As the job market tightens, more unemployed workers are turning to temporary or staffing agencies, and they have the right idea. Due to uncertain economic futures, among other factors, more Temporary Staffing Agencies companies are hiring through agencies. According to recent statistics from the Department of Labor Bureau, temporary help services have added 44,000 jobs since July 2009, including 34,000 in October of 2009.

This is the first in a series of article that will provide tips on how to best utilize agencies, and create a partnership that is lucrative for everyone.

Before you make the decision to throw in your lot with a temporary/staffing agency there are some important things to know. To start with, and perhaps most importantly, agencies are not in business because they have an altruistic need to help employ the world. They are in the business to make money. Next, their loyalties lie with their customer, the employer. Virtually every decision made by an agency is driven by two factors: making money and keeping their customers happy.

Add into the mix the fact that the US market is flooded with agencies, competition is fierce, and you have some pretty difficult waters to navigate. But it can be done. In the next few weeks I will publish a series of articles that will address: how to choose an agency, how to make sure that your interests are represented, temporary versus “perm” placement, how to interpret “agency speak”, and the crucial do’s and don’ts of a successful partnership.