Why Temp Work?

Many people think of temp work as the additional-income refuge of artists, homemakers and the self-employed. But temporary employment can also help bridge the gap while you're job hunting, not only by providing income but also by keeping your skills and experience up-to-date. In addition, many Toronto temp agencies provide in-house training on things like computer programs and workplace safety, which can make you more employable overall.
For those looking for a career change, short-term contract work will allow you to try out new jobs while you build new skills and gain experience.


If you're one of those people who is easily bored and simply likes to change jobs often, having an employment agency looking for your next contract can save you valuable time in-between gigs.

Finally of course, there is the opportunity for anyone to pick up extra income by working during their off-hours. So if you're job hunting, changing careers, or just want some extra cash, here are some of the temp agencies in Toronto that can help you reach your goals.

General Temp Agencies in Toronto

Adecco Canada
Adecco deals in all industries, but the majority of opportunities are a wide array of office jobs. Adecco also provides testing and training opportunities, and deals in permanent placements. Numerous Adecco branches serve Southern Ontario, including offices in Toronto Centre, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Downsview, Brampton, and Mississauga East and West. Visit the website to search jobs online and find the contact information for the branch nearest you.
Drake International - Canada
Drake covers all industries, hiring for both temporary and permanent positions.

You can search jobs online, and if you register you can create an email alert to let you know when a job matching your criteria is posted. You can also submit your resume online once you register, or contact one of the branches in Toronto, Toronto West, Scarborough or Mississauga.

Manpower Canada
A well-known name in employment agencies, Manpower covers all sorts of industries and skill-levels with branches in Scarborough, downtown Toronto and Mississauga. As usual, you can search jobs online (I recommend going straight to the Advanced Search), but registering will allow you to save searches and submit your resume electronically so Manpower's agents can do the searching for you. The only training available is online, but Manpower offers a number of other benefits.

The People Bank
While TPB technically deals in all industries and skill levels, it's actually part of a group of HR companies that each have a more specific focus but also tend to overlap. If you don't find jobs of interest when you first search on the People Bank, use the collection of icons on every page of their site to see what one of the other companies has to offer (AIMCO, for example, has a more industrial focus). When you find the company in this little HR family that's right for you, you can email or fax in your resume.

Specialized Toronto Temp Agencies

altis Human Resrouces
altisHR deals in administrative support, finance, IT and what they call "Specialized Professionals". These are not entry-level jobs, but if you're an experienced administrator looking for a temporary contract or a new permanent position, altisHR is a great place to start your search. They have offices in Toronto, North York and Mississauga that serve the GTA. Submit your resume online, or use the website to contact your nearest branch.
Nasco Staffing Solutions
Nasco hires for special event work only, which still involves a wide variety of employment opportunities. They list job types online, but you'll have to register to be considered for any specific work opportunities.
Nasco Ontario/Quebec Office
250 The Esplanade, Suite 300
Tel: 416 653-2560

Accountemps
As the name suggests, Accountemps deals in financial services. If you've got skills in areas such as bookkeeping, payroll, billing, collections or accounting, one of Accountemps numerous GTA offices might have just the right temporary work placement for you.

Ajilon Consulting
Ajilon offers both permanent and temporary contract work to IT professionals. You can browse jobs online and register on the website to submit your resume.
Toronto and International Division Office
10 Bay Street, 7th Floor
Tel: (416) 367-2020

Benefits of Registration

Although most temp agencies have a way for you to search jobs online without registering, submitting your resume and getting yourself on the agency roster ahead of time will streamline the hiring process when something comes along that you're interested in. It may also mean getting called for jobs that need to be filled quickly -- so quickly they never make it to the online lists.
Nearly all agencies have some form of career development programs available to registered job seekers, and will often provide skill testing. The testing lets them know what you're qualified for, but it can also provide you with a road map of what to work on to improve your employability. And that alone can make finding a good temp agency a worthwhile part of many career paths.