The recession is grabbing a hold of jobs and ripping them out from underneath people when they least expect. One week they are working and the next week they are not. It is something that is being seen all over the world. It is heartbreaking because there are so many people wondering what they need to do next in order to take care of their families. That's where temp agencies come in.

What is a temp agency?

A temp agency is an agency that serves as a job bank that places qualified employees into companies needing temporary help. Sometimes the job may last a day and sometimes it may last weeks. However, one temporary staffing employee can work a number of different jobs in a week or a month. A company may need manpower for a few hours or they may need it for a few weeks. It simply depends on what the job is and the reason why the job is open at that moment. Sometimes it is due to an employee that is on leave or it is because the job is something that none of the employees within the company are qualified to do.

As for where you can find a temporary staffing agency, they are rather easy to find. They can be found under "temp agencies" or "employment" in the yellow pages of your local phone book. You can also do an Internet search for temp agencies in your area. However, applying to become listed with their agency is something you will probably still have to do in their office.

How to apply

When you apply with temporary staffing, you will have to fill out a general application. This involves filling out your basic information and answering any questions that are provided to you. This is the same as any job application you would find elsewhere.

Also, make sure to bring a resume' with you that consists of your job history, personal information, and anything else that could be relevant to any job. You also want to set aside a couple hours of your time when you make your appointment. This is because a skills test will be required to measure which areas you are strongest in.

The skills test will include such skills as typing, 10-key, accounting, spelling and grammar, and customer service. These results are then used to help place you within companies that fit your skills set.

Types of jobs

The types of jobs that temporary staffing agencies place individuals in include janitorial, maintenance, food service, clerical, home health, light industrial, and shipping and receiving. Other positions may also be available, depending on which companies in the area feel that they can truly benefit from a temp agency.

The only time that you should not apply at a temp agency is if you have expensive childcare that could possibly consume all of the earnings you make. You have to take into consideration that temp agencies garnish a part of your wages in order to take their fee for placing you within a job. The company you do the work for pays the temp agency instead of you. The temp agency then gives you a check for your part.

You must also take into consideration that you will not be eligible for benefits within a company unless they decide they want to hire you as a permanent employee. Even if you are working through the temp agency for a year, you cannot take health benefits, an IRA, etc. However, the temp agency offers you the opportunity to try out different types of jobs. You can mix it up a bit. Most importantly, you can survive during tough times. You can put food on your table and clothes on your back.