Temp Agency recommendations (and other suggestions) please!

[Anonymous]

I'm new to the world of temping and would appreciate any suggestions.

I'm a former school counselor and after staying at home with DS for several years I'm ready to get back to work. I'm back in school part time (MBA in the evenings) and DS is in school all day. I don't know how difficult it would be to find temp work during school hours but that would be ideal. Feeling down on myself for letting go of my job years ago but I'm ready to move forward and hopefully earn some money while I search for a more ideal position.

Any suggestions will be much appreciated.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Former Dc area temporary agency recruiter here.

Where are you? I ask because you'll need to find a firm that specializes in the type of position you want. Some will recruit temps for light industrial jobs, others will hire long term admin. assistants mostly. Start with an agency closest to home as possible. Generally, the agency will have a geographical service area that is fairly nearby the home office.

I can't imagine that there are any firms out there still asking for a placement fee, but beware; never pay any up front costs. Agencies get paid via the employer.

If you can, interview with several temp agencies. You'll likely get more jobs from one and then can consistently work with that group.

The more flexible you can be, the better. If offered a one-day job immediately, take it. You are more likely to get called after you've already taken a assignment, rather than waiting or turning down an assignment. If you consistently turn down jobs, I'm less apt to call you. Great way to build your work history within the agency and I'm better able to recommend you to other employers.

[Anonymous]

More tips from me, 11:02.

- Treat your temporary agency interview as such. The agency IS your employer, so come prepared. Dress professionally, have your resume prepared, be ready to be interviewed. Inside secret: you may be sent out on a job THAT day, hence, be ready and look put together. I just about fell out of my chair if a temporary arrived in a business suit. Appearances count.

- Can't tell you how many times temporaries would come in (late) for an interview, prattle on about how this temporary job search is simply a stop-gap solution, make certain I knew how highly educated she and that she expects a certain amount per hour.

- Everything you do from the moment you walk in will be noted and observed and often, somehow added to your online file. Did you arrive late? Text and take calls during your orientation? Did you balk at our requirement that we test your computer skills or take one hour to complete a 20 minute test? Oh, the stories I could tell!

The recruiters/service representatives ALL work together (generally) and so just because one interviews you this does not mean that you will not interact with the others. Be polite to all there.

The recruiters are sales people. Keep this in mind. They want to put you to work, but sometimes, the pressure is on them to fill an order. If you can, take the job, but also know that if you have serious concerns at the job site, call immediately. Your recruiter will/should ask you for your feedback after an assignment. Be honest and always reiterate that it was a good learning experience but maybe not the best fit. Don't want to be a whiner or a prima donna, but remain cool and professional. Always good to be assessed as highly flexible and adaptive, key in temping.

[Anonymous]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate your responses!

[Anonymous]

Not OP, but this is GREAT info. Thank you PP!

[Anonymous]

Thanks PP who provided the great info. I'm also not OP, but am also returning to work after being home with my DC.

I'm curious about the types of temp jobs there are in DC. Are there managerial, writing or tech temp jobs?

[Anonymous]

PP here. Thought of a few more things.

Take the initial assignments even if you think you are a bit beneath you. We often purposely sent over-qualified temps for VIP clients or prospects.

Asked to be a one day only front desk receptionist? Take it as a huge compliment and know that often the agency will purposely fill a position with someone way over-qualified but who will make an outstanding first impression and who'll be articulate, professional and reliable. Win/win situation: the employer will love the agency for sending such an outstanding candidate on short notice, the agency will appreciate your flexibility AND most likely, you'll be offered the top hourly pay for your efforts AND the on-site employer may request you back for next need - in a higher position or a perm one.

[Anonymous]

bit overqualified/beneath you...sorry

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks PP who provided the great info. I'm also not OP, but am also returning to work after being home with my DC.

I'm curious about the types of temp jobs there are in DC. Are there managerial, writing or tech temp jobs?

My agency was purely admin., but you can certainly find find agencies that place only execs, tech writers, engineers, etc.

Medical fields are another entire category w/i temping - temp. nurse agencies, home health care placements, etc.