Advice when using a temp agency?

June 20, 2011 8:02 AM

Considering using a temp agency to help me relocate to a specific location....any advice?

I am considering relocating to Charleston, SC and I'm looking for employment. I've got a security clearance and 5 years experience with Emergency Management. That specific field for employment is currently pretty limited in Charleston, so i've been thinking about using a temp agency, just to get employment --- somewhere! I'm flexible right now, and once I get there and settled, I can get and keep my finger on potential openings with my background. (FYI, I already have a place to stay, and I am expecting that it will be less than my current salary).

Does anyone have any awesome experience with temp agencies in Charleston? Any advice with temp agencies in general? What should I expect when I work with a temp agency? Or, since I'm here, does anyone know of any company in the Charleston area that is hiring?

I appreciate any advice and input!

posted by foxhat10 to Work & Money (5 answers total)

Best answer: Apply to several: It's a *total* crapshoot whether a temp agency ever calls you back. Take advantage of any training materials you have: It's a good way to brush up on basic office skills if you need it & familiarize yourself with the most recent versions of standard office programs. But more to the point, it forces them to have face-to-face contact with you on a regular basis, which increases the chances of them thinking of you when a job comes up. Your pay requirements do affect what jobs you will be considered for. Once a temp agency has used you, assuming you did a decent job while out on assigment, they are usually pretty good about keeping you active.

I've worked with four companies in the last 15 years (with feelers out at a half dozen more). The good ones really advocate for you, and will help with issues that come up. The bad ones are just throwing any live body at a job, and once you're there, you're really on your own. Also ask about benefits: Many temp companies are offering things like vacation time and health insurance. Some companies offer them, but once you understand the rules, you discover that it is virtually impossible to qualify under the employment terms a particular employer is offering (eg, my last company required a certain number of hours per quarter to accrue vacation time, BUT my 35hr/wk job ensured I would never actually make their quarterly re-calculated figure). Be sure you have a good understanding of the terms before you consider yourself there.

Here's the thing though: You strike your bargain with the temp company, and that promise is to work for the temp company, and only that. It is NOT a promise of eventual permanent employment with company X, even if it says "temp-to-perm" on the label. I see many temps hanging around for years waiting for the big job to come in, and cranky that their pay is the same as ever & they have no benefits. If permanent temp is not your job-goal, you must, must MUST keep your ear to the ground about what, realistically, are your prospects at a company. Realistically, not some fantasy projection of what might happen. If the forecast is not good, talk to the temp company about getting you re-assigned. The good companies, the ones that advocate for you and aren't just the puppy-mills of the working world, will be able to work with you. And of course, keep working on resumes & networking & job leads on your own.
posted by Ys at 11:03 AM on June 20, 2011

Best answer: I relocated (not to Charleston) in October and got in touch with a temp agency as soon as I could. I was working about a week after I applied to my agency, but I've done tons and tons of temping over the years, so YMMV.

Ys makes some great points, but I'll add one thing. Once you've had your initial appointment with an agency, and they decide to take you on, you need to be on them to find you a job. Call them a couple of times a week. I was terrified of being a nag when I first started temping, but in my experience, that's just the way things are done.
posted by fairfax at 11:32 AM on June 20, 2011

sorry: training materials THEY have. A lot of temp agencies offer things like self-directed Excel tutorials. By doing them at the temp agency, rather than in the comfort of your own home, you are forcing them to look at you once a day/week, and getting some free advertising about your dedication & learning curve.
posted by Ys at 2:07 PM on June 20, 2011

Response by poster: Thank you both for your input!

Take advantage of any training materials you have: It's a good way to brush up on basic office skills if you need it & familiarize yourself with the most recent versions of standard office programs. But more to the point, it forces them to have face-to-face contact with you on a regular basis, which increases the chances of them thinking of you when a job comes up

So, Ys, are you saying the temp agencies really focus on like microsoft office programs? I have pretty good command of the basic Word and ppt, but not as advanced with Excel and Access. Basic level, I'd say. Would you suggest I become extremely skilled in those as well, or will a basic level work? (i know all this depends on where i would be placed...)
posted by foxhat10 at 2:11 PM on June 20, 2011

Response by poster: Ha that's funny, you clarified at the same time I was lookign for clarification on that one thing! Thanks!
posted by foxhat10 at 2:11 PM on June 20, 2011