Employment and Temporary Agencies

Apply for Jobs

Employment and temporary agencies are another excellent job search resource. There are a variety of agencies to choose from:

Some are private, some are public, some are governmental
Some specialize in services to specific groups of people and have eligibility requirements, while others serve the general public
Many agencies focus on serving the employer by providing qualified applicants, while others focus on the applicant by helping them to find quality jobs

Job placement assistance

Many employers list their job openings with agencies. The agency then recruits, screens, and refers qualified applicants to the employer for consideration. The amount of screening will vary. Some will only refer the most qualified, while others will post the position on a bulletin board for anyone to apply for.

Temporary and contract job placement

More employers are turning to temporary and contract agencies to meet their labor needs. Temporary agencies recruit and assign employees to employers. Typical types of temporary jobs include:

Industrial
Medical
Office/clerical
Technical services

Temporary or contract employment may appeal to you if you enjoy flexibility—you can take short- or long-term assignments and explore different industries. You can turn down assignments that do not appeal to you. Also, employers may offer you a full-time position if they are pleased with your work. However, most temporary employees do not have health insurance, although it may be available after a set period of time. They do not generally receive paid vacation or holidays.

Use Temporary Agency Websites to find an agency near you.

Working with an agency

Before you work with an agency, it is important to know exactly what services you can expect and what will be expected of you. You should also find out what it will cost. Some fee agencies will charge the employer, while others collect fees from the job seeker. Here are some additional tips:

In all dealings, treat agencies as you would a potential employer. In the case of temporary and contract agencies, they are employers.

Most agencies expect you to make yourself available. If you turn down more than a couple of opportunities, they may not be as quick to consider you for future opportunities.

Use the services of agencies, but do not make them your primary job search tool or use them exclusively.

If you are receiving government assistance, such as reemployment insurance benefits (unemployment insurance), know the effect of short-term wages and the consequences of turning down job opportunities. Short-term wages may affect eligibility and benefit amounts. However, they may also extend the length of time that benefits can be received. Check with your local provider before accepting or rejecting a specific opportunity.

Source: Creative Job Search, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
Page last updated in February 2008.