How do employment agencies make their profits?

Question

I just started working for an employment agency. I want to work temporary to permanent (to be sure I like the environment and people). I am looking for legal secretary positions. When I push for a larger hourly rate, I usually get it, making me think the agency must be making alot of money from this. I am going on an interview on Thursday, and I was told to absolutely not discuss salary or benefits with the representatiave from that law firm. If I am to stay there past temporary then I want to be able to ask about reviews for merit raises and vacation/sick-day benefits. If I don't know this stuff, how do I know that I even want to work there? My objective is to find a permanent place, so I need to know some info about the temporary position. Thanks so much for any insight you can offer. I am new to this.

Answer 1

Here, asked and answered

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AoTc5vhRYqHa2yZ4S1pgSvHsy6IX?qid=20061012070641AA6yVrk

Good luck to you

Answer 2

If the firm is interviewing you for a full time position it is your right to discuss salary and benefits as well as merits and cost of living increases. You are correct in believing the temp service is making a good money on you ( if you make $7 they charge the firm $12-15) but they will argue that they have expenses, payroll taxes, insurances, etc. and that is how they pay them.
If, however, you are going for a interview for a TEMPORARY position, you need to abide by the agency rules and the agency will inform you of the negotiated pay rate. Your interview will inform you of your job duties and confirm your ability to perform the tasks such as court filing and document registry your good interview will help the Temp service sell your services at a better rate than you may have been able to negotiate. Many offices use this to defer cost on benefits because they actually will get 180 days or more out of you without paying benefits, workers comp, etc., the agency handles all of this and it is factored in to the rate the firm pays for you and for their services.
Temping is a great "backdoor" into a good job it is also a great way to walk away from a bad situation "no harm-no foul".
Hope this clears things up.

Answer 3

When you work thru a temp. agency.. you work for them.. Right? Your check comes from them. They make their money... so much an hour for every hour their employees work.