Staffing and Recruiting Industry Frequently Asked Questions

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  • Why should I work with a staffing agency to find a job?

    Looking for work is not easy and can be a drain of time and energy. Staffing agencies help job seekers get noticed and land positions that match their qualifications at companies that are hiring. Agencies have access to positions that otherwise may not have been posted—and can get résumés in front of the right people.

    Looking for jobs is an impersonal process. Staffing agencies work one-on-one with job seekers to ensure they are considered for positions that match their skill sets and needs. Many agencies make support services available to candidates, like résumé revisions and interview prep workshops.

    Staffing agencies are partners to job seekers and are interested in the success of their individual temporary and contract employees.

  • Why should I work with a staffing agency that is an ASA member?

    ASA members pledge to adhere to a code of ethics and best practices—most of which deal with employee relations. Moreover, because ASA promotes legal, ethical, and professional practices for the staffing industry, its members are kept abreast of the latest developments in labor and employment laws and human resource best practices. One of the principal missions of the association is to encourage high standards of ethical conduct in dealings with employees, clients, and competitors.

  • How long do people hold temporary jobs?

    While specific jobs may last from a few hours to several years, the best estimate for the average tenure of temporary and contract employees is just under three months. (Source: American Staffing Association, 2014 Staffing Employee Survey)

  • What types of assignments do staffing companies offer?

    Jobs range from skilled trades to degreed professionals and are available in virtually all occupations.

  • What kind of pay and benefits do temporary and contract employees receive?

    To attract the most qualified employees, staffing agencies offer highly competitive wages and benefits. The average temporary or contract employee earns around $17 per hour. Some earn more than their permanent counterparts. Virtually any temporary or contract employee who wants benefits can find an agency that offers them. (Source: American Staffing Association, 2014 Staffing Employee Survey)

  • What kind of services do staffing agencies provide?

    Staffing agencies offer a wide range of services to job seekers, including temporary and contract, permanent, long-term, and temporary-to-hire placements.

    Agencies also provide professional support: Recruiters work one-on-one with job seekers, and many staffing agencies make support services available, such as resume reviews and interview prep workshops.

  • Will working for a staffing agency help me get a permanent job?

    Staffing can be a bridge to permanent employment, and the potential for securing a permanent position is a reason people seek temporary or contract work. According to an ASA survey of staffing employees, half (49%) of those surveyed chose temporary or contract work as a way to obtain a permanent job. One third (35%) were offered a permanent job by a client where they worked on an assignment, and two-thirds (66%) accepted the offers of permanent employment. (Source: American Staffing Association, 2014 Staffing Employee Survey)

  • What kind of flexibility does a staffing job offer me?

    Temporary and contract employees can choose when, where, and how they want to work—all contributing to valuable work-life balance. In fact, 85% of staffing employees surveyed by ASA said work flexibility was highly important and a reason for pursuing temporary or contract work. (Source: American Staffing Association, 2014 Staffing Employee Survey)