Does anyone work for temporary agencies?

Question

Do temp agencies look for skilled people, or would they be willing to train you before placing you on a job. Year's ago I worked as a office assistant, but I stopped working for years to raise my kids, I now have pretty much lost my skills and I am looking to get back in to the work place. I'm now thinking that maybe if I call a temp agency, perhaps I can get back into office work, but I'm not sure if an agnecy is willing to train. Does anyone know?

Answer 1

I have worked for a temp service, and they prefer you be already trained in your profession. However, you will be given instructions as to what job responsibilities are expected from you with each job you do. This can include some brief training instruction along with your assignment. This would mean if you are not efficiently comfortable  using a computer, they are not going to have the time to make sure you are properly trained to use one. You would need to know the basics.

Answer 2

Yes, temp agencies look for skilled people to fill certain positions. That does not disqualify you from working for one so don't lose hope.

The way that it works is that agencies will recruit business who need help in the long or short term. Often business will have a specific need that requires specific skills and experience.  Sometimes they just want someone with a pleasant professional demeanor to answer phones. Often they do non-clerical work such as light industrial, cleaning crews, sign holding, etc.......  

The agency itself will most likely not offer training as they are not set up to do that, however an employer may train you in a specific job. Go in and apply. It cannot hurt at all.  In fact, apply with several- the economy is hurting right now and ther is just not enough work to go aroung at many temp agencies, so you may have a wait for work.

TIPS*

*Be positive and felxible- at a temp agency those are gold in an employee

*Don't meniton it if you are signed up with more than one agency- though it is perfectly all right to do- and to your benefit, they can be pretty competitive.