Promotional Agency Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Promo Staffing - Promo Staff - Event Staffing
The most common frequently asked questions (FAQs) asked by candidates and organisations can be found on this page.
- Job Seekers FAQ
- Staff Agencies Services
- Temp Staffing And Recruitment Agency Services
- Current Contractors or Temp Employees FAQ
If your questions are not covered here or they are more specific, please do not hesitate to call PromoStaff us today. Our specialist promotions agency team will be glad to provide you with the right answer!
Job Seekers FAQ
What should I expect from a recruitment agency if I am short-listed for a role?
The recruitment starts with the submission of your resume. From there you can expect from a recruitment consultant if your skills and experience best match with a vacancy being recruited for. If you aren’t judged to be the most suitable candidate your resume will be retained in their candidate talent database to be matched with future employment opportunities. The Recruiter will then strive to meet you before presenting your application to their client. Through the client’s interview process you’ll be supported by the employment agency with meeting preparation, continued communication, constructive feedback and salary negotiation advice.
Can I just email my resume directly to recruitment companies?
Most larger recruitment companies use sophisticated databases to search for an identify candidates that match the needs of hirers. You need to register on recruitment agency websites in order for your resume to be uploaded into their talent database. Applying for jobs on jobs board such as Seek or Indeed does not necessarily mean you have been registered on their database so it is often worthwhile both applying directly for roles and also registering on a recruitment agency website. For PromoStaff you should complete your personal details and upload your resume here Find Work Of course, you may be asked by staff agencies on occasions to email your resume directly. Sometimes this is because they want your resume in a MS Word (or similar editable) format so that they can remove your contact details from your resume in order to forward it to recruiters.
What is the difference between a recruitment agency and employment agency?
The distinction between recruitment agencies and employment agencies was historically based on recruitment agencies only offering recruiting services where they would source candidates on behalf of recruiters who would then employ the candidates directly. In turn, employment agencies would offer temporary staff or contract staffing services where they would employ the candidate and then on-hire (or on-sell) the candidate to employers, charging a margin on top of the salary and direct employment costs. Most recruiters operate both services so the distinction is no longer as relevant as it may have been in the past.
As a candidate, do I have to pay for the services of a employment agency?
No the service is FREE! Almost all recruitment companies are paid by either employers or on some occasions the government to help unemployed candidates find work. Staff Agencies such as PromoStaff benefit that you register for work with them, as it makes it much easier to source fantastic talent on behalf of their clients who pay them for their service. Registering with staffing agencies is FREE and even if you are offered a role it is the clients of the recruitment agency who pays a fee for their services.
What does a employment agency do?
Employment Agencies operate on behalf of their clients the employers. Recruitment Companies are external service providers who source candidates for employers to employ directly. Recruitment Agencies also frequently offer temporary or contract staffing services where they on-hire (or 'on-sell') candidates, whom the recruitment company employs, to their clients.
What happens after you have applied for a job through a staff agency?
Recruitment consultants typically manage multiple jobs at once. Candidates resumes are reviewed and short-listed, selected candidates are interviewed by the recruiter and those candidates whom the recruiter believes are suitable for the role will then have their resumes forwarded on to the clients. If the client chooses to interview the candidate this will then be arranged via the recruitment consultant. Often there is testing and assessments, plus sometimes multiple rounds of interviews, before reference checking is conducted by the recruitment agency prior to an offer of employment being presented to the successful candidate. This process can sometime occur quickly, however on average takes between 4 - 6 weeks to take place. It is not usually after a candidate has accepted a role, and in some cases actually starts working, that staff agencies will then notify other applicants that they were unsuccessful in their application. Often no notifications are made, with all applicants made aware at the outset of the process that only successful applicants will be contacted by the recruitment company. Don’t despair as you can always call recruitment agencies to ask them about the status of your application and your resume is also usually kept on file in case another role that better suits your skills and background becomes available. You may also be added to a mailing list where you will receive notification about future roles that you can apply for.
What can I do to improve my resume?
