What's Good and Bad About Temp Work

What you need to know before signing up with an agency

By Candice Novak

Posted: July 15, 2008

A young woman sitting at a desk.

Too much temping: Jack Manning, president of the Boston temp agency Manning Associates, says, "I burrow into the marketplace pretty deeply to find good people." But there are still times, for both workers and agencies, when it's "smarter to pass," Manning says. Some people, anxious about the job market, may try to grab up a temp job for just a week before starting at a permanent position. Manning says when this happens it's almost certainly "going to let somebody down and leave both sides in the lurch."

A means, not an end: It's good to start with temp agencies, but some workers can get stuck there. "Temp agencies shouldn't be the only source an active job seeker utilizes," says Emy Yamauchi-Wong of Honolulu's ALTRES (Alternative Resources for Business) Staffing, "but they are definitely a partner in looking out for the hidden job opportunities that they have access to." After all, temp agencies thrive on the fees they receive for placing you, and most receive a percentage of your hourly wage as long as you stay.

Temp Workers Loses Unemployment Benefits

http://www.cbsatlanta.com/video/19711197/

Spreading the Word of GA @ Jun 11, 2009 11:29:59 AM

I have to somewhat Disagree

Not all temp agencies are bad. There are still a few good Temp Agencies out there which are great to work for. In addition, if you are trying to get into a new career field most employers won't even give you a chance but temp agencies will give it a try if you can prove to them you are capable of doing the job.

Most Temp to Perm Positions pay a few dollars less (at the beginning) but once you get full-time hired you can negotiate your desired salary with the employer you are working for. I personally believe that online job sources like Monster or HotJobs are a waste of time because you very rarely get return call for an interview. Everybody has their own experience with Temp Agencies or online job search engines but it’s not fair to say that all of them are bad.

Anja of CA @ Jan 23, 2009 12:33:51 PM

Sliced and Diced

If one wants his or her career to be sliced, diced and destroyed, then they should sign up at a bunch of local temps. Companies that use temporary workers to do regular work on a regular basis are the kind that every worker and customer should also avoid.

Lyle of NM @ Jan 22, 2009 17:45:48 PM

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