Office Temp Work in Portland (how much, employment, tax)

[jgmedanth]

Hi,
Just moved here to do my dissertation research and need to make some extra money on the side to make ends meet (er, like everyone else!).
I was hoping to get some temp office work, but was unsure of the agency to call. Can anyone recommend an agency to call to get some temp/PT office work for a few months?
Thanks!

[Minervah]

My company uses "Today's Office Staffing" when they hire temps but from what I hear, temp jobs are not too plentiful. My friend worked for a temp agency for many years (sorry I can't recall the name) and had steady work up until six months ago. Then the two companies that had continued to ask for her told her they were cutting back and couldn't use her any longer.
I would start with this agency though, they are really nice to deal with.

[bliss61]

I really trust you, Minerva and think it kind of you to always want to help people on this forum.

As a knowledgeable businessman, like Minerva, I would recommend you get a business license and post services offered and/or jobs wanted.

I was in Portland from April through October and on Craigs List, as a QuickBooks bookkeeper to make a little extra money. The response was terrible and I am grateful I didn't need the money. I worked up there for $10. less per hour, than I can make in California, so maybe you can ask, "does that fit your budget?" Then be prepared to negotiate.

To compete, you might also say you are new to the area, trying to get established and are willing to work for a little less. How much did you have in mind?...you might ask.

So, if you do QuickBooks, post or Financial Services (can you work in a CPA's office during tax season?); if you write, post on writing services, etc.

I hope this helps.

[jgmedanth]

Thanks for both your suggestions! I will take a look at doing this, as well as call that company.
Any others want to chime in?
Thanks!!

[Rob Allen]

I just asked our receptionist and he was placed here by an agency called Adecco, and he knows of others from an agency called Randstadt. I haven't looked up either of these names yet, so I might not be spelling them right.

You may know about all of these already, but here are some possible places to look:
www.jobdango.com
www.portlandhelpwanted.com
www.oregonlive.com
www.localnewsdaily.com
www.wweek.com

[subsound]

2Degrees has always been a great office to work with, though I did more in Denver then I have in Portland...though I meet with them every month or so to stay in touch. They have very good openings, are great to work with, and don't dump you like other agencies do when they don't have something for you "right now".

[figmalt]

I've done a variety of temp work, and there are many, many temp agencies in the area. You should submit resumes to most of them so that you get on their lists. Most of the sites listed above (i.e. Oregon Jobs, Washington Jobs, Job and Employment Search Engine - Jobdango) have listings for these staffing agencies. A few more not previously listed are:
Kelly
Express Personnel
Manpower
Robert Half
Volt
Aerotech
AppleOne