At PromoStaff we offer you a Rapid Resume Builder as a FREE tool to generate a resume that you can then easily edit and update. Also once you have Registered For Work you will be setup with a FREE CareerController profile containing the career aspirations, personality compatibility and education and credentials we have extracted from your resume. You can easily update this profile and also output your profile as a resume with hundred of modern designs. Be mindful that we can only search on information with is accurate and up to date so please ensure you regularly log into CareerController to update your profile, even if you are working, so that we can match with current and future vacancies.
Why register with PromoStaff?
With PromoStaff you will be partnering with a promo staffing specialist. We understand the employment market and specific issues of our clients. When you register with PromoStaff you gain access to FREE CareerController tools to assist you manage your career. You will not only become a candidate for more than 11,000 jobs advertised on PromoStaff every year, but also be matched with and be able to apply for millions of jobs sourced via our affiliate network.
The easiest way to register with PromoStaff is to clicking Find Work. You can also apply for jobs that we list on our website. Make sure you have updated your resume before starting the register for work process.
Staff Agencies Services
What services do a recruitment agency offer?
Recruitment Agencies typically offer a large range of services to their clients, including:
- Executive Search or Headhunting – Executive search services involve the payment of a retainer and success-based placement fee for identifying and recruiting highly qualified candidates for senior-level and executive roles often from a particular industry.
- Permanent Recruitment – Recruitment Companies offer permanent recruitment services where they pre-screen candidates based on your particular skill, experience and background staffing requirements, who if successful in their interview, will be employed directly by the client. Fees for such service for PromoStaff are 10% of the agreed annual salary package which comes with a 3-month replacement guarantee.
- Fixed Term Recruitment – Recruitment Agencies offer fixed term recruitment services where we will pre-screen and supply suitable candidates who will become your employee for a fixed period of time. PromoStaff fees are based on 10% of the first year’s remuneration package which is applied pro-rata for the contract period up to a maximum of 12 months, with a minimum placement fee of $4,000 payable.
- Contract Staff – Recruitment Agencies provide contract recruitment services where they will supply pre-screened candidates who are registered as independent contractors and usually engaged on a day rate. Staffing Agency fees are based upon a percentage of the day rate that varies according to the period of the contract and agreed day rate.
- Temp Staff – Recruiters with temporary staff needs enter into an agreement with a temporary staff agency to fill jobs with appropriately expert staff. A temp staffing and recruitment agency, also known as a temp staff agency or temp agency, finds and retains experienced worker to send out on short or long-term assignments.
- Preferred Supplier Agreement (PSA) Recruitment Services – Recruiting Services are provided to a company on a pre-agreed fee schedule based on a the recruitment company receiving a large volume of work on an exclusive or semi-exclusive basis.
What are the duties of a recruitment consultant?
Good communication skills are critical to a role as a recruitment consultant. Much of a recruitment consultant's work involves utilising advanced interpersonal skills to build rapport separately with hirers and candidates, understand the needs and personality traits of both in order to determine whether there is a good match and then facilitate an interview process. Recruitment consultants assist recruiters to identify, select and recruit staff for their vacancies, and help individuals find and gain appropriate employment. Great marketing, sales and persuasion skills are critical to a job as a recruitment consultant. What does a recruitment consultant do? Recruitment consultants are also responsible for:
- interviewing and assessing prospective applicants and matching them with vacancies
- screening candidates and drawing up shortlists of candidates for clients to interview
- coordinating interviews
- creating and placing advertisements
- helping prepare applicants for interviews
- building relationships with clients
- negotiating employment contracts
- headhunting
The background and experience of recruitment consultants is varied with personal characteristics such as interpersonal skills, communication skills, confidence and initiative being the more common traits. For graduates, a degree in any discipline is acceptable for entry into the profession, although a qualification in a relevant subject such as human resources, marketing, psychology, business studies or management is beneficial. For specialist recruitment consultants, qualifications in IT, accountancy or engineering may be required. Key skills for recruitment consultants include:
- Verbal and written communication
- Good sales skills
- Drive & Determination
- Commercial awareness
- Advanced organisational skills
If you believe you have what it takes to be a fantastic recruitment consultant with PromoStaff visit our Career Contact Us Form and include a link to your LinkedIn profile. Join PromoStaff, one of the fastest growing recruitment agencies in Australia.
