The Best Temp Agencies in Philadelphia

Time spent working for a temp agency should provide relief from unemployment, transferable experience, and possibly a foothold at a new career. Fortunately, job seekers in Philadelphia have several companies fitting this criteria. Temp agencies are often hard to size up before you start working with one, but looking for specific features and keeping this short list of regional winners in mind is sure to help.

What Should Be on Your Checklist

Whether you're just looking for income or experience leading to a permanent position, you should know what an outstanding temp agency looks like. The best will pay at competitive rates, offer the hours you desire, and have plenty of assignments. Truly superior agencies provide benefits, like health insurance and paid time off. Your contacts there should also exhibit a pleasant demeanor that says they value your work.

Kelly Services

When it comes to temp agencies, two companies lead the field. Kelly Services is one that stands out for its job diversity, placement success, and vision. After expanding into new niches, Kelly Services now provides skilled positions that go beyond general office work like most agencies. Engineering, information technology, and finance clients come to Kelly, and the added skill and experience demanded in this work increases possibilities for permanent placement.

Office Team

Office Team is another sizable temp agency throughout Pennsylvania. Although they offer computerized assessments of job seekers skills, unlike other agencies, this actually works to your advantage. They use Skillsoft, a series of short tests, to measure your abilities and knowledge in many different areas. By passing the Skillsoft tests, you will likely get more work and a new certification to place on your resume. The company touts its high rating from Fortune magazine as well. Look to this as an objective review, proving Office Team is more than the average temp agency.

It's important to be a good employee, but a smart one too. Use temporary work to your advantage. Always look to the benefits beyond money, and you'll give yourself a real edge.