If you are unemployed or looking for a new job, the solution may be much easier than you think. A temporary agency can take the stress out of looking for that new career.
In today’s world, jobs are much less secure than the jobs our parents held. We can expect to be laid off one to two times in our lifetime. Some of us have already been there. But it is not just for unemployment. It is also difficult to break into the workforce after college. It also could be that you unexpectedly have to move to another city to take care of an ailing family member or that you need a few extra hours to make more money. Temporary jobs can help you get to where you need to be.
Now you may be thinking that temporary jobs do not seem glamorous, and truthfully some of them aren’t, but others have real potential for a long-term career. Most temporary jobs can even give you good work experience that you can use for other jobs.
What is a temporary job?
Temporary jobs are offered by temporary agencies. A temporary agency is a business that makes money off of finding workers for a company. The temporary agency recruits companies to send business their way. Some companies just need work for a little bit of time, or a holiday season. Others want to see how hard someone works before hiring them.
How do I find a temporary agency?
The temporary agencies are sometimes as numerous as the stars. Just look in your local phonebook, or on the Internet white pages and call.
What do I do when I find a temp agency?
Temporary agencies will most likely have you come in for a few hours to get to know you. You will likely be assigned an agent that you will work with while you are with the agency. You will probably take several tests to see where your skills lie. Also, more and more temporary agencies are drug-testing – just like most hiring companies are.
How do I find a good job through a temp agency?
The bottom line is that you are going to have to work and work hard as the jobs come in. Think of every job as a stepping stone to the job you really want. Remember you are representing the temporary agency too – if the work is bad, the company may not renew the contract with the agency.
Am I an employee of the company?
You are not an employee of the company unless they hire you. You are not even an employee of the temporary agency – you are an independent contractor. You can break with the temporary agency if you find another job elsewhere. Just be sure to fulfill your current obligations with whatever companies you are temporarily working for – you never know when you may need them. Oftentimes the company you are working for will want to hire you. They may have to “buy your contract” from the temporary agency, but in turn they also get a proven ideal employee!
Another option is to keep your eye on the jobs wanted classifieds.
What do I do with my lump sum severance pay? Try a money market account where it will be able to earn interest!
