Hiring Temps For The Long Term

By Will Temby

Unemployment in the U.S. is falling but for the millions of people still unemployed, temp staffing may provide the best bridge to a permanent job.

Coming out of a recession, employers typically hire temporary employees first, and then begin bring on full-time staff.

“More and more staffing clients are saying they’re turning to staffing firms as a way to find permanent help or permanent workers, so it’s a way for both the employee and a business to evaluate each other to see if it’s a good fit,” explains Steven Berchem, vice president at the American Staffing Association.

CareerBuilder, the job search website visited by more than 24 million people a month, says “test driving” potential permanent workers is a win-win situation for all sides.

There are some clear advantages to using temp employees: time is saved; vacancies can be filled quickly; and, unnecessary risks are avoided.

Recruiting efforts can be greatly reduced -- if workers meet your qualifications and you’re happy with their job performance, you can bring them on immediately and avoid sorting through resumes and conducting lengthy interviews.

The temp employee you brought in during busy periods may be a good person to hire permanently should any of your current staff decide to eventually leave – he or she has learned how your company operates and can jump in immediately.

Apprentice Personnel is very careful about matching the right employees with companies to get the most out of the arrangement.

Ultimately, you’re avoiding the risks of a probationary period you normally have with a new hire by offering a job to a temp who is working within your company right now.