Berks & Beyond Blog

A little perspective is a good thing.

As a staffing firm, we at Berks & Beyond try to learn all we can about your business and industry - because better understanding leads to better staffing results for your company. 

Today, I’d like to turn the tables.  Here are a few key facts and statistics, compiled by the American Staffing Association, that will help you better appreciate our business and the U.S. staffing industry:

• Number of workers.  America’s staffing companies match millions of people to millions of jobs - every day.  On an average day in 2008, U.S. staffing companies employed approximately 2.6 million workers.  All told, staffing firms hired an estimated 11.2 million temporary and contract employees in 2008 alone.
• Industry size.  In 2008, the staffing industry generated roughly $86.2 billion in sales:  $70.7 billion from temporary and contract staffing; $15.5 billion from search and direct placement.
• Number of U.S. staffing companies.  Approximately 6,000 staffing firms, operating roughly 20,000 offices, are currently operating and have been in business a year or longer.
• Areas of growth.  The fastest industry growth is occurring in professional and technical staffing.
• Factors affecting industry growth.  America’s work force is changing.  More people are looking for the flexibility that temporary work provides.  Additionally, employers are tapping into the flexible labor market to keep fully staffed during peak periods.

Want to learn more?

Visit the American Staffing Association’s website to view and download reference documents that provide current information about the U.S. staffing industry.  To learn more about the services and benefits Berks & Beyond offers, please visit our website.

Are you a temporary or contract employee?  Considering taking the plunge?  If so, here are a few key staffing statistics from the American Staffing Association you may find interesting:

• 2.66 million people are employed by staffing companies each day.
• 79% of staffing employees work full-time (virtually the same as the rest of the work force).
• 66% of staffing employees consider flexible work time important.
• 80% of staffing clients say staffing firms offer a good way to find people who can become permanent employees.
• 67% of staffing employees say that “choice of assignments” was an important factor in their job decision.
• 90% of staffing companies provide free training to their temporary and contract employees.
• 65% of staffing employees say they developed new or improved work skills while on assignment.

Want to learn more?

Visit the American Staffing Association’s website to learn more about the staffing industry, or for more employee staffing statistics.

What are your thoughts?

Flexibility.  Experience.  Choice of assignments.  Bridge to permanent employment.  These are just a few of the reasons millions of Americans - and thousands of Berks & Beyond employees - have chosen temporary and contract work.  What are the most important reasons to you?  Please leave your comments below, or contact us directly via our website.

Sure, it’s easy for us to tell you that Berks & Beyond is a great employer to work for.  That we listen to our candidates’ needs.  That we match them with rewarding opportunities at the area’s best employers.

But don’t just take our word for it.  Here are what some of our current employees have to say about their experiences with Berks & Beyond:

“As a first time user of Berks and Beyond Employment Services, I didn’t know what to expect!  Now that I have one of the best jobs in the valley, I wouldn’t choose any other staffing agency!  They have truly inspired my life, and have provided me a million and one opportunities to succeed!  Hands down, Berks & Beyond is the BEST employment agency in the Lehigh Valley!”
 
–Joyelle M. Brickhouse

“I would recommend Berks & Beyond to anyone I know who is seeking employment.  My experience working with Berks & Beyond has been great.  I had been laid off and searching work for awhile when a friend recommended B&B. I’m very glad I took their suggestion!  Everyone I have met in the office has been polite and helpful, especially Ms. Bonnetta Martin.

When I met with Bonnetta, she really took time to find out what my qualifications were, what my interests were, and she even assisted me in a much needed re-vamp of my resume to something more attractive to prospective employers.  It was clear to me by her courtesy and attention to detail that helping each person that steps into her office is important to her.  She was able to match me up with a great new job that was a good fit for me at a very stable company.  Working with Berks & Beyond has set me on the right path for success.  Thanks to Bonnetta and Berks & Beyond!”

