Listing temporary staffing agencies on a resume requires a strategic approach to showcase the experience gained while working for them. Typically, the agency itself isn’t listed as an employer. Instead, the actual companies where work was performed through the agency should be highlighted. For example, if someone worked at “Company A” through “Temp Agency X,” the resume should list “Company A” as the employer. The dates of employment should reflect the duration of the assignment at “Company A.” Within the description of the role at “Company A,” the role of the staffing agency can be subtly acknowledged, such as by mentioning project-based work or a temporary assignment. This clearly presents the work history while avoiding potential confusion for hiring managers.
This method offers several advantages. It emphasizes the skills and experience acquired at each assignment, directly relevant to the job seeker’s qualifications. It also streamlines the resume, presenting a clear and concise work history. Historically, job seekers sometimes listed temporary agencies as their primary employers. However, as the use of temporary staffing has become increasingly common, the focus has shifted toward showcasing the specific experiences gained at client companies. This shift reflects a greater emphasis on the value of skills and accomplishments over simply listing employment arrangements.