Temp agencies can be a great way to find some extra work and are ideal if you are looking for something that isn't going to be long-term. There are a number of reasons why you might want to use a temp agency to help you find work, but the question we will be dealing with today is how to actually find a good agency.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of temp work agencies out there that just don't deliver. You could end up sitting around for months without a hint of a job with these agencies, so it's important to know what to look for. With that in mind, here are some tips to help you find the right company to help you find work.

- Look for specialties. Many temp agencies only represent one industry. For example, they may only place secretaries. It's a good idea to check for this when looking for a company to work with. Often you'll have better luck finding work if you opt for a company that specializes in your area of expertise, as Boost your skills. You'll be far more valuable as a temp employee if you are already familiar with things on the job. That means you may need to learn a few new things in order to come in higher on the list of job applicants. For example, a secretary who is comfortable with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint is going to be more valuable than one who is simply a fast typist.

- Find one with support. We all know that there are some truly awful jobs out there. Make sure you know exactly what your chosen temp agency will do if you are uncomfortable or detest a particular job. Will they intervene? A good agency will work with the temporary employees to ensure they aren't being treated badly. If you don't have the support of the agency behind you, it can be very easy to end up in a position you aren't happy with.

- Prepare for your interview. Just because you aren't interviewing for the actual job doesn't mean you should skimp on preparation. Make sure your resume is up to date, dress the part and treat the interview for a temp agency just like you would an interview for a job. This is also a time to get a feel for those in charge of job assignments. It's not just an interview for you, it's also one for them. If you aren't comfortable with the people you'll be relying on to find you a job, then look at another agency.

- Talk to other temp workers. This is your best bet for finding out what the company is really like. Are people happy with their placements? Do they have complaints about the way things are run? It's handy to know what you're getting into from the very start so you can make an informed decision right from the start. Often, you'll learn things you would normally need to spend several weeks there to pick up.

Temp agencies offer a huge advantage to anyone not interested in staying with one job for a long period of time. Whether you are simply looking to earn money while between jobs or are looking to make a career out of temp work, an agency can help you by putting you in touch with far more jobs that you would normally have access to. However, it's important to select the right temp agency for you, which means doing a little research. Ask questions, talk to other workers and get a feel for things before you sign up.