You've just been offered a position for employment through a temp agency, but you think the salary is too low. What should you do? First, you should understand the pay structure with a temp agency. Typically, temp agencies charge clients a flat rate per hour for an employee. The amount depends on the experience and education required, and the type of position. The agency keeps a percentage of that fee, which is generally 25 to 50 percent. Your ability to negotiate salary terms depends highly on how much you are needed or how valuable you could be to the client.
Step 1
Research salary information on the position you have been given an offer on. Check with the Bureau of Labor Statistics on salaries and benefits. Contract employees often receive a premium salary because they are considered experts in their field. If the agency is already offering a high salary, you may not be able to negotiate higher terms.
Step 2
Ask the agency exactly how much it charges the client for your services. If you can't get it to tell you, check with the human resources department or assume the agency charges the industry standard. Fees usually depend on the experience and education required for the position. Agencies charge higher rates for skilled professionals than for entry-level workers.
Step 3
Update your resume to highlight any skills you have that the job requires. Providing the agency with an old resume will not help you with current salary negotiations.
Step 4
Schedule a meeting with the agency. Explain you have questions concerning a job offer.Most agencies will negotiate to a certain degree because they benefit from placing someone into the position, as opposed to not placing anyone at all.
Step 5
Attend the meeting and present all of the information you have gathered. Explain why you need the higher salary. For example, point out that the temporary position will leave you without benefits, and you need the additional funds to purchase health insurance, among other things. The agency may counter with an offer lower than your request but still higher than the original offer. You may either accept the higher offer, continue to plead your case or, as a last resort, simply look for another gig.
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Writer Bio
Based in Atlanta, Melody Dawn has been writing business articles and blogs since 2004. Her work has appeared in the "Gainesville Times," "Player's Press" and "USA Today." She is also skilled in writing product descriptions and marketing materials. Dawn holds a Master of Business from Brenau University.