ABR Blog

Recently downsized or laid off?  New to the workforce?  Looking to earn extra cash?  Trying to break into a new field?

Consider working as a temporary.  Today’s staffing firms employee millions of individuals in virtually all fields of work, from day labor to executive, and offer a variety of advantages:

• Flexible work options.  Work when and where you want to work.  You can work only during school hours, take the summers off, or take an extended break.  As a temporary employee, you have the freedom to accept assignments that work with your schedule.
• Employee benefits.  In addition to a paycheck, many temporary staffing agencies provide benefits to their workers.  These benefits typically include vacation pay, sick pay, access to medical insurance and a 401(k) plan, and are available to employees who fulfill certain employment requirements.  Be sure to inquire what benefits are offered when you apply or interview.
• Opportunities for direct employment.  Temporary assignments allow you to get a foot in the door with an employer.  If an employer is impressed with your skills, work ethic and job performance, he can work with the staffing firm to offer you direct employment.
• Gain experience.  If you’re a recent graduate, re-entering the workforce, or would like to make a career transition, working as a temporary can help you gain valuable on-the-job experience.  In addition, many staffing firms offer free training to build or enhance your skill set.
• Variety.  If you enjoy new experiences or are unsure about your career path, temporary work can provide the variety you need.  You can test out different jobs, companies and industries – without long-term commitment – and find out where you fit best.

Ready to take the next step?

Join the ABR Employment Services team.  We’ll provide you with a rewarding temporary assignment that offers the variety, flexibility, benefits and job experience you need.

Well, it’s official – the recession is technically over.  The economy grew 3.5% in the third quarter this year, according to the BEA’s (Bureau of Economic Analysis) quarterly GDP report.

Sure, the recovery is going to take awhile.  Consumer spending is still down; unemployment is still high; the foreclosure crisis is still playing out nationwide.  And unfortunately, your business may still be stuck in a rut of stale, survival-mode thinking.

But as sure as the sun will rise tomorrow, our economy will improve.  So get a jump on your competitors by planning now for the growth that’s around the corner.  These quick tips will show you how to leverage staffing to prosper in 2010.

Test new ideas.  Before you commit to hiring direct staff to implement a post-recession business concept, you can test your idea with temporary employees.  These temporaries can assume a direct role, or they can fill in for your staff members involved with testing the new idea.

Try before you buy.  Once your need for staff increases, temp-to-hire services can mitigate hiring decision risks.  You can literally try employees out on the job, to see how they perform and fit into your corporate culture – before extending an offer for direct employment.

Manage rapid growth.  A good staffing service can function as an extension of your human resource department.  By taking the time to learn and understand your business, they can help you quickly and cost-effectively recruit temporary employees and direct hires who will succeed in your work environment.  Establish a good relationship now, so that you’re ready to “explode out of the box” when the upturn hits.

Access the knowledge you need.  Staffing firms allow you to bring in the expertise you need on a short-term basis.  These experts, especially temporary technical and professional staff, can be used to complete growth initiatives related to anything from new business lines to system upgrades.  Alternately, these highly skilled temporaries can teach new skills to direct employees in your organization.

Meet immediate placement needs.  Most staffing companies maintain robust applicant databases.  They can often instantly identify candidates who have the skills, experience, and personality traits that match your work environment.  They can also supply competent temporary employees who can fill in until you’ve found the right people for immediate openings.

ABR Employment Services is ready to help your business grow.

Even if your business isn’t experiencing post-recession growing pains yet, now is the time to prepare.  Contact one of our staffing experts today to discuss your goals for 2010.  Let us show you how we can provide the staff to realize and exceed your expectations.

How many years of experience do you have?  What kind of work are you looking for?  How many hours per week are you available?

As a candidate registering for employment with a staffing service, you expect to answer questions like these during the interview process.  But did you know that you should also come prepared with your own list of questions?

Staffing and recruiting firms come in all shapes and sizes.  The range of services, niche specialties, industries served, employment policies and payroll schedules can vary greatly from company to company.  And logically, you’re more likely to find rewarding employment with a firm whose services match your needs.  So how do you choose the company that’s right for you?

Consider the following list of questions:

1. Who are some of your clients?
2. What industries and/or job assignments do you specialize in?
3. Do you charge any fees for finding me work?
4. What pay rate can I expect for my skills?
5. What is the best time / way to contact you, to check if there’s work available?
6. How / when will I be paid?
7. Do you offer any employee benefits?  Skills training?  Referral bonuses?
8. What happens if I show up for work, but the company doesn’t need me?
9. What is your overtime policy?
10. Will my job search be kept confidential?
11. If a company wants to hire me full-time, what is your policy?

Most reputable staffing services, like ABR Employment Services, have comprehensive web sites - including  FAQ pages - that provide answers to questions like these.  Still, it’s always best to ask for clarification of anything you do not understand.  So do your homework and come prepared to your interview with a list of your own questions.  Turn the tables, and get the answers you need to choose a staffing firm that’s the right fit for you.