Job Advice

What Is Temp-to-Hire? How It Works (and If It’s Right for You)

Julie Johnson

Talent Acquisition Partner

May 18, 2026

You know that feeling when a job sounds great in the interview… and then week two hits and you realize it’s a totally different job? (Yikes!!)

Temp-to-hire is kind of the fix for that.

You get to actually work the job before either side commits instead of guessing or pretending that you can tell everything about a company from a 45-minute interview.

Here’s how it works, the honest pros and cons, and how to tell if it’s a good move for you right now.

What Is Temp-to-Hire?

Temp-to-hire (sometimes called contract-to-hire) is a job that starts out temporary with the intention of becoming permanent.

A staffing agency like That’s Good HR matches you with an employer. Then you work there for a set amount of time. Then everyone checks in on how it’s going usually about 3-6 months in.

Think of it as a working interview, except you get paid and it goes both ways. They’re seeing if you’re a fit. You’re seeing if they are too.

How Temp-to-Hire Works

To get the ball rolling, all you have to do is apply to any of temp-to-hire roles on our website. After that one of our recruiters will review your resume to see if you are a good fit.

If you’re a fit for what we (and our clients) are looking for, we’ll get in touch to find out a little more about you: what you’re good at, what you want next, and what you definitely don’t want. From there, we handle the whole interviewing process and match you with a company that fits your skills and goals.

Just to be clear: Once you start, you’re working at the company we hired you on behalf of, but technically you will be paid through That’s Good HR. That means you’re on our payroll during the temp period, with access to benefits like health insurance, holiday pay, vacation pay, and referral bonuses.

If you have any questions your recruiter will be there to check in with you regularly, or if something feels off, you have someone to talk to who isn’t your new boss.

When the end date arrives, everyone decides together. If it’s a great fit, you move to the company’s payroll as a permanent employee. If it’s not, or the role needs to stay temporary, we’ll work on your next step with you. You don’t just get dropped.

The Real Pros and Cons of Temp-to-Hire Work

Temp-to-hire jobs have some really great job benefits, like…

You get a trial run. You’ll know if you like the work, the team, and the commute before you sign on long-term.
It’s easier to switch fields. Employers are often more open to career changers when they get to see your work first.
You get paid and have benefits the whole time. You’re not job searching on empty.
Someone’s in your corner. Your recruiter can have the awkward conversations for you.
It’s free. Job seekers never, every pay us. Not for applying, interviewing, or onboarding, or anything!

There are a couple of drawbacks that we want to be honest about though, too:

A permanent position isn’t guaranteed. Business needs can change. That’s why having a recruiter already working on your next step matters.
Benefits may change at conversion. When you move to the company’s payroll, you’ll switch to their benefits package. Ask what it includes before the end date. (We can help with that!)

Is Temp-to-Hire Right for You?

Temp-to-Hire roles are going to be a great fit if you are:

Changing careers or trying a new industry
Getting back into the workforce after time away
New to Indy and still learning the local job market
Burned before by a job that wasn’t what it promised
Ready to work now while you find the right long-term fit

On the flip side, if you already know exactly what you want and have the experience to back it up, direct hire might be the faster route. One of our recruiters can help you figure out which one makes more sense.

FAQs About Temp-to-Hire Jobs

How long does a temp-to-hire assignment last?

Most temp-to-hire assignments run about three to six months, depending on the role and the employer. For context, the average staffing assignment of any kind lasts about 10 weeks, according to the American Staffing Association. Your recruiter will tell you the expected length before your first day, so you don’t have to guess.

Do temp-to-hire employees get benefits?

Yes. Through That’s Good HR, temp-to-hire employees have access to health insurance, holiday pay, vacation pay, and referral bonuses. Once you’re hired permanently, you will move to the employer’s benefits though.

Can I negotiate pay if/when I’m hired on permanently?

Often, yes. Conversion is a perfect time to talk about pay and benefits, and your recruiter can advocate for you so you don’t have to do it alone.

What happens if the job isn’t a good fit?

No sweat, really. Once your assignment ends on the agreed date, your recruiter can work with you on your next opportunity. It doesn’t mean the arrangement was a failure. It just gives us more information to find you a better fit next time.

Does it cost anything to work with a staffing agency?

