Temporary Agencies -- A Good Option?

Temporary agencies can be an invaluable tool when you're in-between jobs, or just need to make a quick change and need to keep the money coming in until you get your next permanent gig.

There are different kinds of temporary agencies. Some specialize in placement into positions that are general administrative positions: Kelly Services and ManPower are examples of this kind of agency. (You can find them at http://www.kellyservices.com and http://www.manpower.com/)
Temporary agencies like these will most likely ask you to come in for an interview and register. Some agencies may also require a drug test or background investigation.

In addition to general temp agencies, there are also niche agencies which specialize in placing candidates in jobs requiring job experience and skills in medical, legal, entertainment, or other specialized fields. You can get a list of different temp agencies in your area by going through a phone book, or you can search using Google.

Keep a log of the temp agencies you've registered with along with your specific contacts at those agencies. Be sure to check back with them on a regular basis, as this will let them know you are serious about securing a job through them.

Want to work at a specific company, but haven't been able to get a job interview? A temp agency may be your way in.

Often, a company may use a single temp agency to fill all their temporary positions. It is easier for a company to work with just a single agency, and they are often negotiate to pay lower costs for temp employees this way. You can use this to your advantage.

Contact the Human Resources department of the company you want to work for and ask for the name of the temp agency that they use. (If you can't get through directly to anyone in HR, ask any customer service rep you can get through to.) Make sure to also ask for a contact name and number for the temp agency. Once you have this information, call the temp agency directly and talk to the person who handles the account of the company you want to work for. Explain to the rep that you are very interested in placement within that particular company, and ask what you need to do to be considered for available temp positions with that company. Make sure you stay in contact with this rep via phone, email, or both, depending on their preference. This will keep you top of mind when a position does open up.

What about benefits?
Many temp agencies offer benefits to employees who are working a full-time temps; some even offer benefits to part-timers. Benefits can include all the perks you're used to getting from full-time benefited positions such as health insurance, life insurance, 401 K, vacation, and holiday pay. Make sure to ask about these, as they can vary widely between temp agencies.

Why work for a temp agency?
Working for a temp agency can be a great way to get income coming in quick. It can also be a great way to find out first-hand what it's like to work for a variety of companies without going through the hassle (and effort) of getting a full-time job with each one individually. This can help introduce you to the working conditions at different organizations and help you decide where you want to work "full-time" as a permanent employee, if that's your goal. Some people enjoy the job variety so much, they continue working for temp agencies permanently, never accepting a permanent job anywhere else.