How does a staffing agency orient new temps before their first day?

Begin by asking to see the materials. A good agency has something concrete: a welcome message, a checklist, a short video or an orientation session. Ask who delivers it and when. If it is a recruiter in a rush on the evening before, you will see the effect in no-shows and complaints.

Then look at what is covered. Does the temp learn the client site, the supervisor’s name, parking, dress, break rules and how to log hours? For some placements, safety and conduct matter most, so ask how those are explained and how the agency confirms the temp understood. Ask how the agency tailors the orientation to each client.

Finally, ask about follow-up. Does anyone check with the temp after the first shift or the first day? Does the client report back? Ask for a few recent examples of temps who had a poor first day, and what the agency learned. Talk with a few temps, if the seller allows it, about how prepared they felt. Ask for the feedback the agency gathers from temps themselves, since they can tell you what the orientation left out.

Key takeaways

• Ask to see the actual welcome message, checklist or session, and who delivers it.
• Check that site details, pay steps and contacts are covered for each client.
• Look for follow-up after the first shift, with feedback from both temp and client.
• Ask what temps themselves say the orientation left out.