Working in the "Temp" World: Info and Tips About Temporary Placement Agencies

While many in the work world would ideally like a forty hour a week full time job with benefits, overtime, and paid vacations, it's the career dream that most have a hard time obtaining. Things like the economy, where a person lives, education, and experience are all factors that can either help or inhibit someone from getting the perfect job. For some, no matter how good their resume is, they just can't seem to catch a break.

An alternative to try when the application process isn't working in your favor is going through a temporary placement agency. Temp agencies can be found almost anywhere, ranging from nationwide chains to small local affairs. A temporary placement agency does pretty much what its name describes. Upon applying, your resume will be reviewed and, depending on your credentials, you'll be called in for an interview. Different agencies have different hiring processes, though in general, you will be required to take some form of test so that the agency can rate certain skills. These skills include typing, basic computer knowledge, 10 key (number pad), dictation, or phone etiquette. How you score will determine where your skills can be best put to use, allowing the company to find assignments that fit your abilities.

One thing that a temporary placement agency tries not to be is a full time job in itself. Though they're a great source for getting your foot into the working world, many of them encourage you to continue your own personal job search as well as looking into other temp agencies in the area. Placement agencies do their best to keep everyone in the workforce, but sometimes supply tends to be a little higher than demand. Most people would like to have a steady job with benefits, so the goal tends to be mutual. However, there are people who find that 'permanent' temp work fits better into their schedule and some agencies do offer benefits for their longtime placement employees.