What sectors or industries do recruitment agencies operate in?
Each year recruitment agencies place hundreds of thousands of professional candidates into permanent and contract roles across a broad range of industries and job categories. These include:
- Accountancy & Finance
- Architecture
- Banking & Financial institutions
- Construction
- Digital Technology
- Engineering
- Executive Search
- Healthcare
- HR
- IT
- Legal
- Marketing
- Mining
- Office Support
- Oil & Gas
- Property
- Sales
- Supply Chain & Logistics
No matter what service you are seeking, give PromoStaff a call today so we can discuss your company's problems.
Do you staff agencies offer replacement guarantees if things don’t work out?
Absolutely! We do expect candidates we have sourced to be very well matched to the roles. PromoStaff does however guarantee to provide you with an alternative candidate for the same position if the original candidate departs or is dismissed within 3 months. In our experience 3 months provides plenty of time for a candidate to settle nicely into the role. In our experience it’s unusual for carefully recruited and well matched candidate to leave a position. Perhaps our clients’ high retention rate is because we spend so much time carefully matching candidate motivation, skills, aspirations, achievements and personality to your needs in order to source you the perfect candidate.
We have a PSA or PSL in operation. How can I use PromoStaff?
Over the years we have worked with many organisations where a Preferred Supplier List (PSL) or Preferred Supplier Agreement (PSA) is in place for hiring services which does not include PromoStaff. Typically PromoStaff is approached by employers who are struggling to find suitable candidates through their normal hiring partners. In this situation we always suggest that authority is first sort to work with PromoStaff. This may require us speaking to your commercial team so that agreement can be reached on commercial terms. We are happy to work with you to justify why PromoStaff should be engaged as your recruitment partner, whether it is on a one-off role or as an ongoing PSL or PSA employment partner. Whatever the scenario, if you need the best candidates give PromoStaff a call today so we can discuss your company's problems.
How does PromoStaff source the best promo staffing candidates?
After more than 11 years, PromoStaff has earned an Australia wide reputation from candidates for supporting their careers and matching them with roles from some of the largest, and also smallest, employers. With between 200 and 600 new registrations on our PromoStaff.com.au website every week, PromoStaff has a talent database of more 148,000 candidates looking to maximise their career success. Candidates are given FREE access to CareerController where they can manage job applications, see roles that match their requirements and update their profile with the latest aspirations, motivation and personality. We also have access to an affiliate network and jobs boards that provides us with access to millions of capable promo staff, event staffing or promo staffing candidates, whether your organisation requires contract, recruitment agencies or employment agencies staffing services. Call us today to discuss your organisation's needs to discover why PromoStaff has a reputation for service excellence as one of the top 9 staffing agencies in Australia.
How is PromoStaff different to other employment agencies?
We are consistently ranked in the top 7 staffing agencies in {{Country}} for our expertise, recruitment systems and hiring processes. Feedback from regular surveys of our clients and candidates is that our consistant delivery of service excellence stems from our focus on:
- Apply smarter staffing solutions that optimise employer and jobseekers outcomes
- Exceed customer expectations and add value at every interaction
- Quality, service and value will not be compromised
- Services expectations will be communicated, mutually agreed and continuously surpassed
- Innovation - I will embrace continuous learning. I will strive to continuously think outside the square.
- Excellence - I will strive to surpass the expectations of my colleagues and customers.
- Respect - I will treat all people with dignity and respect.
- Passion - I will aim to impact my passion onto my colleagues and clients.li>
- Teamwork - I will aim to build team work through sharing knowledge, valuing the insights of others and building on others ideas.
- Commitment - I will continuously demonstrate my commitment to myself, the company and the wider community to be the best I can be.
Contact PromoStaff to speak to a Consultant about your enterprise's employment needs.
What happens when I contact a recruitment agency?
