[STRATEGY] STAFFING/TEMP/EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES These agencies offer three types of employment in a variety of fields: contract, contract to hire and direct hire. The lengths of assignments vary. You contact an agency and someone may meet with you, may review your resume, may interview you and may test your skills to match you with their openings. [CONS] A placement doesn't necessarily mean an ideal job at an ideal company. The work is not permanent so you may find that you go for periods without work. You may have to start at menial tasks. You need to adjust to a new work environment every time an assignment changes. [HELPFUL HINTS] Find an agency that specializes in the area or field of employment in which you are interested. Sign-up with more than one agency and be flexible with location, hours and duties. Be selective when accepting assignments, but also be aware that if you turn down too many offers you are likely to stop getting called. [PROS] 
Usually the services are free to job seekers; fees are paid by the employers. Agencies know about openings not advertised to the public. The job hunting is done by the agency, saving you time. You get the chance to "test the waters" at various companies and in types of positions with no long-term commitment. It gets your "foot in the door" and can lead to a permanent offer.