In Toronto, it often seems like there’s a temp agency on every corner. And to some extent, it’s true. Toronto is home to one of the country’s highest concentrations of agencies. According to the Association of Canadian Search, Employment and Staffing Services, the Canadian temp industry will reach revenue of $8.3 billion in 2015, and is projected to grow by 6% in 2016, with much of its profitability coming from major city centres like Toronto. In such a massive, hardworking city where there is no shortage of candidates or employers, it’s only fitting that so many temp agencies would want to call Toronto home.

But, that doesn’t mean all agencies are made equal. While having options gives you a better chance of finding an agency that really meets your needs, it also means you’re more vulnerable to running into fly-by-night agencies that won’t give you the service or results you deserve. Working with a bad agency wastes your time and your money, but how do you know how to find a good one?

It’s all about asking the right questions and trusting your instincts. Here’s how to find a good temp agency in Toronto.

Their temps get hired.

In a city with endless choices, one question can help you identify a good temp agency in Toronto: “Do your temps get hired?” An agency with a track record of temps who get hired as permanent employees speaks volumes about the quality of their candidates, clients and match-making abilities.
In her book The Temp Factor: The Complete Guide to Temporary Employment for Staffing Services, Clients, and Temps, temporary employment expert Cathy A. Reilly says, “Remember that often, temp positions are job auditions.” As a job searcher, working with an agency whose temps get hired gives you an automatic career advantage. You’ll be connected to employers who value their temps and see them as potential team members. You’ll also have the confidence of knowing your employment is in the hands of experts who know how to make successful placements.
As an employer, you’ll be working with an agency that’s proved it has what it takes to match businesses with the kind of employees they didn’t know they couldn’t live without. These agencies have expert recruiters with the chops to understand exactly what your business needs, and a pool of candidates with the chops to become great employees.

They make a good first impression.

The best temp agencies will show you that you matter from the minute you walk through the door or connect to their website. When you’re checking out an agency, pay attention to the little things: Is it easy to figure out know where they are, when they work, and how to contact them? When you call, do you feel like an old friend, or a quota? Do they greet you with a smile? What about signing up? Does it take a few quick clicks or a whole afternoon and a Master’s degree in computer science? With so many temp agencies in Toronto to choose from, it’s not worth taking your business to an agency that doesn’t seem to want it. If the agency is unpleasant, unresponsive or difficult to deal with from the beginning, you may want to reconsider trusting them with your future.

They have the tools you need to get working.

A good temp agency in Toronto will know what employers are expecting from today’s employees and what job hunters can do to meet these expectations. Good temp agencies don’t just make career connections; they are one-stop career resources for employers and employees alike. The top agencies provide services like skills training and interview prep, and offer guidance, advice and information to make the employment process easier. Some agencies will even offer specific job training on behalf of their clients – this is a real time and money-saver for an employer and demonstrates an agency’s confidence in their own team.

They know your rights…

You want to work with an agency that ensures employees and employers are protected on the job. Good temp agencies know the training temps need and provide any government mandated training themselves – as a general rule, avoid working with any agency that doesn’t. A good temp agency also knows about employer and employee rights, and can provide you with information if and when you need it. Some agencies even employ recruiters with legal or HR backgrounds – their familiarity with employment legislation can be a real asset.

And theirs.

Don’t be afraid to ask if an agency is playing by the rules before working with them. You’ll be asking the agency to take care of important tasks like hiring, payment, and distributing benefits. Make sure you’re placing your trust in a company that understands it responsibilities and regulations. A good agency will know the rules of their industry and will be upfront about telling you how they operate.

To be continued.