Normally you will be asked about your organisation, your organisation's problems and your contact details. Role specific questions will also be asked regarding the preferred start date of the role, salary range, skills and experience requirements, working hours, interview preferences and the location. Usually the placement fee will be confirmed or hourly rate quoted on the phone for you to make a decision. This will also be confirmed via email along with a copy of the staff agency terms of business (TOB) outlining the conditions of their services. There is no obligation to use their services at this stage, whereby the onus is on the staffing agency to source fantastic candidates that meet your recruitment needs in order for them to be paid. Based upon your agreement to proceed with hiring a candidate or hiring temp staff, you we will be allocate the PromoStaff Consultant who will become your point of contact thereafter. If you have multiple roles, a primary PromoStaff Consultant will be appointed by PromoStaff who will liaise with other specialist consultants within the recruitment agency. Call PromoStaff today to outline your organisation's needs and find out more about how our services can assist you.
Temp Staffing And Recruitment Agency Services
How long does a temporary job last?
Short-term temp positions might last 1 day or up to 2 weeks. When the role continues longer than about 5 weeks, a temp staff agency would typically consider the role long term with an increased chance that it may lead to the candidate being offered a permanent role with the client (temp-to-perm).
Do temp staff sign an employment contract?
Yes. The temp staffing and recruitment agency employs you directly and will therefore expect you to sign an employment contract. Not only will the contract outline your employment status and conditions, it will also include certain restrictions regarding your ability to work directly for, and discussing your salary with, the operations that they introduce you to. When the temp staffing and recruitment agency send you on a role, you cannot accept any other temporary or permanent position with the organisation without going through the temp agency. Should the company want to hire you permanently, they will pay the temporary staff agency a certain amount to release you from your contract. Typically this is between 10% and 23% of the annual salary package that is offered to you.
How much money does a temp staffing and recruitment agency take?
The margin varies according to the temp pay rate and also the length and type of assignment. Often the client is aware of the margin and understands the premium they are paying for the employment agency service. For example, if a temp worker may be paid $30 per hour, the client for which they are working may actually be paying $40 per hour to the temp staff agency for their temporary staff services. Of the $10 differece, around 30% to 50% is likely to be attributed to direct employment costs (e.g. superannuation, payroll taxes and Workcover insurance) leaving around $5 per hour margin for the temping agency.
How long does it take to hire a temp?
Typically for temp roles the notice period from companies to a temp staffing and recruitment agency would typically 2 to 5 days. For some roles such as reception, nursing, laborers and teachers where a staff member is sick, organisations will often call a temping agency on the day that they require someone. For contract and more senior role typically recruiters would provide 14 to 30 days' notice in order to secure sufficiently talented and experienced staff.
Do recruitment employees get paid holidays?
No. You are casually employed by PromoStaff and receive a loading on your salary. You are not entitled to annual leave, sick leave or payment for public holidays.
How do temping agencies make their money?
Temp Agency make their money in different ways. They take a percentage of the recruitment or contact salary. They also charge a placement fee to their clients of between 13% and 21% of the annual salary for any roles that go from temp-to-perm.
Why do recruiters hire temporary employees?
Temping Agency can quickly provide your operation with skilled staff. Some common reasons enterprises hire temps are: employee annual leave or sickness, maternity or disability leave, staff sudden departure, unexpected or temporary demands, special projects, seasonal or peak periods or general employee shortages.
What is temp to perm?
‘Temp-to-perm’ is an industry terms for recruitment assignments that start as temporary, but could lead to being permanently employment by our client. We often offer this type of role. A company will us to find a candidate to fill a role temporarily, with an eye to possibly making them permanent if they are suitable. Often your salary expectations would be communicated to the client by your PromoStaff Consultant at the outset of the assignment. There is never any guarantee that that a recruitment role will go temp-to-perm and as a temp you are not obliged to accept a direct employment offer if one is made.
Current Contractors or Temp Employees FAQ
How much will I get paid?
The hourly rate is based on an agreed charge out rate with our client. PromoStaff will pay your salary, Superannuation, State Payroll Tax and Workcover and then make a small margin. This is agreed with your PromoStaff Consultant in advance of you accepting an assignment – including you having the right to specific your hourly salary and annual salary expectations (should there be an opportunity to switch to working directly for our client) - and generally doesn’t change unless the nature of the role changes or the assignment stretches over 12-months. If you believe the role you agreed to had changed please let us know. Your PromoStaff Consultant will be happy to look at rate increases if they are justified and we can secure agreement from our client. Remember your hourly rate is highly confidential (a condition of your employment) - as such you should only discuss it with your PromoStaff Consultant.
