Razor's Edge offers valuable, timely tips and resources for Job Seekers and Employers to make the most out their recruiting time and money. We periodically update Razor's Edge with the new articles, links, research, trends and much more, to help you find the best job or staff to suit your needs.

 

Razor's Edge for Employers

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Staffing companies match millions of people to millions of jobs.

2.9 million people per day are employed by staffing companies.

530,000 new jobs have been created by staffing companies over the past two years.

82% of temporary and contract employees work full time, virtually the same as the rest of the work force.

Flexibility

The staffing industry offers flexibility to both employees and companies. People can choose when, where, and how they want to work. Companies can get the skills they need to keep fully staffed during busy times.

64% of temporary employees say flexible work time is important to them.

28% of temporary employees say they work for a staffing company because it gives them the flexibility and time to pursue nonwork interests

81% of companies cite labor force flexibility as the overriding reason for employing contingent and temporary workers.

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Bridge

Temporary and contract work provides a bridge to permanent employment. People can try out a prospective employer and showcase their skills for a permanent job.

74% of temporary employees say it’s a way to get a permanent job.

72% of temporary employees obtain permanent jobs while working for a staffing company.

8 out of 10 staffing customers say staffing firms offer a good way to find people who can become permanent employees.

Choice

Many people choose temporary and contract work as an employment option. They can select their work schedules and choose among a variety of diverse and challenging assignments.

43% of temporary employees say needing time for family is an important factor in their job decisions.

32% of temporary employees prefer the alternative arrangement over traditional employment.

29% of temporary employees say they work for a staffing company because they like the diversity and challenge of different jobs.

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Training

The staffing industry provides free training for millions of temporary and contract employees to help meet today's demand for skilled workers.

90% of staffing companies provide free training to their temporary employees.

4.8 million temporary employees received skills training worth $720 million in 1997.

70% of temporary employees say they gained new skills through their assignments.

Sources: American Staffing Association, the Conference Board, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Razor's Edge for Job Seekers

How to Select a Staffing Company

Whether you want a temporary job or a permanent position, working for a staffing company is a great career move. America's staffing companies match millions of people to millions of jobs. Every day, 2.9 million people are on assignment with staffing companies. In 2004, an estimated 8 million staffing employees went on to permanent jobs.

There are three main types of job placements in the staffing industry:

• Temporary or contract, where you work for a staffing firm’s customer on an interim basis
• Temp-to-perm or temp-to-hire, where you work for a staffing firm’s customer on a trial basis to determine if the job is a good fit for your skills, interests, and career goals—if so, you become the customer’s employee
• Direct hire or permanent, where you are recruited by the staffing firm and then hired by its customer

You can work in virtually any occupation with a staffing company. The staffing industry is no longer personified by the temporary file clerk you see in the break room or the college student brought on board to transport boxes to the new office space. Today’s staffing employees include truck drivers, accountants, day laborers, scientists, computer programmers, nurses, call center operators—even CEOs. Here are some reasons why a staffing company might be perfect for you.

We Know Where the Jobs Are

Administrative assistants, lawyers, CFOs, and construction workers—All have found jobs through the staffing industry. America’s staffing companies have jobs in virtually all occupations, including ones you’ve probably never thought of, such as pilots, biotechnologists, teachers, videographers, and dentists.

Businesses of all types and sizes turn to staffing firms for flexibility and access to talent. They know that staffing companies are experts in recruiting and matching employees for temporary, contract, or permanent positions. So when they have job openings, they increasingly go to staffing firms to help meet their work force needs.

You Have the Flexibility to Have a Life

Times have changed. The days of spending 30 years with one company and earning a gold watch are over. In fact, it’s often said that the average person will change careers—never mind jobs—five times in his or her lifetime. This presents a wealth of career growth opportunities with the staffing industry.

Working for a staffing firm allows you to experience countless industries, companies, and careers you might never have thought of trying—without a long-term commitment. If you’re not happy with an assignment, job setting, or location, you can move on and start fresh with a new job. Since businesses always need temporary help, steady work is common.

Moreover, temporary employment allows you to work when and where you choose. You can work full-time or part-time. Take a summer off. Work just three or four days a week. Fit your schedule around college classes.

Or maybe you’ve moved to a new city and don’t want to jump into permanent employment right away until you get a lay of the land.

Besides flexibility, there’s an enticing variety of work. One day you might work for an information technology company, the next day a medical supply firm. Your choices are endless.

A Staffing Firm Can Be a Bridge to Permanent Employment

About three quarters of temporary and contract employees move on to permanent jobs. What’s more, eight out of 10 businesses say that staffing firms offer a good way to find permanent employees. Whether you are new to or re-entering the work force, are between jobs, or are just looking for career growth, staffing firms can help you land the right position.

Temporary or contract assignments get your foot in the door with a staffing customer, making you a prime candidate if the position becomes permanent. Or you could get a temp-to-perm gig, where you try out the job and see if it fits your skills and expectations. Furthermore, many staffing firms recruit for permanent positions directly with the customer. So if you’re looking for a permanent job, don’t be fooled by the antiquated notion of “temp agency.” Today’s staffing firms offer lots of options and opportunities.

Sources: American Staffing Association, the Conference Board, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

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