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Should I work for a staffing agency as an academic? – Pros and Cons

Should I work for a temp agency or staffing company? Many graduates ask themselves this question at some point in their career. This is not an easy to answer question. Especially since most of us are unfamiliar with the topic before the question pops up in their lives. Here I list some pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

First, what exactly are staffing agencies or temp agencies? These companies recruit employees and supply their clients, other companies, with suitable personnel. There are some big and international staffing agencies such as Randstad or Manpower. But there are also many smaller, more local, or industry specific staffing agencies.

So what are the main points to consider before signing up with a staffing agency?

Pros: Read the main advantages of starting work with a staffing company

Without a doubt, there are some advantages in starting work with a staffing agency.

Start with a staffing agency if you need a job fast

If you need a job fast, sign up with a staffing agency. Signing a contract in a matter of a few weeks or days is not uncommon with staffing agencies.

This speediness is due to two factors. First, the staffing company and you have the same goal, which is to match your profile to a suitable opening. Their experience in doing so usually exceeds your own experience in this matter. Besides, they are able to choose from a whole list of openings with their client firms. Second, application and hiring processes especially in bigger companies can take very long. Placements by a staffing agency usually bypasses most of this lengthy procedure.

Finally, upon starting many staffing agencies offer a advance on salary if needed.

Get into your preferred sector or company with the help of a staffing agency

It is very common to receive an offer to take up a regular position at the client company.

In some companies, starting work with a staffing agency is one fo the default routes to start a career. Many permanent employees started out working for a temp agency.

Working for a staffing agency, gives you access to job openings that are not advertised elsewhere. This is especially helpful if you are new to the field.

Signing up with a staffing company saves you application hassle

Initially, you have to prepare application documents in order for the staffing agency to know your profile. Many staffing agencies will support you with that your initial application. This is helpful if you are not good with written applications. Reasons could be insufficient language skills or unfamiliarity with industry conventions. The agency then puts forward your application for suitable openings with their clients. It is possible that you have to go for an interview at the client company then.

If it does not work out the first time round, the staffing agency will repeat this with several job openings. You don’t have to go through the whole process of preparing the application with each new opening you apply for.

If your goal is to gain work experience in many different companies, you can agree with your staffing agency on regular re-assignments. Again, you don’t have to go through the full application and selection process for each new company again.

Cons: Major drawbacks of working for a staffing company

So far, it all sounds great. Unfortunately, there is a catch. These are the main drawbacks of working for a staffing agency.

Temps are usually offered less development opportunities

Less access to development opportunities in the client company is an important aspect for most academics. Still, this factor is usually overlooked when considering the pros and cons of working for a staffing agency.

Client companies do not invest as much in the professional development of the colleagues from the saffing agency. A reason is the mostly temporary nature of their job assignment.

Don’t be wooed by the promise so training opportunities made by some staffing agencies. They are in the staffing business and not in the training business after all.

Trade-off with regards to salary and benefits

Working for a staffing company, oftentimes will pay less than working for the client company directly. This difference in pay varies very much and sometimes it is only very small. However, you will usually see a big difference in benefits. Benefits are usually much less if you are with a staffing agency.

You spend your workdays at a client company. Still, the staffing agency employs and pays you. The staffing agency in turn charges the client company usually a much higher fee than what you salary is. This is completely ok and their business model. Just keep it in mind when contemplating your pay.

Working for a staffing company might make you feel like a second-class employee

I do understand this point is very subjective and thus controversial.

Whether you feel like a second-class employee during your placement depends a lot on the client company. In some companies, the difference between regular employees and temporary workers from a staffing agency is barely noticeable. But, with other companies, those temps are not integrated well. The difference in employment status gets even more pronounced by visible marks such as clothing or badges. Also, unequal treatment for example with canteen pricing is common.