BootsnAll Travel Community

Hello everyone.

Well, it looks like it's about time for me to get back into the workforce. I may have a big trip coming up, so I'm not ready to commit myself to a permanent position (honestly, I don't know if I'll ever be ready for that!).

However, I've never worked for a temp agency, so I don't really know what to expect. I've been taking MS Office application classes, and I'm pretty skilled at Excel, Word, and Access. I'm decent with Access, and if I need to, I can get good with Outlook, I'd just need to refresh myself.

So, I'll organize the questions best I can, and if I"m leaving something out, please let me know!

1. I know there are regional differences, but what do you think would be the average starting pay (mind you I have no office experience, I worked out of the house with my last job).

2. Is it generally assumed that you'll take whatever job they offer? Should I take those one day assignments, or hold out? Is there an average assignment length?

3. I'm a guy and I have long hair. Do I need to get the hair completely whacked off? I've heard conflicting advice on this, so I'm not sure.

4. Are there any agencies you'd recommend? Any that I should stay the hell away from?

5. I'm also thinking of taking classes in Oracle (Database Admin). Would something like that even be useful for temp work?

I know this is a lot of questions, but I'm so far out of the game! I"m 32 and I've only had 2 real jobs my entire life, and I haven't looked for a job in 7 years. Doh!

Hi Mr D,

I'm not qualified to answer most of your questions but I might be able to shed a bit of light on Q.3.

3. The Hair issue. One company I worked for (granted it was in Tourism) would often bring in temp workers from agencies. I found that the ones that were asked back tended to have appearances that did not draw attention. That said, I think that if the hair is neat it shouldn't matter (uttered by the girl with uncontrollable hair). I suppose the proof will be in the reactions of agencies to your appearance. If you are in any doubt about a reaction than ask directly whether it is going to serioulsy limit the number of positions that they would recommend you for.

I hope it helps a bit. Good luck. I'm going to jumping into the "Temp" pond soon too, so should probably be thinking about some of the same things. How do you think I will go with a shaved head?

Mr. Chris,
I do a lot of temp work between seasons on the boats and out ot the processing plants. I'm at the first semi permanent job I've had off season in years.

1. Depending on the company and your job skills the starting pay can be as low as $8 an hour to as high as $15 an hour. A broad range I know.

2. When you first start out you don't have a lot of lee way in the jobs you take. But gain a good rep with the company and then you can pick and chose.

3. Be well groomed and super long hair is a turn off for some, but be neat do not show up in jeans and a t-shirt. If you are going for more than day labor you will probably have to go through an interview and possibly a skills test if you are going for and office or skilled labor job. I have a forklift certification and still had to pass the basic skills test.

4. I do not know if they have one there but I use Opti Staffing for the most part. But I don't know if they are in California. Others I know have used personnel plus and they are in California with a good rep.

5.Hell AYes. Any skills you have and the more certifications will help you.

If you are going for an office or clerical job then I would reccomend a hair cut. Let me tell you this does make a difference. Be very polite but not subservient at the interviews. Do not complain about who they send you to no matter how bad they treat you. You are going inot a temporary situation but sometimes the bad treatment or being sent to someplace that the temp agency knows has a bad rep is a test by either the employer or the temp agency on how well you handle yourself in stress situations. Sometimes temp jobs can turn into very lucrative permanent positions. Many temp agencies are also looking to place permanent workers.


Good Luck.

I briefly worked with a temp agency in the Sacramento area. Average pay for office work was starting at $10-11/hr, though there were positions that paid better. When I went in for my temp agency interview, they had me do a series of computerized and written tests. Tests on computer programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), typing speed, spelling, filing, proofreading. There were a lot of other programs that you could be tested in too, so the Oracle class might be a great idea.

As for the hair, I'd tie it back if it's long enough for that. If it's too short to tie back, sort of shaggy, perhaps a haircut would be in order. But if you like your hair, if it's part of who you are, don't cut it for the Man. Somebody will hire you, you might just have to wait a little longer. And perhaps that somebody will be a more open-minded and pleasant person to work for.

