Worker Resources
November 4, 2024

How do Temp Agencies Work?

A guide to how temp agencies work.

Bacon Inc

What is a Temp Agency?

A temp agency – also known as “staffing agency” or “employment agency” – is an organization that matches employees to potential employers on a temporary basis. Temp agencies have contracts with companies in need of part-time employees. 

Temp agencies are the middle-men between the employer and the temporary employees. There are around 27,000 staffing agencies in the United States.

27,00 staffing agencies in the US

How Temp Agencies Work

It all starts with a company creating a contract with the temp agency. The contract outlines when the temp workers are needed, how long they are needed, and how much they will be paid. 

The temp agency then finds candidates for the positions, either from their current pool of workers or through their own recruiting process. The workers are sent to work for the employer. After the workers have worked, the company pays the temp agency, who then pays the temp workers. 

Because the workers are sourced through a temp agency, the company using the temp workers doesn't worry about payroll or benefits. 

Working for a Temp Agency 

The process of getting hired by a temp agency will vary from one agency to another. The most common practice includes submitting your resume or information to the temp agency, usually on their website.

After they’ve reviewed your resume, they will contact you. You could be asked to come in for an interview or do an interview remotely. You will go through a background check and some sort of vetting process. 

After you’ve been hired to the temp agency, they will send you to temp jobs. Temp positions can last from a few days to a few months. After working you will be paid through the temp agency.

Paying taxes as a temp worker will depend on the temp agency you are working for. For most temp agencies, the workers are independent contractors and will be in charge of their own taxes. 

Introducing Gig Work 

Temp agencies and gig work are often placed in the same category. However, they are not the same. While temp agencies choose when and where the temp workers go to work, gig workers choose when and where they work. Gig workers are in complete control of their schedule and the shifts they choose to work. 

Gig work apps create opportunities for workers to work in a wide range of industries. The BACON app has shifts in warehousing, catering, events, and general labor

FAQs About Temp Agencies 

  • Can temp agency jobs become permanent? some text
    • Yes, temp agency jobs can become permanent. Most traditional temp agencies charge the company hiring a large fee. BACON does not charge a hiring fee. 
  • What type of benefits can a temp agency offer?some text
    • The answer depends on the agency you work for, the state you’re in, and the amount of hours you work. 
  • Do temp agencies charge fees to job seekers?some text
    • The answer can depend on the agency you are working for. BACON does not charge a worker a fee for job seeking.
  • How quickly can I get a job through a temp agency?some text
    • This depends on how fast you pass a background check. BACON’s background check should take no more than a few days to complete. 

For more info check out the BACON worker website or download the BACON app.

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