Looking For Work?

More and more I speak with men and women who have not been working for some time. With the economy as it is, it’s been difficult. Often those same people have exhausted unemployment benefits and are among those who don’t show up in the statistics. The growing number has made me look at various ways to find work.

In the past, it was easier in some ways to look for work. You would stop in, drop off an application, and get a feel for your chances, face to face. Today much of it is done online. That means you don’t have a chance to show your personality, only your stats. When you are up against a high number of applicants it can be difficult.

When you have been out of the work force especially, it can be daunting to know where to begin. Yet there are a number of ways to get started. This series will feature a few that may help you.

Years ago, temp agencies were seen in a somewhat derogatory fashion. Not so today. Today more and more employers are choosing to work through a temp agency for a number of reasons.

Perhaps foremost, the agency will handle the payroll, taxes, human resources, etc., required for a new employee. Until an employee has proven to be a good fit, that saves the company time, unemployment filings, workers comp insurance, and more. If you’ve ever owned a business, you know how those costs can add up, especially if it takes several trials to find the right person for the job. It gives a company an opportunity to easily test candidates they may want to hire.

There are many more reasons, but for our purposes, we will look at why it is a good fit for the person seeking employment.

Temp Agencies

There really isn’t a down side to working for a temp agency that I can see.

• They will be looking to place you once you’ve signed up with them.
• It’s a great method to work your way back into a field, and get paid while you do so.
• As a temp, you are helping out the company. That means you can walk into an office with much less concern over the work relationships, the environment, their expectations. They know there will be something of a learning curve with each new person, in each new job. It’s freeing!
• It’s a fun way to try out different fields. Through a temp, you have a chance to try out different companies, different fields, different locations even. If you have been away from work for any length of time, it gives you a chance to find your interest. Something totally different might end up being the most enjoyable for you.
• Temping lessens the tension you might expect in a regular hire.
  Check for any temp agencies near you. For many rural areas that may mean those located in a somewhat distant town, but they are still possibilities, since they do provide people over a wide range.
• If that position isn’t a good fit, they will place you in other positions.
• You can float short term from place to place, or perhaps find that “temp to hire” position that will turn in a full time (or part time) job.
• The agency will usually offer testing—a good thing–so you know where you shine and where you need some brush up.
• Training is usually available as well so you can refresh your skills. It’s normally online so you can practice at your convenience.
• Even if temporary work assignments don’t turn into a permanent position, the time spent will show you have been working. That will definitely add to and update your resume.

Building Confidence

It is a wonderful way to get back into work mode. After several years not working after we sold a business, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. A temp agency solved that for me. Even the testing was appreciated. You want to go into a job with your skills up to par. I was able to go through a course or two that reminded me how to run some programs, like Excel.

They had a part time position for me in less than two weeks, one that became a job I loved. After a few months, they hired me on a permanent basis that lasted for several years. Since it was part time, the agency even called with other part time jobs, so I could have a second on a different day of the week. I loved the options!

Most cities have a selection of Temp service companies, some even looking for high paying positions such as doctors. It is a terrific way to break in to a position and test some different fields as well.

If you live in a small town, you may be surprised to know they can be found there as well. The agency may be county wide or regional, but there is a need everywhere. Check for your area. If you have trouble finding any, contact your state’s local employment office. They will probably have the names of any for the vicinity.

It’s fun, confidence-building, and a win-win for both you and any company. Give it a try for yourself.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Merry Citarella, often writing as Merrci, writes on a wide range of topics. Recently relocated to the Oregon Coast in the northwest United States, she frequently writes travel features on the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She specializes in health and aging, Alzheimer’s Disease, food, lifestyle, and book reviews. For more information you can see her on The Writers’Door. You can read more articles here or at her websites Mystery Suspense Reviews .