I worked for OfficeTeam, which is a subsidiary of Robert Half International. They are a really good company. I only got one bad placement during the year I worked for them, and they reassigned me after I spoke up. I figure I will probably work for them again once I get tired of my 9-5 cubicle gig.

As for the list of questions, I'll give them my best shot.

1) Here in Nashville, standard semi-skilled office work would start around ~$12 an hour. This will depend largely on your skills, and it will go up as the company gets a feel for your reliability. If the companies you work for rave about your work and start asking for you to stay longer or come back, your agency will be able to charge more for your services, and you'll get paid more.

2) They will ask you to fill out a really long questionnaire about your skills and the various technologies you can use. Then they will ask you to do a computer proficiency test and sometimes a typing test. Make sure you don't ace the typing test unless you would actually want a typing job. Based on this and your past experience, they will try to match jobs to your skills and interests. It's not expected that you take every job, but I wouldn't recommend being picky in the beginning. You don't want a rep of being high maintenance.

3) I'm not sure about California office culture, and it depends a lot on the type of company/industry, but for a guy in Nashville it's tougher to get office work with long hair. Sad but true. For a techie job or a techie company it won't matter as much, though. Your rep at the temp agency will be glad to advise you on this if you ask, but I bet they will advise you to whack it off. You reflect on their company, so they will be anxious to "help" you project a certain image. Unless you are feeling really anxious about it, I would ignore this advice and do what feels comfortable for you.

4) See above. I only have experience with Robert Half, but I was very pleased and impressed with them.

5) Definitely. I would recommend visiting the web sites of the temp agencies in your area and browsing their job listings, if they have them online. You'll be able to tell what skills are in demand and tailor your classes toward that. In my area SQL skills are always in demand. Oracle is good too, but there are not as many opportunities to use it around here. Again, this is a very regional thing, so you should research the local job boards and see what everyone is desperate for on a regular basis. Get that skill and you will always have work when you want it.

Hello again.

Thanks so much for the replies. I will respond in more detail tomorrow, but I wanted to ask a few quick questions:

1. If I want to concentrate on a certain skill set (for me it's Access and database admin stuff) should I try to do everything I can to push them in that direction, or build up a good rep first?

2. How long are the typical assignments? Are most agencies pretty good about assigning you locally? Hell, I live in Southern California, I don't want a 1.5 hour commute each way

Liforce- What do they consider acing the test? I"m going to do an official typing test at school, and I don't want to get put in a typing job. Well, if it paid $20 or more an hour I guess I wouldn't mind

So yeah, I really want to develop my database skills. Maybe I should just ace the Access class and not do good on everything else

Thanks again everyone!

Chris

Hi Chris! I have worked for temp agency's for years (10 at least...it is how I have gotten almost all my jobs) and have been placed at many great company's who ended up hiring me as a permanent employee. I will try to give you some advice


1 Pay is obviously based on skill/ability to complete the job. In Missouri in an admin asst type position you are looking at $10-$12/hr

2. My advice differs from most...number one be specific about jobs you WON'T take. I have an absolute hatred of the phone so have been specific about the fact that I won't take a operator type position. You don't want to take a job you will hate because it will stress you out and your attitude will most likely show your dislike of the job and that does not look good for you. You can specify that you won't take 1 day assignments if that is something you don't want and they won't even bring those to your attention. That said if they have a job that meets your requirements and you are wary of the company or whatever still take the job. The agency represents you and they work for you and you always have the right to end an assignment if you have a valid reason. Do your best though to stay on any assignment you take with little conflict and you will gain a reputation of dependability even in a temporary situation.

3. This I can't help much with although in the past 10 years I have worked in offices...the amount of guys I met with long hair I could count on 1 hand.

4. Here is a list of temp places I have worked for...not sure if they are in California
Kelly Services - Pretty sure this company is in Cali
Olsten Staffing
Office Mates
Daystar
MRI

5. Yes...I actually just ended an HR assignment where the company used Oracle. It will help as would any type of extra computer skills you may wish to learn.