Nope! Not at That’s Good HR. Our recruiting and hiring services are completely free for job seekers.

Ready to Test the Waters?

We place temp-to-hire roles across Indianapolis in HR, administrative, accounting and finance, customer service, and healthcare admin roles too!

Browse temp-to-hire jobs on our job board or submit your resume and one of our amazing recruiters will reach out if your experience matches an open role.

Hiring instead? Temp-to-hire works for employers too. Learn more here or call us at 317-469-4141.

HR Insights

Summer Temp Jobs May Be the Right Fit for You!

Kirstia Cropper

Operations Manager

May 11, 2022

Are you a teacher who wants to make a little extra income this summer? A new grad wanting to explore the Indy job scene? A student looking for internship credits? That’s Good HR has something for everyone with our summer temp jobs and temp-to-hire assignments. The summer months are the perfect time to try out a temporary assignment (or a few!) and get to know more about the thriving industries and top employers here in Indianapolis!

Temping as a teacher for the summer

As a teacher or school employee, one of the biggest perks is having your summers off. But whether you’re wanting to earn some extra cash or just getting bored, many teachers take on “gigs” during the summer. But you don’t have to take on the odd hours of driving for Uber or delivering for DoorDash. Temporary positions have an unfounded reputation for being entry-level or grunt work positions, but That’s Good HR has a number of temporary assignments in local offices and organizations that will allow you to maintain a full- or part-time job with dependable hours and great perks during your summer off.

And after the extreme stress of the past few school years, many educators are considering joining “The Big Quit,” and our temp jobs are the perfect chance to check out other industries to see if something else may be the perfect fit for your skill set. A temporary assignment could also reinvigorate your love for the classroom and teach you new skills to bring back to school this fall!

Trying summer temp jobs after graduation

Did you just graduate from college? Congratulations! If you are still looking for your first career — or want to explore your options before committing to a company — then a temp or temp-to-hire position may be the right fit for you. We work with many new grads to find the best assignments for their education and skills. Summer temp jobs can allow you to try out a variety of careers, and temp-to-hire can do the same, but with the added potential for full-time hiring at the end of your assignment.

As our previous client Jessica Jordan explained, “Being able to work in different fields has been wonderful, especially when I was first starting my career and figuring out what career path I wanted to take. With That’s Good HR, I have worked in healthcare, IT, retail and construction. The companies I worked with were great, and I really enjoyed my coworkers.”

Working a temp job as an internship

Our hiring specialists have also worked with current students to turn their temp job into an internship. Students can look specifically for temp assignments in our open jobs, and you’ll only have to apply once through That’s Good HR! Let us know about the specifics of your internship program/needs, and we’ll review your resume with all open temp positions in mind.

With permission from your college or professors, your internship credits can be signed off by our hiring specialists, and you’ll have all the benefits of a real-life temp assignment as your internship experience. Enjoy networking with local employers, work directly with a staffing specialist on your interview skills and learn more about the Indy job scene. And if you make a good impression at your temp assignment, there could be a good chance that they’ll keep you in mind for full-time positions once you graduate!

Are you ready to explore the local temp and temp-to-hire assignments available through That’s Good HR? Contact us today at 317-469-4141 to learn more or submit your resume!

Job Advice

Benefits of a Temp Job While Unemployed and Searching

Madison Schacht

November 23, 2021

Have you recently lost your job or left a toxic workplace? As you job hunt, you may be able to collect unemployment benefits, but the alternative of temporary work could be even more beneficial. Working with a staffing agency like That’s Good HR to find a temp job while unemployed and still searching may even help you find a permanent position quicker! Check out the many benefits to working a temp job while you continue your job search.

Continue building your resume and skillset

If your job search goes on for a longer period of time, some individuals may be nervous about a gap in their resume. Temporary work can help fill in that gap. The skills and experience you gain from a temp job while unemployed can also add some great new features to your resume. And the flexibility of temporary work means that you’ll still have time to take that shiny new resume on a job interview whenever you need to!

Learn more about your field (or a new one)

At That’s Good HR, we focus primarily on placements for job seekers in the fields of HR, administrative, customer service, healthcare and accounting. If you’re already building a career in one of these fields, then the experience you gain at a temp job while unemployed could be a great benefit to your future. But if you are looking for a new career field, temporary work can be the perfect way to explore your options. With available placements from a variety of local employers, you might just discover a passion for something new.

