If you’re looking for work, you’ve probably heard that staffing agencies can help. But what does that actually look like? What do you say when you walk in? How do they get paid? And what separates the candidates who land great assignments from the ones who wait by the phone?
At DPI Staffing, we place workers in meaningful jobs every day. Whether you’re re-entering the workforce, looking to change careers, or searching for your next opportunity, this guide walks you through exactly how to work with a staffing agency — and how to make the partnership work for you.
First: What Is a Staffing Agency, and What Does It Cost You?
A staffing agency connects job seekers with employers who are looking to hire. The agency sources candidates, screens them, and places them in roles that match their skills and preferences.
The most important thing to know: it costs you nothing. The employer pays the staffing agency’s fees — not the candidate. You access job opportunities, recruiter expertise, and placement support completely free of charge.
Types of Jobs You’ll Find Through a Staffing Agency
Understanding the types of placements available helps you set realistic expectations:
Temporary Assignments: Short-term roles that last anywhere from a few days to several months. These are great for immediate income, gaining experience in new industries, or bridging between permanent positions.
Temp-to-Hire Roles: Temporary placements with the intention of converting to a permanent job if the assignment goes well. Think of it as a paid trial where you get to evaluate the employer just as much as they evaluate you. According to the American Staffing Association, about 76% of temp and contract workers say staffing work made them more employable overall.
Direct Hire Positions: Some employers engage staffing agencies to find permanent employees from the start. If you’re placed in a direct hire role, you join the employer’s team directly.
How to Make a Great First Impression with Your Recruiter
Your recruiter is your advocate. The more they understand about your goals, skills, and preferences, the better they can represent you to employers. Here’s how to set that relationship up for success from the start:
Be Specific About What You’re Looking For: Don’t just say “I need a job.” Tell your recruiter what kind of work environment you thrive in, what shifts you can work, what industries interest you, and what your longer-term career goals look like. Specificity helps your recruiter match you to the right opportunities — not just any opening.
Be Honest About Your Experience: Overstating your qualifications leads to bad placements and short assignments. Be upfront about what you know and what you’re still learning. A good recruiter will find roles where your actual skills are genuinely valued.
Bring What You Need: Come prepared with your résumé, identification documents for your I-9 (a list of acceptable documents is available at USCIS.gov), and any professional references you can share.
Ask Questions: What is the work environment like? What is the expected dress code? Is there potential for the assignment to go permanent? Your recruiter is your information resource — use them.
During Your Assignment: How to Stand Out
The candidates who get called back — and offered permanent positions — are the ones who treat every assignment like it’s their most important job yet. Here’s what that looks like in practice:
- Show up on time, every time. Attendance and reliability are the first things employers notice.
- Ask for feedback early. In your first week, ask your supervisor how you’re doing. It shows initiative and gives you a chance to course-correct before small issues become big ones.
- Be adaptable. Temp assignments often involve learning quickly and working across different tasks. Flexibility is a genuine strength in this context.
- Communicate with your recruiter. If something isn’t working — the environment, the tasks, the commute — tell your recruiter. They can help troubleshoot or find a better fit.
After Your Assignment: Staying Connected
Even when an assignment ends, your relationship with your recruiter doesn’t have to. Check in regularly, update them on your availability, and let them know what you liked and didn’t like about your last placement. The job seekers who stay engaged with their recruiters are the ones who get the call first when the right opportunity opens up.
Ready to Get Started?
Working with a staffing agency is one of the most effective ways to find meaningful work quickly, build experience across industries, and connect with employers who are actively hiring. At DPI Staffing, we’re in your corner from the first conversation to the first day on the job and beyond.
Apply with DPI Staffing today and let’s find your next great opportunity together.
