If you’ve never worked with a staffing or recruiting agency before, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the variety of services and work placements, as well as the jargon many recruiters and agencies use. Although you don’t need to be an expert, there are a few things you should know to help differentiate between agencies and find someone who will serve your individual needs. Benefits are often just as impactful as pay, so understanding what each agency (and position) offers is essential.
What to know:
Most agencies will hire you as a W-2 employee and provide some benefits, but this can vary depending on the agency and the nature of the position (short-term, duration-based positions may only receive core benefits such as healthcare). In addition to basics like healthcare, 401k, and paid time off, there are a lot of lesser-known benefits to consider. For example, Cinder offers all employees public transportation subsidies, education reimbursement, flex-spending accounts, and various insurance options. While not the same as money in your pocket, some of these benefits can be significant assets for you and your family, so be sure to research and compare.
What to ask:
- What are the healthcare options? What are my costs?
- What are the policies for paid time off, vacation, sick-time, and holiday pay?
- What other benefits do they offer?
*This content was originally written as a guest post on Mac’s list, available here.