A temp job while unemployed could turn permanent

The staffing specialists at That’s Good HR can help you look for temp assignments, temp-to-hire arrangements and direct hire placements. A temp-to-hire position specifically could be the perfect fit for unemployed individuals still searching for something permanent. In this situation, we would match you with a local business for a set amount of time with an end date, which provides a natural time to assess the fit of the position for both parties.

If both you and your employer feel comfortable with the temp-to-hire job becoming permanent, then you would move onto their official payroll, etc. If for some reason the assignment is not working out, or it is in the company’s best interest to keep the position temporary, our staffing specialists will work with you to find a new placement.

Network with local employers

We’ve all heard the old adage “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” Well, working in a temp job while unemployed is the ultimate way to network with fellow Hoosiers. Your employers can see your work ethic and skill set first hand, and you can get to know coworkers and managers in a professional setting beyond the typical hour-long interview. These relationships are obviously beneficial if you apply for a permanent position within that organization, and if you move forward with a job search elsewhere, you’ll have a number of new references for your applications or LinkedIn profile.

Work directly with a staffing specialist

When you work with That’s Good HR, our staffing specialists truly care about you and have your best interest in mind during your search for either a temporary or permanent position. But you don’t just have to take our word for it. “I have really enjoyed working with my staffing specialist,” said recent candidate Jessica Jordan. “She has been so wonderful and thoughtful to work with. She listens to what I am looking for and has never pressured me to interview for a position I did not feel was a good fit. My happiness with an opportunity is equally important to her as the employer’s happiness.”

If you are ready to start your job search with That’s Good HR, you can submit your resume or contact us directly at 317-469-4141! We’d love to help you find the next step in your career.

Staffing

When is Sharing NOT Caring? When it Comes to Sickness…

Greta Cline

Partner, CFO/COO

November 12, 2019

It’s cold and flu season, which means germs and bacteria are EVERYWHERE. It’s important to keep yourself healthy. So how do you combat these germs?

Clean your desk! According to studies, more than 10 million germs can be found on the average work desk, which is 400 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. Totally gross, right? Use cleaning wipes to routinely wipe down your desk surface, phone, keyboard and mouse. Do you have a co-worker out sick? Wipe down their desk too!
Sharing is NOT caring! The saying goes “sharing is caring”, but not when it comes to illness. If you are feeling sick, don’t share coffee mugs or food with others.
Wash your hands! It’s the advice we have heard from parents and teachers hundreds of times over the years. But when washing your hands, make sure not to touch the soap dispenser. In a article from Cosmopolitan Magazine, it states that the University of Arizona found that a a fourth of office soap dispensers are contaminated with fecal bacteria. You’ve been warned!
Stay clear of the kitchen! The microwave, water cooler, and coffee pot handle could be plotting against you. Do you have to give up coffee? We, at TGHR would not suggest such a thing, but give it a wipe or use a paper towel to pour your coffee.

We hope you stay healthy during this cold and flu season! If you have an employee out with the flu, don’t stress and give us a call. We can send a temp even if it’s just for one day. We’ll supply the employee, you supply the cleaning wipes – teamwork!

Staffing

How to Get a Job Quickly After Graduation

Amber Crosby

May 9, 2019

Seven out of 10 college seniors will graduate with approximately $30,000 in student loans according to recent data from the Institute for College Access & Success. Even with this debt, college graduates and their families think college is a worthwhile investment – 90 percent of families think that according to lender Sallie May.

At That’s Good HR, we agree education is a solid investment, but Americans are now burdened more by college loans then credit card or auto debt. In addition, 1 in 3 graduates said their school loans prevented or delayed them from buying a home. Some innovative employers are even letting their employees trade vacation days in exchange for payment on their student loans since this type of debt impacts so many employees.

Graduates may be saddled with debt, but their job prospects are plentiful – which is good news. This year, employers plan to hire nearly 11 percent more graduates from the class of 2019 than they did from the class of 2018. But with student loans and a fast-moving job market, it’s more important than ever to get into a job quickly.

