Unemployment and temp agencies

[Nikia]

I have a permanent job, which I'd rather not have. It is becoming apparent that since I don't have a good network in this area to help get me a job or the perfect resume, that if I want to work for a good company, temping might be the route to go.
If I were to take a temp assignment that may or may not turn into a permanent position, could I expect to get unemployment if it didn't turn permanent? Would I be expected to take any assignment with the temp agency even if it meant a long commute or moving?

[eyesroll]

1. I believe you can make an unemployment claim up to 18 months after

leaving a job (assuming you left that job for claimable reasons), even if you've had other jobs in the interim.

As for accepting an offer from the agency -- no, you don't have to take everything that comes your way, and they'd never ask you to move. I think you can also say how far you're willing to drive. I temped for two summers, and occasionally turned down a weird assignment -- "this one's from 4 pm until 11 pm today, then again at 4 am the next day, 90 miles from here, so we'll give you a $10 bonus for gas..." If you turn down too many, the agency probably won't call you back, but they do understand. (A lot of people are signed up with more than one agency.)

Good luck!

[Nikia]

2. Is quitting for a temp job a claimable reason?

Or would I have to claim that my current job was bad for my health? That might be true.

[philosophie_en_rose]

3. Check out your state Unemployment website.

It should list the reasons for quitting that are covered by termination.

[bliss_eternal]

4. Be careful w/temp agencies, too...

I'm not sure how to research them, but there are some that aren't as above board and honest as you would expect.

Many, many years ago, I was on hiatus from college having taken a leave of absence. I was seeking full time work, and had turned to temp agencies. A few times I got calls from places I had never applied. :wow:

Being very young, and more than a little naive about the 'corporate world'. On the phone, I was given a line of bull about my resume crossing their desk, and them having a great opportunity for 'someone like me.'

At the time, I didn't have a car, and was on the bus many hours a day, applying places and interviewing. This situation happened to me twice, and was usually a HUGE waste of time. I was told I was interviewing for a position, when the reality was, I was just there to help a temp recruiter, fulfill her quota of applicants.

I know you are probably WAAAAY smarter than I was then, just a warning that some don't have YOUR best interest at heart--in terms of helping YOU find work. Some are more about helping themselves fill quotas--so THEY can get paid.

I saw an expose on a news magazine show about this very thing. Really pissed me off, but at least I found out that what happened to me was indeed wrong, and unscrupulous.

Sorry for the length...