How to Find a Temporary Staffing Agency

How to Find a Temp Agency

Today’s job market can be intimidating, especially in a digital world where there are so many different places to look for work. As a job seeker, you might find yourself overwhelmed, and be unsure as to how or where to begin your search. A great place to start is by seeking out temp agencies.

Even if you’re looking for a full-time job, a temporary staffing agency is still a very viable way to get your foot in the door. Staffing agencies typically offer contracted roles for a set amount of time; however, these contracts are often extended. Many employers also bring on staff on what’s called a temp-to-hire basis, which allows them to gauge performance before potentially making a full-time offer. This also allows you as the job seeker to determine if the role and company are the right fit.

No matter what your end goals are, there are many great benefits to working with a temporary staffing agency including the opportunity to enhance your resume. Over time you may have the opportunity to work with many different companies . work in a variety of roles, and gain experience and knowledge that will help your career.

Where to start

One recommended way to begin is with an online search using keywords such as temp agency, employment agency, temporary agency, and staffing agency. As you come across advertisements in your results, keep in mind that organic company posts are typically going to be a better place to start than with paid ads.

It is also important to use specific keywords for the industry or type of job that you are seeking. If you’re looking for general labor roles, be sure to specify the job title you want i.e. light industrial, forklift, warehouse, CNC, lumping, or packaging for example. Keep in mind that the narrower and more focused and specific your search, the better.

Pro tip: Try using Google My Business and search for “temp agencies near me” using your cell phone with the location services turned on.

Once you’ve completed your initial research, narrow your list down to the top 3-5 companies that you’re interested in speaking with. If you’re well-connected, you may even know someone on LinkedIn who works for one of the agencies. It’s all about working smarter not harder, so be sure to use your resources to network and potentially get a referral!

Locating the right agency

With so many temp agencies available, finding the right one may seem like a daunting task. The following are some tips to help you select the right agency for you:

  • Outreach: Talk to people you know who have used a temp agency. Ask them who they have worked with and what their experience was like.
  • Network: If you know any recruiters, employers, or hiring managers, find out what temp agencies they have used, and ask for a recommendation.
  • Contact: Take your time and test out a few agencies before selecting one to work with. Review their websites and consider calling and/or visiting the office in person.

 

Typically, large staffing companies are better to work for than smaller ones primarily because they have more and larger clients – which equal more jobs. If you’re ultimately looking for full-time work, temp-to-hire opportunities tend to be more likely when working with a larger organization, as well. In fact, for larger companies and for certain jobs, the client company requires applicants to “go through” a designated staffing firm – primarily for the application, onboarding, testing, background checks, etc.

Pro tip: Don’t make your decision on the agency to work with based on benefits, because traditionally there is a high turnover rate and qualifying may be difficult.

There are certainly a wide variety of options available for job seekers when it comes to temporary staffing. Be sure to take your time, do your research, and talk to others in your industry.

If industrial work is what you’re seeking, SURESTAFF can help you find an opportunity that’s right for you. With over twenty years of experience in the staffing industry, SURESTAFF is one of the top temp agencies in Chicago, in Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Texas, and has 22 offices in Chicago alone, as well as over 900 clients.

Let us help you find the perfect job!

 

About the Author


 

Kim Kim Wacker - Authoris a seasoned content marketing professional with over twelve years of corporate communications experience. Her sweet spot is with creative writing both short and long-form, and she has a proven track record working with IBM, Jackson Healthcare, and Walt Disney World, among many others. Kim is also a singer and actress and has been performing on stage and screen her entire life and has a great passion for TV and film production. Connect with Kim on LinkedIn.