Working with temporary job agencies is a terrific way to increase your skills, get some experience in a new industry and have some income while you are in between jobs. If you aren’t ready to commit to a permanent job or would like to get to know a new industry from the inside out, using an agency to find temporary jobs is a great solution.

How can I find a temporary job agency?
Many temporary job placement agencies are in major metropolitan areas. If you are looking for temporary work, you may have trouble deciding which agency is right for you. There are many different factors that you should consider when you are choosing an agency to work with. Not all temporary job agencies are created equal.

Start your search by looking in the Yellow Pages or online for temporary agencies in your area. Call each one, and ask a few questions about their hiring policies. Most will have you fill out an application and then have you take skills tests to assess your abilities with various software programs. Ask about their standard rates and what type of assignments that you can expect to get. Some agencies specialize in temp-to-hire positions, while others focus on daily, week long or month long assignments. Be sure to ask about benefits, as many large temp agencies offer a health insurance package for their temporary employees.

How many agencies should I register with?
Instead of focusing all your efforts on one agency, try registering with several to get the best placement and wages. You can pick and choose your assignments and be able to select from the cream of the crop. If you have special skills, like accounting skills or technical skills, you should find a temporary hiring agency that deals specifically with those industries. There are also temp agencies that cater to the legal and medical professions. When you have specialized skills, you can expect to get higher rates of pay than standard clerical temporary workers. Be sure to seek out agencies that will recognize your special skills or those that focus on the industries that you have experience in.

What should I expect after registering?
After you’ve registered with a temporary agency, make sure to check in with them from time to time to see if there are any assignments. If you have the skills that they are looking for, you will likely hear from the agency within a few weeks of submitting your application.