–Kathy Wolf

“I can’t say enough about the Berks & Beyond team.  The staff is incredibly friendly, helpful and diligent.  They took the time to find me a position that not only meets my needs, but is highly enjoyable and fulfilling as well.  No more Sunday evening blahs for me – now I look forward to the work week and seeing what new challenges lay ahead!  Thank you, Berks & Beyond, for making me another one of your many success stories!”

–Deidra Mohn

“I was giving up looking for a job when a friend told me to go to Berks & Beyond, so I gave it one last chance and I was so glad I did.  They did not care about my age.  I was given a job and I love it.  I did not have to interview several times to get a job.  I would recommend Berks & Beyond to anyone looking for work.  The staff works with you if problems occur.  They answer your questions and concerns.  Berks & Beyond’s staff has made me very happy.  Thank you.”

–Nancy Kocher

Ready to Write Your Own Success Story?

Give us a try.  We’d like to match your skills, experience and interests with the perfect employment opportunity.  Visit our web site for more information, or contact a recruiter today.

Flexibility.  Extra income.  Work experience.  An avenue to direct employment.  The reasons people choose temporary work are as diverse as the assignments they select.

But whether you are looking to earn some extra cash, or are seeking full-time employment, here are several things you can do to make the most of temporary assignments: 

1. Dress the part.  You will fit in, perform, and feel better if you’re dressed appropriately for the type of work you’re doing.
2. Act as if the job is permanent.  Give your best effort on each assignment - you never know where it might lead.  If an employer is impressed with your performance, he can work with your staffing service to offer you direct employment.
3. Learn all you can.  Each assignment provides fresh opportunities to learn.  From practical job skills to industry-specific knowledge, capitalize on every chance to gain valuable skills and experience.
4. Test the waters.  If your career path is uncertain, temporary work affords you the ability to try out different jobs, at different companies, in varied industries.  Find out where you fit by accepting diverse assignments.
5. Network.  A temporary assignment puts you in a unique networking position.  While at work, you have the opportunity to interact and develop relationships with business colleagues whom you might not otherwise meet.  Leverage this “inside track” access by sharing your career interests and goals with managers you encounter on the job.
6. Communicate.  If you enjoyed an assignment and would like to work for the employer again once it’s over, say so.  Your staffing consultant and supervisor can look for additional opportunities for you to work in a different area of the company.  And if the assignment was not right for you, consider why.  Try to understand why the job or the employer didn’t meet your needs, so you can choose an assigment that’s a better fit the next time.

We want to help you get the most from your experiences as a Berks and Beyond temporary employee.  Please visit our website to learn more about the services, support, and resources we provide.

How many years of experience do you have?  What kind of work are you looking for?  How many hours per week are you available?

As a candidate registering for employment with a staffing service, you expect to answer questions like these during the interview process.  But did you know that you should also come prepared with your own list of questions?

Staffing and recruiting firms come in all shapes and sizes.  The range of services, niche specialties, industries served, employment policies and payroll schedules can vary greatly from company to company.  And logically, you’re more likely to find rewarding employment with a firm whose services match your needs.  So how do you choose the company that’s right for you?

Consider the following list of questions:

1. Who are some of your clients?
2. What industries and/or job assignments do you specialize in?
3. Do you charge any fees for finding me work?
4. What pay rate can I expect for my skills?
5. What is the best time / way to contact you, to check if there’s work available?
6. How / when will I be paid?
7. Do you offer any employee benefits?  Skills training?  Referral bonuses?
8. What happens if I show up for work, but the company doesn’t need me?
9. What is your overtime policy?
10. Will my job search be kept confidential?
11. If a company wants to hire me full-time, what is your policy?

Most reputable staffing services, like Berks and Beyond, have comprehensive web sites - including  FAQ pages - that provide answers to questions like these.  Still, it’s always best to ask for clarification of anything you do not understand.  So do your homework and come prepared to your interview with a list of your own questions.  Turn the tables, and get the answers you need to choose a staffing firm that’s the right fit for you.