CONGRATULATIONS, you have been offered a job through your local staffing agency! You are now gainfully employed as an employee of the staffing agency. What happens next?
Staffing agency hiring procedures really aren’t much different than most companies, except that you will be working at a location that could change in the future. An important note here … even if your assignment (i.e., the client location or role at the client) changes through your staffing agency, you are still the employee of the staffing agency, and when, by whom, and how you are paid will not change. You now need to get prepared for your employment with the staffing agency and your assignment where you have agreed to work. This will most likely include an orientation, which we will walk you through.
I-9 Compliance
Any job you (legally, not ‘under the table’) take will require you to meet I-9 compliance, which demonstrates that you are legally allowed to work in the U.S. You can ask the staffing agency ahead of time what forms of ID they require, or you can visit www.uscis.gov.
- If you have a valid passport, you only need to bring that one form of ID, otherwise you have to pick an item from each of List A and List B shown on Form I-9. An example, and the most common, from List A would be a state photo ID, such as a driver’s license, temporary driving permit, or state-issued ID. The most common choices from List B are either your Social Security card or an original birth certificate. Photocopies of any of these documents are **not** allowed, and your state-issued ID has to be valid (not expired). If you have any questions, you should ask your staffing agency ahead of your orientation.
How Will You Get Paid?
Before you even start looking for work, you should look to set up a bank account or register with a pay app. Many companies (including Shannon Staffing) pay by direct deposit and if you already have an account or pay app, you will not have to delay your orientation while establishing one.
- When you open an account, the bank will typically give you information regarding your account, including a direct deposit form. If you don’t have the direct deposit form, you can either use a check, or stop by the bank and ask for their form. Most pay apps have a screen that contains the account and routing number of the account. Ask your contact at the staffing agency if you can send a screen shot of this to their email for proof of the account information. If your staffing agency gives the option of printed checks or providing you with a pay card, those may be options you wish to utilize as well. No matter where you are on assignment through the agency, they are your employer and will be the ones to process your payroll. It is OK to ask how often you are paid and when you will receive your first paycheck.
Details of the Work Assignment
During your orientation you should be provided information regarding your work assignment. This information will include where you are going (both the name and address), your pay, your shift hours, dress code, and any other information they (or the client) feel is pertinent. If there is information you feel is missing, you should definitely ask.
- Everyone would like a smooth start to the assignment. A couple of common questions are “where should I park?” and “which entry door should I use?” You should also try to find out the name of either your supervisor or at least the person you will ask for on the first day. Each company of placement has their own system of tracking hours worked, so you should make sure you understand either the time cards you have to fill out or the company’s time tracking system. It’s important that your time worked is always accurate and turned in on-time, in order to be paid when you should be. Always keep in communication with your staffing agency should you have any issues or feel there is a discrepancy.
Test the Drive
Lastly, to feel 100% prepared for your first day on assignment, do a test run of the commute! Drive from your house to the place you will be working. This will help you predict how much time you will need daily (and make sure to keep in mind if you plan on stopping for food or coffee, or know alternate routes should there be an accident).
- It’s always better to leave a little room for delays and be early every day, than to be late if something holds you up. You can then also look at the facility and figure out which entrance and parking area you were told to use. It is not recommended that you enter the building until your first day of work, as the agency and their contact there may not have discussed you starting yet. Only do so, if you are advised.
Ask Any Remaining Questions
It is always best to ask questions than to make assumptions, and this is especially true for starting a new job. Save your staffing agency’s name, contacts, and phone number to your mobile phone and make sure your emergency contact has this information as well. If you have any questions between the date of your orientation and when you start work, make sure you reach out to your staffing agency for answers, so that you are as comfortable as possible with your first day. Remember a great first impression is important and these assignments can often be temp-to-hire (converting you into a regular employee of the client).
Have great attendance, show an even better work ethic, get along with your co-workers, and ask questions … as a result, you could have a long and profitable career at your new place of employment!
(written by: Crystal)