1. I would say let the temp agency know specifically what you want and then still take other jobs in your skillset until they find something for you. Realize that this is a temporary agency and people use them for a variety of reasons. Some people temp because they have kids and want the flexibility temporary work gives them. Some people temp because they like to travel and don't want to commit long-term and other people temp to make sure they like a company before they decide they want to work for them. I also can't help but express again the fact that the temp agency works for you...not the other way around. They only get paid if you work so they will want to place you where you will reflect positively on them as a company and are generally okay if you don't want to take a job for a specific reason.

2. I have had jobs from 4 days to 9 months and some that went from temp to a permanent job I had for 3 years. There is no typical. The temp agency will let you know if the job is a short term temp job or an on-going assignment that may turn permanent. You can tell the agency you will only accept assignments within a certain amount of miles/time from you home. These specifics actually help them place you in the job/jobs that are right for you.

I hope this helps!

Have you taken a peek at this thread?
It might provide a bit more insight.

I generally agree with most of the above comments.
A couple of other things:

Agencies deal with a lot of different clients, who have different needs. That means that someone who wears suits will be placed in more professional offices, and people who are typically more casual (I never wear a suit, though I have worked in suit offices), can be placed in more casual settings. For example, in Alberta, there are tons of oil companies. From what I've seen, many of them wear jeans or slacks to work 3-5 days a week. Would most oil companies care about long hair on a guy? Probably not. Best bet, as mentioned above, state your concerns to the agency, and ask for their advice (though do take it with a grain of salt).

I would also suggest signing up with 2 or 3 agencies - I was signed up with quite a few for a while, though only 1 was getting me regular work. I eventually tired of them, they weren't offering me the service I expected (and after working in their office, I realized that my best interests were not at the top of their minds - another reason to take their advice with a grain of salt), so turned down their next offer and accepted one from a different agency.
The agencies all work differently, though many deal with the same or similar clients. Find the one that works for you. (hint - ones that work on commission, such as Robert Half/Office Team, won't necessarily put your interests, or even that of their clients, first - they are out to make a profit, that is their bottom line, and believe me, that is their #1 priority)

Definitely let the recruiter know where your interests lie, that you're interested in furthering your skills in certain areas; and there are lots of companies that are willing to take people on with basic skills in those areas and allow them to learn on the job. You may have to slug away a few crap jobs before getting something that you really like, but you have to prove yourself to the agency as well.
someone else mentioned not speaking up if the clients treat you poorly, as it may be a test, and I don't know what labour laws are like in the US, but that wouldn't pass here. I would definitely speak up if there was something that wasn't right, and though I don't have a lot of respect for Robert Half/Office Team, that is one thing they did take very seriously - they would not place candidates in positions if they knew there was going to be a problem, and I know they've pulled people from jobs for things like harassment (and reassigned them). They've even terminated the odd working relationship with a company for poor behaviour on behalf of that client.

sorry, that's a little long winded.

In terms of reputable, international companies:
*Randstad (currently working for them, I find them to be very good)
*Robert Half (Office Team)- they have several branches, including an IT branch that you might eventually get into if that's your fancy; I didn't have the best experience with them, but there seem to be mixed reviews, and I know people who've worked consistently with them, and are quite happy with them. They did have me working consistently, so that's something.
*ManPower
*Adecco
*Kelly Services

hope that helps

Hey Chris -

I temped during the summers several years ago, and off and on after college. I was part of Kelly Services.

I think all of it depends on your attitude and expectations with the temp agency. I went into temping, viewing it as temping: I saw it as temp work, and never viewed it as anything other than that. If you don't have expectations that you'll be doing rocket-science type jobs, then temping is a really great way to make money, and it can provide a pretty stable income. I think you'll like doing it. One of the best things about it is the variety it can offer - and the variety just adds to your overall experience, and could help with future interviews.

I lucked out when I first started out, and got a 3-month job doing data entry in a nice company/dept. They wanted me back the following summer. Once out of college, I did it off and on -- I took a few assignments that were 3-days in length, one that would have been about 2 months (but I found a job before it ended), and another that was a couple of months.

The only jobs I really ruled out were receptionist-type jobs; because I hate the phone. And temp agencies are perfectly ok with you saying 'no' to a job they mention to you - they'll just find someone else for it. But typically I was open to accepting most anything -- because, it was just a job, and if it's temporary, I can do pretty much anything, since I know it's gonna end and isn't permanent.

