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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
