Have you had experience working through a temp service?

Question

Which service was the most help? Did you get hired on after the probationary period? Would you do it again?

Answer 1

Yes, when we moved, I signed up at ManPower for basic clerical work, just to get adjusted .   I had no trouble getting assignments.

  I quickly got into one through the County where there needed an extra person, but couldn't open a position yet.

  My boss at the County asked if I would stay  "full time" as a temp, and I kidding said, "yeah but i need a big raise."  Well, guess what, she got the highest $ they could for me in that position !

    I was the first one from that ManPower office to earn the week's vacation they tell you about if you work a year and a bonus party with a necklace , too.

     I eventually took a real position with the County.

Sure, I would do it again.  I set the bar low stating

" basic clerical jobs", so it was never stressful..

They have computer classes there you can take, for free,  if you want to qualify for higher paying clerical  jobs., but I just wanted to answer phones, etc.

I enjoyed the different people, and they are so grateful to have a live warm body filling in.

Answer 2

Yes ... and really liked it. I signed up with every agency that handled the jobs I was qualified for, so can't say which one was "best".

I usually take straight "temp" not "temp to hire" positions, and have been doing it for 20+ years.

Answer 3

I've worked through several temp agencies over the years - Kelly Services, Manpower, Southern Staffing, Osten, Accent, and Tri-Staffing. Started when I graduated from college so I could get my feet wet, and have gone back to temp jobs after major changes in my life. For example, I was laid off from a job when I was 5 months pregnant. After my son was born, I went back to work through a temp place. Ditto when I moved to Florida, and again when I moved back to Alabama.

I've gotten several permanent jobs over the years. Overall, none of the agencies have been better or worse than the others. For the most part, I would do it again. Most recently, I've worked through Manpower, which had been fine until the local branch cleared out 95% of its office staff and replaced with new folks. From then on, I got either late checks or no checks at all.

I don't know what kind of work you're looking for, but try registering at three or four different agencies. Most of them are looking for almost anything - fast food workers, assembly line workers, clerical workers (secretary - me), manual laborers, and almost anything inbetween. Good luck!