Pay was usually $10-12/hr, although one of my longer-term jobs was $15/hr.

As for the hair, at the very least tie it back and dress professionally. I personally don't think it would be a *huge* deal, but I guess some companies might not like it.

Fyi - with Kelly Services, I never had to interview in order to get the temp job -- I always just got a call, and was at the job the next day, or next week. Maybe they've changed since I did it, but interviewing never happened.

Lynn

Thanks for the feedback everyone. So much info to take in

Have any of you heard of Apple One? I don't know if they are just a west coast thing, but it seems to be the first one that comes up when I ask for recommendations.

Oh, and don't worry, I wouldn't just wander into the office with my long flowing locks blowing in the wind. I will probably get it cut, but damn I hate doing that because I haven't figured out what I want to do with it!

Now the big debate is deciding how to dress. I would much prefer the more casual environment, no doubt. Khakis and a collard shirt wouldn't bother me, but wearing a tie everyday could get old.

Thanks again, and keep the advice coming!

Mr. Chris for your interview wear a tie definately and for you first day on any job they send you to. In fact I would reccomend a jacket as well. The reason is if you walk into a work enviroment where every single male there is in suit and tie and you are not then you may not be asked back again. I tend to show up in kahkis and and a sport coat(both coutesy of Value Village or Goodwill). If the work enviroment is casual enough you can ditch the coat but if it very formal then you keep it on. I have interviewed many people for jobs and the first thing I notice is grooming and dress. If a person takes the time to dress nice for an interview then I believe that the person wants the job badly but as an example if someone comes in wearing jeans and a t-shirt then I know they are not serious about a job. It is about first impressions. I know this seems unfair but those of us who do interviews have maybe 30 minutes to one hour to find out who you are and how serious you are about a job and dress and grooming are two of the benchmarks that everyone uses either consously on unconsously. So even if they say that casual is ok not for the interview or for the first day.

When I went to a temp interview, I dressed nicely to the interview, then inquired about the dress code at the job they found me. They assured me it was business casual, so that's how I dressed, and everything was fine.

YES always dress to impress for an interview! It says a lot about you and that first impression could make or break your chances of getting the job. As for temp employment, inquire about dress code at the interview. The agency should have an idea of what is acceptable, and I agree with Bush Trekker that dressing a step up on the first day "just in case" is a great idea.

I temped for two years when I first moved to New York before I finally got a job.

Get used to being called "The Temp".

Everyone's pay scales on here sound pretty accurate. What kills me is how much money the temp agency makes off of you. Sometimes I dreamed about being a rogue independent temp and getting ALL the pay myself. How great would that be?!

I didn't take every job that was offered. That's not to say I didn't feel some pressure to take most jobs. The key to me about temping was always to remember "LOOK OUT FOR #1". #1 = YOURSELF. You don't owe the temp agency anything. If you are at a horrible temp job you hate, you don't need to stay. For some reason, I would feel compelled to stick jobs out or take jobs I didn't want, but I had to remind myself that I'm working for ME, not them. However, your temp agency will start calling you less if you quit an assignment or keep saying NO to jobs they offer you.

Assignments can be any length of time, from 1 day to indefinite.

As far as clothing - when your agency gives you an assignment, they should tell you the dress code. If not, ask. We once got a temp to help with some manual labor and the poor guy had worn dress pants and shoes.

My experience is that many people who temp are not reliable, intelligent, hard workers. This isn't a slam on anyone...it can work to your advantage. If you are a good worker, you can quickly rise to the top of your temp agency's pool of temps and get lots of jobs. At least in my experience.

Visit www.notmydesk.com for some hilarious stories about one guy's temping misadventures. It's been inactive for a few years but still worth a read when you are temping and feeling down.

In my experience people who temp (in a "professional/corporate" environment) are people who either want to have control over their hours and availability or they use it as the means to get a permanent position. Although that was different when I did manual labor temp jobs. Alot of the guys I worked with were just working the day to have money for the weekend out.

