Staffing Agencies

• Network for permanent roles – Meet professionals in your field who can become lasting contacts 

• Explore companies – Try out different employers before committing 

• Build skills – Many agencies offer free training 

• Gain experience – Add real work experience to your resume 

• Fill career gaps – Work between graduation and full-time employment, or between jobs 

• Test fit – Try roles before deciding if they’re right for you 

Staffing agencies typically offer three kinds of positions: 

1. Temporary or Contract 

• Work on a short-term, interim basis (usually days to weeks) 

• Good for quick income and testing company culture 

• No expectation of permanent hire 

2. Temp-to-Perm or Temp-to-Hire 

• Work on a trial basis 

• Company decides whether to hire you permanently 

• Ideal if you want to prove yourself to an employer 

• Usually 60-90 day evaluation period 

3. Direct Hire or Permanent 

• Typically for mid to senior level roles 

• Recruited and hired directly by the company 

• Full employment benefits typically included 

• Staffing firm places you, then employer takes over 

• Health Care: Physicians, dentists, nurses, therapists, home health aides, medical technicians 

• Professional Services: Accountants, attorneys, paralegals, managers, marketing executives 

• Technical & Scientific: Engineers, scientists, lab technicians, programmers 

• Administrative & Clerical: Secretaries, office clerks, receptionists, administrative assistants 

• Industrial: Manual laborers, assembly workers, drivers, maintenance workers 

• Marketing & Communications: Graphic designers, copywriters, marketing managers, web developers 

1. Find agencies in your field – Candidates often register with several agencies to maximize opportunities 

2. Complete their application – Each firm has its own process (online application, skills tests, interviews) 

3. Prepare for possible assessments – Some may test computer skills or industry knowledge 

4. Check in regularly – Contact firms at least once a week; persistence matters 

5. Be patient – Good matches take time, but staying in touch speeds up placements 

Before you register with a staffing agency, verify it’s legitimate. 

Red flags:  

• They ask you to pay upfront for job placement  

• They request your bank account, social security number, or credit card  

• Promises seem unrealistic (“guaranteed job,” “make $5,000/week”) 

If unsure: Google the agency name + “scam,” call their main number to verify, or ask our Career Design team.