I reached out to a staffing agency that was looking for electricians for a new data center. It appears that I’m pre approved and the guy told me he has me on standby to go out with the next group of guys. I’m looking for insight and advice from those familiar with this process. Is it likely I won’t get much heads up when called for? Should I tell my boss I’m on standby or risk failing to give him a 2 week notice?
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Staffing agencies are always scams from what I understand.
They make money by finding underpaid candidates.
So if I’m careful about the terms they offer this could be fine?
Yes, just be prepared to get low offers. Some money is better than no money if you continue looking for something better while you work.
If they're offering 35$/hr, the job is probably offering 45$/hr and they're pocketing the difference.
Yup. I worked for one, and literally everything they offered me was a lie. A raise and insurance after 90 days, an opportunity to stay on board and travel if I wanted to, the opportunity to jump around to different job sites in the area if I wanted to. All of it was a lie.
Some of it could've been circumstantial, maybe there just weren't opportunities to go anywhere at that time, but looking back I think it was all just lies to try and recruit me.
I found a great permanent position through a staffing agency, you just need to pay attention to the details
You're making a decent wage? Or did they trick you into salary with unpaid ot?
Some places do temp to hire. They use a staffing agency to hire people when they need them and hire people permanently if they like them. Typically the wage isn't too much lower for the temps.
Ya. Temp would make more sense.
My experience with those positions is that they don't post a wage and then waste your time with the interview process.
One wanted me to start but there was no shop in my city. So I would have to supply a vehicle, tools, do quotes and the work and the wage ended up being on the low side.
I said it do it with an 80k dollar signing bonus so I could buy a truck. Never heard back and iv since seen an immigrant man driving around in a shit box cosplaying as an electrician.
That's a little like what my shop does. Instead of hiring immediately they use the staffing agency, and if you make it past the first 6 months you can get hired directly. So if someone doesn't work out after a couple weeks, it's less paperwork.
$38/hour. OT optional but sometimes available
He gives you a two week notice if you’re being fired? “when I say I found something else, give me my check” is the most common way people are in this trade imo.
I’ve given notice 2 times and both times was told get my shit gone, check is in the mail. I wouldn’t say shit unless you have good money saved up, because when you do you’re almost guaranteed to be told “Bye!” No guarantee you’re getting that data center job.
Agency’s are scams don’t do it! They literally make money off your back and knowledge and they will keep stringing you along with promises
I’ve been using staffing agencies to supplement off seasons or lay offs. They pay more usually but without any benifits. So you see more on your check. They are an on call based system. First person to pick up and meet the needed credentials will be hired first. Similary so is the firing process from sights. One day you will be working and depending on the person in charge will give you a notice “hey work ends in about a week, let your office know” this way they can potentially have something lined up. Other times “no more work, good working with you” which will really fuck with your mental. Temp agency’s are a hit or miss. Even with the employees. Some know there shit. Some lied like a mofo. My advice . Use them to supplement not having work. You’re going to work there , not learn unless lucky.
I used a staffing firm to find my current job. I worked through them for about 6 months before getting permanently hired. It was one company the whole time, not jumping around to different gigs. I interviewed with the company before starting. Overall very easy for me, and I'm now in a service van and have a flexible schedule and reasonable pay.
It's important to know your actual experience and skill level and to not let yourself get lowballed. Be in the lookout for shady practices. You can also always continue to search on your own even as you let the firm find you work too.
Yes, staffing agencies take a cut from what the contractor pays, but thats not something you should worry about. Your hourly wage will be your wage, and arent being skimmed off what you agree on. Contractors are paying a premium for temp work, so thats taken into account. In my experience wages are still competitive with any other regular electrical company. Often I've spoken to the non temp guys from the contractor im working next to with similar experience and I make more. Of course the downside is that benefits aren't usually good.
Are you in Texas?
Oklahoma
Theres a ton of work dallas/ft worth if you need work soon the wages are good here as well