Monica Said:

I would like to start a contract clerical help service and offer temporary services as well?

We Answered:

Marketing and advertising. The first thing you'll need is a website that can introduce your business and that will build confidence in your prospective clients to work with you (which you can create & host for as little as $5/mo at http://www.boyblu.net).

Then, you will need to make a lot of phone calls to businesses you think could use your services. Pass out fliers, attend networking events, etc. The best advertising for a start up company is word of mouth. Tell your friends, make it personal with face to face meetings and friendly introductions.

But be sure you have your website online to back up what you say over the phone or in person. 80% of your potential clients will look for you on the web before they decide if they want to do business with you.

Also, don't forget to check the want ads for employers looking to hire some one with the skills your company represents.

Good luck!

Marion Said:

Has anyone work for Account temps or any temporary service?

We Answered:

My mother-in-law has worked for Account Temps, and I've worked for RHI, and that's how it is. The employers aren't usually in a hurry to make a permanent hire, because as long as you're a temp, it's easy to replace you if necessary. Keep in mind, though, that if they weren't happy with you, you'd be gone already.

With my position, it was about 6 months, as I recall, so I recommend being patient. When they're ready to hire you permanently, you can negotiate a new salary. Hiring you involves other expenses, like payroll taxes, vacations, and sick days, but even so, you can expect some kind of a raise. And yes, there's usually a minimum contract length before you can be hired.

Jacqueline Said:

what position should i list on a resume if i work for a temporary service?

We Answered:

You put the company name first - this is more impressive.
Ex:
BP - Oil drilling secretary - Temporary through Manpower
/

Marcia Said:

Have temporary work services ruined America?

We Answered:

If you mean the daily work for daily pay type temporary services, then it's also lowered teh unemployment rates. Here it is 2.2% because people have the option of doing day labor.
As for us, it's allowed us a few extras, when we want or need somethign extra, my husband works one of his days off at his regular job at temp labor adn we get it. And he's still QUITE loyal to his regular job, in fact looks like a promotion next week that will involve TWO pay raises :)

Michael Said:

Are temporary services a waste of time? Especially with the ecomony like it is and work being hard to come by?

We Answered:

Go for the temping. I've found temp jobs that paid 12 an hour. Some of them are long term assignments, some arn't. Anyway, temping is more income than unemployment. Maybe try different temping firms? Stay away from Labor Ready.

If you are collecting, call your Dept of Labor. Rules vary by State. In CT, you can temp and collect at the same time - you just have to be honest and claim it. They subtract 2/3's of what you make from your check. You have to let the Dept of labor know when it starts and ends & how much you make. So if you get an assignment that is only a few hours and you have $100 at the end of the week, claim it, they subtract 2/3's of that from your weekly check. So in this case you'd come out w/ $33 extra for the week.

This gets you out of the house and still allows you time to interview with other jobs.

Adrian Said:

I was called after I applied for a job but was told to apply at a temporary service. Why is that?

We Answered:

Right now, a job is a job. If you can get hired on, even through a temp agency, at least you are getting your foot in the door.

Many companies hire through temp agencies to beef up staffing for the holidays. This allows them to add staff without all of the hassles like paying unemployment insurance, etc. for someone that will most likely be let go in a short time.

If you do a good job, they may offer to hirer you fill time once the temp agency assignment is over. A very small percentage of temp holiday help get offered full time, permanent jobs. You really have to do a good job and prove that you would be a great addition to their team.

Roland Said:

Would you rather work at a job for a temporary agency, or would you rather work as a real employeed as hired?

We Answered:

Right now I'd do just about anything, but if I was given a choice - no question I'd prefer a standard job. Pay and benefits are generally much better.