Debunking Staffing Agency Myths: Do They Only Hire for Temporary Positions?

If you’ve ever tried looking for a job through staffing agencies, you’ve probably heard the notion that they only hire temporary workers. But is this true at all? Do staffing agencies only hire for temporary positions? The short answer is no. Staffing agencies are primarily known for providing temporary workers who will fill in for employees who are absent or on vacation. However, staffing agencies have undergone significant transformations over the years. Nowadays, these agencies do not just hire for temporary positions but also other employment options for job seekers from a wide range of backgrounds. 

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In today's post, we will discuss the various job offerings of staffing agencies. Additionally, we will answer some of the frequently asked questions about them.

What Are Staffing Agencies? 

Staffing agencies, also referred to as employment or recruitment companies, help employers look for qualified candidates to fill vacant positions in their company. While staffing agencies have a similar primary function which is to provide staff, they do not offer the same set of services. Staffing agencies take on different roles and responsibilities depending on the industry they focus on. Some of the industries that depend on staffing agencies for recruiting staff are healthcare, events, promotions, and construction. 

What Are Temporary Staff?

Temporary staff are workers who fill in last-minute gaps in the workforce of a company. They are hired on a short-term basis to take on a job for several days, weeks, or months. Depending on the agreement with the client, they may work full-time or part-time and are paid on an hourly or daily basis. 

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Although temporary staff are often hired for a limited time, they provide valuable contributions that help companies achieve their goals. Temporary staff have a variety of skills and qualifications, ranging from entry-level to expert-level. They are also accustomed to working in different settings and adapting to new situations. Furthermore, they have the ability to learn quickly and work efficiently. 

Do Staffing Agencies Only Hire for Temporary Positions?

Like other companies in various industries, there are common misconceptions that surround staffing agencies. One of which is the myth that they only hire for temporary positions. 

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While it is true that staffing agencies do specialize in temporary placements, it is not the only type of job they offer nowadays. In fact, many staffing agencies provide other employment options like direct hire, temporary to permanent positions, full-time, part-time,  contractual, and seasonal roles. Below we discuss them one by one.

Direct Hire 

Traditionally, direct hires are hired without the help of third-party agencies such as staffing agencies. However, nowadays, many companies often tap various staffing agencies to help them look for potential hires. Staffing agencies can now offer positions that look for direct hires. Direct hires are those applicants who are hired for permanent positions and can enjoy all company benefits right after getting employed.

Temporary to Permanent Positions (Temp-to-Perm or Temp-to-Hire)

To reduce the risk of committing to long-term contracts, companies may initially hire workers for a specific period of time, typically several weeks or months. During this time, the company or employer can evaluate the employee’s performance and compatibility with the company's work culture.  When workers pass the qualifications or company standards, they may be hired for permanent positions. 

Full-time 

Full-time jobs are permanent positions in a company. Those hired for full-time jobs follow a consistent work schedule, typically 40 hours a week, and are compensated with a fixed salary. They are also eligible for all company perks.

Part-time 

Unlike full-time jobs, part-time jobs only require staff to work for a limited duration of time. They are typically hired for a specific project or season. Depending on the nature or needs of the job, they may work more or less 4 hours a day. In terms of pay, they may be paid per hour or project.

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While part-time workers do not render the same working hours as permanent employees, they still have to sign employment contracts. These contracts include details about the start and end date of the employment, the number of required work hours, benefits of the employee, and more. 

Contractual 

Contractual employment is an employment relationship where an employee is hired for a specific period of time or project. This is common in industries like construction, IT, manufacturing, and others that are in need of staff for the peak season or a project. 

Seasonal Roles 

Seasonal roles are available during holiday seasons or times of the year when companies have higher labor needs, such as on Christmas or Thanksgiving. Some of the industries that typically hire seasonal workers are hospitality, retail, and tourism. 

Why Sign Up for Staffing Agencies When Looking for Jobs?

Staffing agencies do not just provide you and other job seekers with access to a wide range of job opportunities, from temporary work to full-time jobs. They can also help match you with positions that fit your skills, experience, work ethic, and career goals.  Furthermore, they do not typically charge fees from workers who sign up with them. In most cases, it is the employers who pay staffing agencies. 

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On top of those, working with staffing agencies can help expand your professional network and make connections in your desired industry. They can introduce or recommend you to their partners or client companies which may help you in your career growth. 

What Are the Qualifications to Get a Job at Staffing Agencies?

The qualifications that staffing agencies look for in applicants depend on the industry they specialize in. Generally speaking, staffing agencies do not always look for high qualifications; they can hire job seekers with different academic backgrounds and experience levels, from entry to senior level. They are also open to hiring applicants from different backgrounds and work histories. 

If you are interested in looking for a job at a staffing agency, we recommend inquiring about their available jobs first, as well as the corresponding requirements. This allows you to evaluate your qualifications and determine whether you should proceed with the application or not. Furthermore, knowing the requirements beforehand gives you more time to complete all necessary paperwork and prepare yourself for possible interview questions.

Learn More About the Staffing Industry

Are you looking for more references and insights about the staffing industry? Check out this post on how we work with temporary staffing agencies and learn the various roles and responsibilities of these companies. 

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If you are running a staffing agency yourself, and looking for better ways to manage your business, StaffConnect's business management solutions can help you out. Book your free demo on our website today and discover how our app can transform your business operations in just a few clicks.