How Working Through a Staffing Agency Is Different

When you look for work through a staffing agency, your first stop is usually the agency itself, not the job site. Think of it as the starting line. Before you’re placed anywhere, the agency gets to know you, your skills and the kind of work you want.

Here’s what usually happens on that first visit:

• You meet a recruiter. This is the person who will help match you with jobs. They’ll ask about your work history, your schedule, how far you can travel and what pay you’re looking for.
• You fill out paperwork. This often includes an application and the forms needed before you can be placed on a job.
• You talk about next steps. Your recruiter will explain what kinds of jobs might fit you and how they’ll reach you when something opens up.

Think of your recruiter as your coach. Their job is to understand what you’re good at and put you in the right spot. The more open you are on your first visit, the better they can match you.

What to Bring to Your First Visit

Every agency and office is a little different, so it’s smart to call ahead and ask. In general, plan to bring:

• Documents for your paperwork. Bring the documents the agency asks for to complete employment eligibility paperwork. If you aren’t sure what counts, ask before your visit, not when you walk in. Normally two official forms of ID.
• Your work history. A resume is great, but not required everywhere. At the very least, write down your past jobs, dates, duties and a contact for each one.
• Your references. Have names and current phone numbers ready for two or three people who can speak to your work.
• Your availability. Know which days and shifts you can work, and be honest about what you can’t.
• Time. Plan for your visit to take a while. Rushing through paperwork can mean mistakes that slow down your placement.
• A charged phone. Your recruiter will use it to reach you about jobs, so make sure your number and voicemail work.

Questions to Ask Before or During Your Visit

A quick call to the office before you go can save you a second trip. During your visit, don’t be shy about asking questions. These are good ones:

• Do I need an appointment, or can I walk in?
• What documents should I bring?
• How long should I plan for my visit to take?
• What kinds of jobs do you usually fill?
• Do any jobs require a background check or drug screen?
• How and when will you contact me about openings?
• How does pay work when I’m placed on a job?

Writing the answers down, or keeping them in a note on your phone, means you won’t have to remember everything later.

Other Questions

Q. What if I forget one of my documents?
A. Let the office know right away. In many cases you can finish what you can and bring the missing piece back later. Just know that it may delay when you can start a job.

Q. Do I need a resume to sign up with a staffing agency?
A. Not always. A resume helps, but a clear list of your past jobs, dates and duties can work just as well. Ask the office what they prefer.

Q. Will I get a job the same day I visit?
A. Sometimes, but not always. It depends on what openings are available and what fits your skills and schedule. Staying in touch with your recruiter helps.

Q. Does it cost anything to sign up with a staffing agency?
A. No. Reputable staffing agencies don’t charge job seekers to sign up or to be placed on a job.

Q. What should I do after my first visit?
A. Keep your phone on and answer calls from the agency. If you don’t hear back within a few days, reach out to your recruiter to check in.

Final Thoughts

Your first day sets the tone for the job ahead. A few minutes of planning, like checking what to bring and who to ask for, can turn a stressful morning into a smooth start. Working through a staffing agency means you have someone in your corner from the first day on. Use that support. Ask your recruiter questions before you start, keep their number handy, and reach out whenever you need help.

This article is for informational purposes only and job placement or employment is not guaranteed. This article was written by our team of staffing experts. We leverage advanced AI tools to assist with research and composition, and every piece is reviewed and edited by our team.