Often, upon graduation students are still thinking about what type of office environment would be the right fit for them. A temporary assignment in a chosen degree field allows prospective employees to assimilate into the workforce quickly and learn what type of office setting works best. Temporary assignments can last from a few days to months, allowing recent grads to rack up experience while finding their way. Entry-level customer service positions, human resources positions, accounting positions or admin roles are perfect for new graduates. A third of the time, we see temporary assignments turn into full-time positions. If the assignment ends, there is no need to worry, we can place hard-working candidates in another role quickly and seamlessly.

We would love to hear about your college experience and get you to work quickly to repay those loans! Reach out and we will let you know your options to get your career started. See all our open positions on our job board and apply today!

Staffing

Do you need a Staffing Firm? Don’t take our word for it…

Mary Springer

Partner

January 31, 2019

Why do businesses use temporary employees? According to the American Staffing Association, flexibility, speed, and access to talent are the top benefits to working with a staffing agency like That’s Good HR. Companies across the nation use staffing firms and it shows considering staffing employment hit an 11-year high in this month (January 2019).

It’s a candidate-driven market right now and many employers are finding it increasingly harder to find qualified candidates to fill open positions. As the BOSS Group’s blog points out, staffing agencies are the experts in finding qualified candidates. You know what – we agree! That’s Good HR employs a multi-targeted, multi-channel approach in order to continuously reach qualified candidates.

BOSS Group is not the only resource that thinks using a staffing firm is a good idea. The popular job board ZipRecruiter states that having the right staff is critical to a business’ success. Hiring a temporary employee gives a company the advantage of being able to “try before you buy”. You can bring an employee onto your team and make sure they are a good fit before committing to them in for the long run.

Team People also recommends “test-driving” an employee before hiring. They also point out that staffing companies have more resources to find high-level talent than most hiring managers do, which saves managers time and money. Who doesn’t need that?

Want to learn more? Reach out today and we would be happy to share our talent with you!

Customer Experiences

Candidate Profile: Liz Noel

October 8, 2018

When the company Liz Noel worked for ceased operations back in 2013, she was immediately thrust into the job market seeking new employment. Her previous experience included a multitude of administrative and office management skills and her positions had all been in the marketing arena including a production house and advertising agency. Thinking a staffing agency may be beneficial to her search, Liz checked out online reviews of multiple agencies. She liked what others had to say about That’s Good HR and decided to throw her hat into the ring by sending her resume to the office.

Her resume was received and reviewed by Lindsey Curtis, who Liz now refers to as her “go-to-gal”. Liz’s first assignment was in a new industry for her – an engineering firm. Liz describes herself as a “lifelong learner” so she was excited and energized about the new industry.

After completing her temporary assignment downtown covering part of a maternity leave, Liz had the opportunity to move to the north side and take on a long-term assignment. As she is a naturally curious person who enjoys talking with others, she decided to take the time and get to know several people in various departments at her new company, realizing everyone had something different to teach her. In addition, even though she was a temporary employee she was given the opportunity to participate in many company-provided training sessions, and she took advantage of these classes to increase her knowledge and advance her career skills.

Temporary assignments were appealing to Liz as it gave her a chance to learn so much every day, meet new people and be introduced to so many interesting industries. She now works at a local startup company, where she began as a temporary employee. At the beginning of the assignment, not only was she a temporary employee, but the person she reported to daily happened to also be a temporary employee. As the company grew, she has had the rare opportunity to work on multiple sides of the business, ranging from finance to marketing to technical support, before landing her current permanent role.

Liz loves meeting new people and clearly does not mind a challenge. Working with That’s Good HR has surpassed her expectations and she’s thrilled that she had Lindsey to shepherd her through every step of her journey. Liz thinks working on contract is a two-way street and the perfect way to ensure that you are good fit at the company, and that the company is a good fit for you too.

Her advice for new temporary employees is to keep an open mind, as you never know where a temporary assignment might lead. Liz is living proof of that!

Healthcare

What is the #1 Benefit for Job Seekers?

Greta Cline

Partner, CFO/COO

October 3, 2018

Unemployment has continued to be at an all-time low, which means the labor market is tight. Finding qualified candidates can be a challenge. It’s a simple case of supply and demand, less people looking for work means quality candidates have more options. There is one key benefit that top employees look for when considering a new opportunity. Good news – it’s a benefit offered by That’s Good HR so you don’t have to worry about providing it to temporary or contract employees.

