Is It Worth Going Through a Temp Agency? Pros and Cons

For many people in Ontario, yes: a temp agency is worth it if you want to start work quickly, try different workplaces or get a foot in the door with an employer that may hire you permanently. It is less suitable if you need guaranteed hours, steady benefits or a long-term role right away. The agency itself also matters, so it pays to know what to ask.

Here is an honest look at the advantages, the downsides and how to decide, written by a staffing agency that places workers in Toronto and the GTA every week.

The advantages of working through a temp agency

• A faster start. Agencies fill jobs for employers who need people soon, so you can often start within days instead of waiting weeks for a hiring process.
• It costs you nothing. In Ontario a temp agency cannot charge workers a fee. See do temp agencies charge workers a fee.
• You can try different workplaces. A few assignments show you which industries, shifts and teams suit you before you commit to one.
• A route to a permanent job. Many employers use agency workers to find people they want to hire. If you do good work, the employer may offer you a position on its own payroll (called temp-to-hire).
• Help with the process. A recruiter can tell you what an employer wants, check your resume and prepare you for the first day.
• Flexibility. Students, newcomers, people between jobs and people returning to work can often choose shifts that fit their situation.

The downsides you should know about

• Less job security. An assignment can end when the client’s need ends. A good record helps you get the next one.
• Hours can change. Busy periods bring extra shifts, and quiet periods can bring fewer.
• Benefits are often limited. Many agencies do not provide group health benefits, so ask what, if anything, applies to you and when. By law you are still entitled to vacation pay, public holiday pay and overtime pay after 44 hours a week.
• Pay can differ from a direct hire. Some temporary jobs pay about the same as permanent ones, and others pay less. Ask for the hourly rate before you accept.
• You are new each time. A new site means a new supervisor, new safety rules and a new commute.

Who benefits most from a temp agency?

• Newcomers to Canada who want Canadian work experience and references
• Students and people who want part-time or seasonal work
• People between jobs who want income while they look for the right permanent role
• People changing industries who want to try one before committing
• Anyone who wants to work in a warehouse, factory or on a site and needs a way in

Questions to ask before you accept an assignment

Before you say yes, ask your recruiter:

1. What is the hourly rate, and how is overtime paid?
2. What are the start date, shift times and expected length?
3. Where is the site, and how will I get there on my shifts?
4. What do I need to bring: boots, ID, certificates, other safety gear?
5. How and how often am I paid?
6. Who do I call if I am sick or running late?
7. Could this assignment lead to a permanent job?
8. Will the details be sent to me in writing?

A good recruiter answers all of these clearly. If answers are vague, treat it as a warning sign.

How to get the most out of an agency

• Be reachable. Keep your phone on and return calls quickly, because many jobs go to the first person who answers.
• Keep your availability up to date. Tell your recruiter when your shifts or location change.
• Be on time, every time. Reliability is what turns an assignment into an offer.
• Ask for feedback. It helps you get better assignments.
• Say what you want. If you want a permanent job, tell your recruiter early.

Warning signs of a bad agency

• It asks you to pay money to register or to get work
• It will not tell you who the employer is or what the pay is
• It pressures you to accept immediately without giving details
• It promises a guaranteed job in exchange for a payment

So, is it worth it?

If you want to start working soon, build experience or find an employer that may hire you permanently, an honest temp agency is worth a try, and it costs nothing. Choose one that is clear about pay and hours, and keep your options open.

Ready to look? See jobs in Toronto, warehouse jobs in Toronto or no experience jobs in Toronto, or submit your resume and a recruiter will call you when a job matches. For more background, read what is a temp agency and how it works in Ontario.