Chances are you’ve heard of staffing companies, you might have even worked for one before. These agencies are valuable resources for job seekers, regardless of career level or industry. However, few people really understand how these companies work. Being sent out to work for a staffing agency can cause some confusion, typically regarding payment, fees, and work opportunities. Many people have questions before applying, but hopefully we can help answer a few of the most common ones here:
Who do I REALLY work for?
This tends to be one of the most common points of confusion for people who begin working through a staffing agency. If you do get hired on and sent out to work, you are an employee of the staffing agency not the company you are sent out to work for. Your payroll and all of your tax forms are handled by the agency, which means your paychecks will come directly from them. You are merely contracted out to work for different client locations. The staffing agency will also handle most if not all instances of performance concerns, tardiness, and incidents. In other words, if you need to call off work or have any issues with your current position, you will need to call the staffing agency you are employed with and not the company you have been sent out to work for.
How often should I call my recruiter for work?
A recruiter’s job can be very stressful. When a client calls in with a new job order, they rely on quick responses from their candidates to fill the positions. They also depend on candidates to update them on their availability and commute limits in order to save themselves time and avoid calling you for a position you won’t be able to work. Your ability to respond quickly to any new position updates as well as keeping your recruiter informed on when and where you can work will ensure that you are considered first for any employment opportunities. Try to update your recruiter at least once a week to let them know when you can work. Remember: communication is key!
Is there an application/sign-up fee?
Any reputable staffing company WILL NOT charge applicants for their services. Instead, they charge their clients a mark-up on the hourly rate of pay the candidates receive for working at any location. This mark-up covers the cost of any necessary testing or paperwork (i.e. drug tests, background checks, etc), as well as business expenses for the agency. While some workers may find it hard to understand why the staffing company is being paid more per hour than they are, what they don’t realize is that this business model makes it possible for them to use the staffing services free of charge. The only time a staffing agency should charge a candidate is if they provide any non-returnable protective equipment like safety glasses or helmets, and/or rent out equipment for a position that is not returned to them.
How do I get more work?
Chances are, once you’re hired on at a staffing company, if you continue to do quality work for their clients you will likely be sent out for more positions. A recruiter’s reputation is built on the quality of work that their candidates can perform, and if you remain one of the best performing workers they will consider you first for new positions. Don’t assume that just by showing up you will be in good graces with the agency. You will need to demonstrate your value to the client and the agency in order to find longer term positions.
Are there any long-term work opportunities?
Some temporary positions have the opportunity to become long-term or full time positions. These are often called Temp-to-Hire positions. In these types of positions, a client will have the option to hire on a temporary employee for a full-time position within their company. The best way to become eligible for these types of positions is to do consistently good work for any client you are sent out to work for. Recruiters will often let you know if the position they are sending you out for is Temp-to-Hire. If you are sent out to one, be on your best behavior and be sure to do your best quality work. This will maximize your chances of being hired on full-time.
Am I guaranteed to get sent out to work?
It is common for people to think that because they have applied with a temp agency, they are guaranteed to get work. This isn’t true. Staffing agencies work with a multitude of clients, all of which may have different requirements for their positions. Recruiters schedule interviews with applicants in order to assess their skills and career aspirations, and to judge if they would be a good fit for their clients. If you don’t meet the requirements of their clients, it is likely you won’t be sent out for work. Recruiters are not obligated to give you the first position that comes available, rather they have a responsibility that you not only get out to work, but that the client receives a candidate that can effectively complete the work they are assigned. New job orders are also typically filled on a “first come, first served” basis. Don’t expect a recruiter to hold a position for you. They are trying to fill positions for their clients as quickly as possible, so its best to respond to any new position update ASAP.