What happens if I am offered a role as a temp?
You will have already been interviewed by PromoStaff and also usually our client so you should already be aware of the hourly salary, location of the role and other details. In some cases where a role needs to be filled at short notice, a PromoStaff Recruitment Consultant will provide this information over the phone and then follow-up with an email. Please confirm your acceptance of the role via email. If you have not worked for PromoStaff you will receive a separate email inviting you to setup your bank, super, tax and personal details in our time-sheet payroll portal. Please ensure you do carefully do this, as you will thereafter be completing a weekly online time-sheet and paid on a fortnightly basis on every second Friday.
Will I get training as a temp?
You have normally been selected as you already possess the experience, achievements, personality and aspirations required to undertake the role. Our clients typically expect you to get up and running very quickly, particularly for short-term assignments or roles that don’t require much job specific systems or procured training. Even if you are a promo staffing expert, we understand that every organization has its own systems and processes. If there is no formal training program available, ask if there is a manual you can read, whether you can ‘shadow’ someone already undertaking the role or who is the best person to ask questions of. Not only do you want to feel comfortable and confident in your role as quickly as possible, but it is in your best interests to make yourself indispensable to your supervisor and our client as fast as you can!
Will I be interviewed for a temp or contact role?
The type and number of interviews varies for different assignments. You will always be interviewed by a PromoStaff Recruitment Consultant, who may undertake a preliminary screening prior to a more in-depth interview regarding your skills, aspirations, motivation, experience and general suitability for a specific role. Clients may elect to start you immediately on our advice (particularly for urgent short-term assignments) or undertake a phone interview. For medium to longer term assignments, you would normally attend 1 or 2 rounds of onsite face-to-face interviews with our clients, followed by reference checks.
How often do temps or contractors get paid?
You will be paid by PromoStaff every second Friday. This means you are paid on the Friday for work completed both the week prior and 2 weeks prior. You are effectively been paid 1 or 2 weeks in arrears based on your time-sheet been approved by your supervisor. You will receive a pay slip with monies transferred out of PromoStaff's bank account Friday AM and transferred into your account over the course of the Friday (usually early in the morning with most banks).
How is my super contribution paid?
You can nominate any approved super fund when you setup your PromoStaff Payroll Profile. We will make superannuation contributions to your nominated super fund every 3-months. If you have not nominated a super fund you will be setup with a super account with our default super fund SunSuper who you can call directly on 13 11 84. You will receive information from SunSuper once your accounts is setup following their receipt of a super contribution from PromoStaff on your behalf.
What happens on Day 1 of a temp assignment?
You should plan your route ensure you arrive at least 15 min early. Be well researched about the company (including reviewing their website), well briefed by your PromoStaff Recruitment Consultant and ensure you are calm and confident when arrive on Day 1. For most temp or contract roles you have already been selected because you already have the skills, achievements, motivation and aspirations to undertake the role. You are therefore expected to get up and running very quickly, demonstrating straight away that you are motivated, hard-working, proactive and conscience. Our clients do not want someone who needs to be ‘task-managed’ or who is asking obvious questions about tasks that have already been explained. Our client needs to feel like they couldn’t survive without you after a few hours. This not only ensures your temp role will continue, but also maximizes your chances of securing additional work from PromoStaff or even the chance of being offered a full-time role, if you interested, working directly for our client.
How do I manage my time-sheet as a temp or contractor?
You can update and ‘Save’ time-sheet every day, however only after you have finished working for a week (with Sunday being the last day) should you ‘Submit’ your time-sheet. Your time-sheet will then be sent automatically via email to your ‘Approver’ (usually your boss) to review and either ‘Approve’ or ‘Reject.’ Assuming the time-sheet is approved you will then be paid by PromoStaff on a fortnightly basis every second Friday. If the time-sheet is ‘Rejected’ you will be provided with a reason and have the opportunity to resubmit it. If you accidentally submit the time-sheet then please call PromoStaff today and we can reset the time-sheet for you.
