How do Temp Agencies work?

Question

if they find a job for you, do you have to pay them something? do they take a percentage out of your paycheck, or how does it work?

can somebody 19 that has only had 2 jobs in their life, retail, and bill collector get help finding a job at a temp agency?

Answer 1

Temp Agencies are GREAT!!

Usually you go and do a battery of tests - word processing, spread sheets, filing, sorting, etc.  Then you are interviewed by the agency and they ask about your dream job and a job you would hate.  They also ask about your availability to work - shifts, weekends, days, on-call, etc and what you would expect to be paid.

The agency then looks in their files to see if they can match your skills with one of their clients who is looking to fill a temp. position.  They call you, often first thing in the morning and ask if you are interested and let you know how much the job pays.  You go to work on the days you are given, you fill in a time sheet which the co. then faxes to the Temp. Agency and you get a cheque in the mail from - you guessed it - the Temp. Agency.

If the company you work as a temp for wants to hire you, THEY deal with the temp agency, and 'buy' your contract or pay a percentage of what you annual salary or wage would be or just a flat rate - this depends on the agency.  

AT NO TIME DO YOU PAY FOR A JOB - THIS IS ILLEGAL.

Having been a bill collector likely means that you are good on the phones and having worked in retail would give you Customer Service skills, so you might be great as a receptionist, working in a call centre,  etc.

Temping also gives you additional experience in areas that you might not otherwise have access to.

Can you tell I enjoyed my temp. assignments?