According to a recent study conducted by Essential Staff Care (ESC), availability of affordable, usable health benefits is a core indicator of employee interest in a position, attitude and longevity on the job. In addition, 87% of temporary employees say medical benefits are their most desired perk when job searching. Employees enrolled in the healthcare insurance plan that we offer are also more likely to stay on the job almost 4 weeks longer than those who do not have this valuable option.

More than half of Americans hold less than $1,000 in savings, meaning that one illness or injury could result in significant financial hardship. Having the option to enroll in TGHR’s health insurance option helps alleviate financial stress and gives temporary employees an affordable healthcare option, with no added expense to our client companies.

Another benefit to our candidates? The plan rates – which are paid weekly – have remained unchanged since 2010. This is just one way we can show we are committed to our candidates and prove that we want to attract the highest caliber employees for our clients.

TGHR News

Employee on unexpected leave…now what?

Tiffany Moore

March 29, 2018

Having employees out, even it’s just for one day, can lead to undue stress on other employees. Not to mention, leave work unfinished and business unattended. Research shows that more than 10% of the workforce is on a qualified FMLA leave at any given time. Since it was signed into law more than two decades ago, 100 million employees have used this benefit.

There’s a simple solution if you find yourself with an employee unexpectedly out. Hire a temp through TGHR! Using temporary employees is a common solution. According to the American Staffing Association (ASA), staffing companies nationwide employed an average of 3.19 million temporary and contract workers per week in 2017. This is the third highest number of temp employees since right before the recession (2006). Temporary employees worked an average assignment of 10.7 weeks in 2017.

Temporary workers can work for as little as one day to cover your front desk or for a few months to run your payroll due to an extended leave of absence. At That’s Good HR, we’ve helped provide temporary workers for a one-day absence in a mail room or for a receptionist to cover a front desk for a day. We have provided temporary accountants for one week to three months and more. If you need HR support, a medical verification specialist or a customer service representative we have temps for those positions too.

Didn’t plan ahead? Not a problem. That’s why we are interviewing people daily so we can be ready for your call. We see this all the time and are happy to help in these times of need. Need a temp? Call us today!

HR Insights

Why You Need a Summer Temp

Mary Springer

Partner

March 16, 2017

The weather may be chilly, but it’s time to start thinking about warm weather—and your business forecast this summer. What challenges do you anticipate the next few months? Do you have new project or marketing initiatives that need tackled? Any employees out for lengthy trips or leaves? Or maybe you just need to get caught up on paperwork. Either way, now’s the time to work out solutions before these issues become real headaches. Hiring a summer temp may be just the solution to give your business a leg up for next year. Let’s chat about why you might need a staffing boost this summer.

Summer temps can tackle projects that get put on the back burner. We’ve all been there—work gets busy and tasks are set aside for when we “have more time.” Unfortunately that extra time doesn’t always come, or when it does, we’re busy with other things. It can feel like a never-ending cycle. Consider hiring a summer temp to dive into those lost projects getting you caught up and back on track.

Add a dose of fresh ideas and new eyes. Successful businesses learn and grow as the world changes, but thinking about your company in new ways can be difficult. After all, sometimes it’s hard to think “outside the box” when you’ve been in the box for so long. Adding a temporary team member to your mix may be the boost you need to gain brilliant insights into your next initiative.

Temporary hires can be groomed for future employment. Think of it as specialized on-the-job training that’s mutually beneficial. You mold a talented summer temp with tailored work experience while he/she grows in their skills and confidence, producing an outstanding potential long-term employee. It’s truly a win-win. This strategy can build lasting, loyal workers.

Summer temps alleviate the strain from staff vacations. Warm months are the most popular season for your employees to take time off. But those staffing shortages can stall workflow and productivity. Since many temporary hires are eager to work in the summer, seasonal temps can step in to fill these gaps and keep your business moving forward.

Right now is the best time to look ahead to the future and knock out your recruitment challenges. Working with staffing experts like That’s Good HR is a great way to find the right summer temp to keep your business running smoothly. Let’s get started! Contact us today!