Can I be setup as a contractor?
Yes. Let us know if you would be setup as a contractor. Your PromoStaff Consultant will ask you some more questions and also adjust your hourly rate upwards as you will be responsible for paying your own superannuation. You will otherwise be setup as a PAYG casual employee on an hourly rate.
Do I have to wear a suit every time?
If in doubt, yes! Your PromoStaff Consultant should tell you what the working environment is like. It is better to be more formally dressed, until you are better informed and can see the general level of presentation of your colleagues.
What if I am sick?
Call, email or SMS your PromoStaff Consultant by 8am so that they can inform the client and if necessary, find a replacement. If you have been working long-term in a Temp or Contract role is also advisable to let your supervisor know directly via email, SMS or a call. Remember sick leave is not paid.
Can I use my mobile phone?
Of course, but not on the client's time! Make sure you get a voice mail facility set up, then you can turn the phone off. Listen to your messages during breaks! Receiving or making personal calls should be kept to emergencies only (e.g. call regarding sick children at school or childcare), having ideally notified your supervisor in advance and left your phone on silence or Do Not Disturb.
What if I don't like the temp assignment?
Call your PromoStaff Consultant to discuss your concerns. Whether it be your supervisor, colleagues, the work or location, they are in the best position to sort any problems - no matter how trivial it may seem! On some occasions this may be a confidential conversation you are after. In some cases it is simply easier for your PromoStaff Consultant to raise a matter or concern on your behalf directly your supervisor (our client).
Do temps get holiday pay?
No. You are casually employed by PromoStaff and are not therefore entitled to holiday pay, sick leave or to be paid for public holidays.
What should I do if I have any safety concerns or I injure myself whilst working?
Your first priority is your personal safety so please remove yourself from danger – making sure you notify emergency services if necessary! Generally, if you are on assignment you should immediately notify your supervisor so that they can remedy the situation as quickly as possible. You should thereafter discuss the matter with your PromoStaff Consultant. Our priority is your safety so at no stage would we expect your personal safety, health or wellbeing to be at risk. If you believe you have not been effectively inducted, trained or supported on any matter to do with health or safety please also discuss your concerns with your supervisor and thereafter with your PromoStaff Consultant. Also, if you believe you lack the skills, qualification or experience to undertake your assignment in a safe manner it is also your responsibility to notify your supervisor and PromoStaff Consultant immediately! PromoStaff will ensure that, where relevant: The host employer provides a safe working environment supported with correct health and safety processes and training
- We will conduct a site-specific risk assessment
- You will receive specific information relating to the job
- You are provided by the host employer site specific induction
- You will receive a phone call from your PromoStaff Consultants on your first day with the host employer to ensure you are both happy in the role but also feel your personal safety and wellbeing is not jeopardized or at risk
- You will receive regular contact from your PromoStaff Consultant throughout the duration or your placement
- You will have the means to report any safety issue or injury to PromoStaff
What happens if I have a payroll question?
Firstly you can update and self-manage your own payroll profile. If you need to update your tax status, bank account details or super fund then please login into your PromoStaff Payroll Profile. If you have any concerns about your time-sheet approval please contact your PromoStaff Consultant. For issues with payment summaries, pay slips or the support of incorrect pay information please call PromoStaff and ask to be transferred to the Finance & Payroll Office. You can also submit any queries or concerns in the Payroll Contact Us Form and we will respond as quickly as possible. If you have any concerns or questions about your superannuation please contact your preferred fund directly. If you do not have a fund then please visit SunSuper or call 13 11 84.
Can I get time off?
Unless arranged in advance with your PromoStaff Consultant of you accepting a temp assignment, we would not expect you to need time off in short-term assignments (i.e. less than 4 weeks). If you are attending interviews for permanent jobs, they should be made outside of normal business hours where possible. Otherwise, always check with your PromoStaff Consultant first (not the client) no matter how little time off is needed so that we can liaise with our client.
Can I look for permanent work while I am temping?
Absolutely. Make sure your PromoStaff Consultant understands your needs, as we may be able to place you into a permanent position or even negotiate a temp-to-perm opportunity with the temp role you are currently working in.