal with you may have to succumb to those circumstances. Just be aware, because those kinds of things are out there with some staffing agencies. Some agency reps simply don't guarantee convenience despite if the position puts you in harms way. Each staffing agency has a quota to meet. Some, however, are more concerned about putting persons in job environments that aren't necessarily safe; just to meet their quota.

Policies/Procedures

Be certain to read each and every form you are required to fill out. Some temporary agencies don't offer employment benefits in the same fashion as others. Worker compensation is a complicated procedure that follows certain restrictions that apply in the policy and procedure pamphlet. Reread those instructions carefully and make certain you understand what it means before submission. Some staffing agencies require you to work for a certain number of hours and/or assignments before you become eligible. This information is generally a lot more complicated than agencies make it out to be.

Testing before job placement

Sometimes job placement within staffing agencies can be limited. Testing may be required in order to determine the placement level each individual is on. Often the tests consist of a typing sample, Microsoft Office, IQ and simple to moderate level arithmetic. Unfortunately, for those who don't do too well in testing they may notice fewer phone calls and/or opportunities.

Request of pay history and salary

It's very common when employers and/or staffing recruiters ask, "How much are you looking to make?" "How much did you make at this particular job?" It is a trick question that has intentionally underpaid or priced out workers for many generations. If a position is willing to pay an entry-level employee $32,500 starting, an employer and/or recruiter can ask you "How much are you looking to make?" If you unknowingly answer $26,700 you might have screwed yourself out of a given $5,800. Whereas if the starting salary was $26,700 and you asked for $32,500 you unknowingly overpriced yourself. It would be wise to investigate the average salary of a person just beginning. But most agencies don't like that and will rebel against individuals who take action in directing their careers. That is a threat because if you know a position well enough you can demand much more. Some agencies require you to submit a salary history in order to determine how much they should pay you. The better you know a position and its duties, the more quickly you can determine a reasonable figure for your work.

Please be mindful of applying with some temp agencies because not all are looking out for your best interest. Some do, whereas others stick directly to their goal of marketing and bringing in more applicants to fulfill their monthly quota.