Staffing companies offer candidates, anywhere from administrative / office temps to C level executives. They can offer you access to some of the best companies out there in one of the three ways: on contract, contract-to-hire, or full-time (direct hire) basis.
These contracts can last anywhere from few days to over a year. What starts as a short-term position can easily turn in to a full-time position. They can also be full-time positions from the get go. According to the American Staffing Association, more than 90 percent of companies in the U.S. use staffing firms, and 40 percent of employees looking for their first job have done so by working with a staffing agencies.
Here are five myths about getting a job through a staffing agency:
Myth #1: I only want a full-time job, not a temporary job so staffing agencies are not for me
Reality: The jobs available through staffing companies comes in every shape and size be it full-time (direct hire), contract to full-time, or on contract / freelance basis. 80Twenty for instance has as many full-time jobs as the contract jobs at some of the biggest companies, technology firms, HOT start-ups, advertising agencies, …etc These companies are budgeted to hire a set number of full-time employees on an annual basis and we are in partnerships with them to help them fill these jobs with the most qualified candidates.
When the time comes for the company to post the temporary position as a full-time position, you’ll be perfectly positioned to be considered for the full-time job.
Myth #2: The contract jobs available through staffing agencies are low-paying jobs
Reality: This is simply not true. The contract jobs available at staffing agencies vary from $16/hr to all the way up to $200-$250/hr
Myth #3: Staffing companies only work with entry level, administrative candidates
Reality: Twenty years ago, it may have been the case that temporary agencies only worked with entry-level candidates. Today, specialty agencies (such as 80Twenty of the marketing, sales, and creative specialty staffing space) place professional with some of the best technology companies and start-ups in every seniority levels.
Myth #4: Contract (or freelance) assignments only last a few weeks
Reality: Assignments can last anywhere from one day to a couple of weeks, to over a year. If you do a good job and the company is pleased with your efforts, you can be hired full-time. The beauty of working with a staffing company is that you get exposed to a variety of companies, positions, and opportunities. It’s also the easiest way to find out what you like about different companies in a very short period of time.
After three or four long-term assignments, you’ll have a much better idea of what you’re looking for in terms of company culture, the type of boss you get along with, and the type of work you enjoy doing.
Myth #5: The temporary jobs available through staffing companies don’t offer benefits
Reality: This is not necessarily true. Depending on the staffing company, benefits available to temporary employees can include such things as Sick leaves, PTO’s, medical/dental benefits, commuter benefits employee referral bonuses, and even 401K benefits.