I also know quite a few independent temps who not only get better pay but also get the benefits of whatever company they are working for. The only problem is it is not quite as easy to get find companies looking for temp work as an independent contractor.

Iv'e done quite a bit of temping over the years and have worked for several temp agencies. There are definitely good and bad things about temping.

The good:
1. There's not a ton of pressure on you because after all you're a temp and it takes a good, long while to really learn a job.

2. You can accept jobs that are close to home.

3. You get to meet new people.

4. You can learn new skills and fine tune the ones you have.

5. It may lead to a permanent position.

The bad:
1. Some people don't warm up to you because you're new and only temporary.

2. Those tests you have to take at the temp agency can take forever...and then multiply those tests by several agencies...that's a lot of test taking.

3. You run the risk of being sent to some pretty crummy places!

4. You may find a job that you really like and would be perfect for but they don't have a permanent opening.

5. There are no benefits while temping.

One thing I must say about temp agencies, everyone I have worked with at temp agencies has been very nice, understanding, and helpful. Good luck!

Temp job 'o the day:

EventPro Strategies is looking for Hot, In Shape, Bad Boys!
If you fit the requirements below – please apply correctly to this talent call!

To apply for this event you MUST do all of the following to be considered: Submit everything below to Crystle Horner: chorner@eventprostrategies.com

• First/Last Name
• Phone Number
• Height/Weight
• Hair Color
• 2 current photos (1 head shot & 1 body shot-no need to be professional)
• Promotional Resume

SUBJECT LINE: Bad Boys – Phoenix

Promotional event details:
Promoting a new movie. You will wear prison jumpsuits and be chained together. You will distribute promotional material and talking points on the movie. Must be outgoing and approachable. Must be able to travel at your own expense to Phoenix, AZ for event.

Bad Boy Requirements:
• Must be fit
• Must be attractive
• Must have a great attitude
• Must be extremely outgoing
• Must be willing to travel to Phoenix, AZ for event (at own expense)

Location:
Phoenix, AZ

Date/Time:
Saturday, April 21, 2007
9am-4pm

Pay Rate:
$21 p.h

Dress:
Provided – prison jumpsuit

I got a flower from Randstad this week, in honour of Administrative Professionals week (I think formerly known as secretary's week?)

wasn't that sweet?

and I'm getting cake in my honour tomorrow, cuz I'm leaving the temp job I've had for 2 months to start a full time career-type thing on Monday. I think my supervisor likes me.
hehe

Oooh, right up my alley. I've been on three sides of this equations-- A temp, A recruiter for a temp agency and an HR manager who utilizes temps!

Re: computer skills: Sounds like you're off to a good start. Definitely learn Outlook, especially the calendar and meeting functions. Also learn the basics of PowerPoint. Don't neglect keyboarding speed, both alphanumeric and numeric. Shoot for a typing speed of 40 words per minute with few errors.

1. Here in Oregon, temp agencies go as low as minimum wage, but that's rare for office jobs. Generally $10/hour and up. Where you're located, I'd say you're looking at maybe $12/hour as a base rate.

2. You aren't obligated to take anything an agency offers, but bear in mind that continued refusals will sour the agency on you as a candidate. The best thing to do is to clearly lay out in advance what you're looking for and what would and wouldn't be acceptable. If they keep offering jobs that don't fit what was discussed, remind them of what you want. Being flexible, however, is good. Also, those one-and-two day assignments? If you haven't got anything else, temp agencies will love it if you do these. It can be hard to find people for those things, especially if they are last-minute. If you can establish yourself as a go-to person, you'll earn mondo brownie points.

3. If you're ok cutting your hair, I'd say do it. Appearance can be a big factor. If you're not ok with that, keep it as clean and neat as possible, probably bound in a ponytail.

4. The area you are in should be rife with agencies. The big names are:

Adecco (largest in the world)
Randstad
Kelly Services
Volt
Manpower
Express Personel (big in the NW, not sure about S. CA)
Office Team

Olsten, which someone else mentioned, was bought by Adecco years ago and most of their offices are now Adecco, although a few Olsten offices may remain.

5. It can't hurt. But how much will it cost? It may not be worth the time and effort.

Cheers.