Thinking of temping? If so, you’re part of a growing trend.
Across North America, temporary work is on the rise compared to full-time work. And there’s no sign of that slowing down.
Today, it’s standard practice for temporary placements to be factored in as part of a company’s staffing plan, since some organizations want to be able to adjust the size of their staff according to need and budget.
Of course, employers still hire people for full-time work, which makes good business sense. However, temps have come a long way from the days when they were viewed as just people to call last minute when things get busy or someone is sick. You’ll find high achievers of all ages, with all levels of experience and every kind of skill, working on contract or as temporary workers.
From the point of view of a job hunter, there are many reasons to consider working as a temporary employee. It’s an excellent option while looking for a full-time placement, and it’s now a commonplace choice for people who seek flexibility around when they work.
The top 6 reasons to temp
- Make some money.
- Grow your network of contacts.
- Get your foot in the door at different companies.
- Keep your skills up to date and sharpened.
- If you are a new Canadian, it’s a chance to get some Canadian experience.
- Give yourself a break from looking for work by going to work.
However, we can’t stress this enough: if you decide to temp, make sure your recruiting agency is established and reputable.
Need more information? Keep reading!
8 questions that every temporary employee should ask… and the answers!
1. When I’m a temp, who is my employer?
If you were placed in a temporary position by a staffing agency, the agency is your employer.
2. If I’m a temp employee, and the company that I’m placed with offers me a full-time job, can I take it?
Absolutely, and your agency will be thrilled for you! One of the advantages of temping is that it can sometimes lead to full-time employment.
3. But the company has to pay the agency to hire me?
Sometimes. It depends on how long you’ve been temping with that company and the service agreement the agency has with them.
It takes a lot of time and effort to find the right person for a full-time job, and it’s very costly for a company if they hire the wrong person. That’s why many leave the job to recruitment pros, who are hired to source the best candidates for full-time jobs, contract work and temporary assignments. When the agency finds the right candidate for a full-time position, the client pays a recruitment fee. When the agency places a temp employee whom the client then wants to hire full-time, the client may pay a recruitment fee.
This is standard practice across the staffing industry. And there are no surprises since everything is outlined, or should be, in service agreements between recruitment agencies and their clients.
The most important thing for you to know is that if there is a recruitment fee, it is always the employer who pays the staffing service; it’s never you, the employee.
4. As a temp employee, do I have to work overtime if I don’t want to?
Happy employees make for more productive workplaces, not to mention happier families and communities. This is why a good staffing agency never wants one of its employees to be miserable at work. When the agency offers a temporary assignment, they must review all the details, including expectations for overtime hours.
A good agency will give you all the relevant information from the start. This way, you can decide whether this is the right placement for you before you accept it.
5. If I don’t want to work overtime or holidays, will the agency drop me from its roster of candidates?
If you specified to your agency that you’re not interested in a job that may require overtime or holiday shifts, they should simply not contact you for those particular placements.
6. What kind of jobs can I find as a temp employee?
Many fields offer temporary job opportunities, including in IT, customer service, finance, accounting, sales and marketing, hospitality and light industry. But as previously mentioned, temp work is gaining in popularity, so the possibilities are becoming increasingly varied.
7. Are hourly wages for temps less than for full-time employees doing the same work?
Unfortunately, there is a gap between temp pay and full-time pay for some types of jobs. This is true across Canada and the US.
As a result, we see variable salaries in both directions. Some temporary jobs are actually better paid because, by definition, they are temporary. This helps compensate for the fact that they are not long-term, and attracts the best skills for the company’s specific needs.
Since temporary employees are the fastest-growing segment of the workforce, we anticipate (and hope) there will be welcome changes in the future to address the interests of temporary workers.
In any case, it’s always important to discuss this with your recruiter in order to make the most of your temp job.
8. As a temporary worker, who protects my rights?
Normally, your agency! Your workplace health and safety should be their top priority. They should also ensure all labor and human rights laws are respected at all times.
In conclusion
Temporary employment can be an interesting alternative, particularly if it is offered by an agency that supports you, and makes sure to not only find you the right fit, but also help you grow in your career. Are you looking for a quality agency? You’re in the right place because TalentWorld is one of them.