Temp agencies offer a fast route into paid work across retail, hospitality, and industrial roles, giving people with little or no experience flexible shifts and quick earnings. Yet many jobseekers feel unsure about complex registrations, unclear pay, how applications are reviewed, or whether a short CV will be overlooked.
Understanding how temp agencies work in the UK
The basics: what agencies do and how they’re paid
Temp agencies connect people who want work with companies that need extra hands, often at short notice. You’ll see plenty of roles across warehousing, logistics, events, retail and hospitality because demand in these sectors can rise and fall quickly.
Importantly, agencies are paid by employers, not by jobseekers. You shouldn’t be charged to register, attend interviews, be added to a database, or be sent to a shift. If you’re ever asked for a fee, that’s a red flag.
How the process works
Most agencies follow a straightforward process:
- Registration and checks: Complete an online form or visit a branch. You’ll need right to work documents (passport or share code and visa if applicable), proof of address, and your National Insurance number. Some agencies run skills assessments or basic tests.
- Matching and offers: Coordinators match your skills and availability to open shifts. Sometimes it’s first come, first served; other times they shortlist and call top matches.
- Placement and support: You’ll receive shift details (location, rate, hours, uniform or PPE). After you complete the shift, you submit a timesheet or approval via app for payment.
Your rights under Agency Workers Regulations (AWR)
Know your rights. After 12 weeks in the same role with the same hirer, you’re entitled to equal treatment on pay and basic working conditions as permanent staff doing the same role. You’re also entitled to holiday pay from day one. If anything is unclear — breaks, pay rates, holiday accrual — ask the agency to confirm in writing before you start.
Types of roles you’ll find
You don’t need a long work history to get started. Many entry-level roles focus on attitude and reliability. Others ask for specific training or certificates.
| Role type | Typical duties | What helps you stand out |
|---|---|---|
| Warehouse operative | Picking, packing, loading, stock counts | Good timekeeping, fitness for manual work, familiarity with scanners |
| Hospitality (kitchen porter, waiter/waitress, bar staff) | Dishwashing, food prep, serving, till work | Food hygiene awareness, customer service skills, ability to handle busy shifts |
| Retail assistant | Stock replenishment, tills, customer support | Cash handling, stockroom experience, flexible hours |
| Specialist roles | FLT driver, event crew, housekeeping | Certificates (e.g. forklift licence), safety awareness, references |
Flexibility and control
Many agencies now give you control over when and where you work — ideal for students, parents, and anyone balancing multiple commitments. Tech-led services such as Indeed Flex have made this even smoother by listing verified shifts with clear pay and role details, so you can book work that fits your schedule without long back-and-forth calls.
Preparing your application: temp agency CV tips and what agencies actually want to see
Keep it short and focused
Agencies are matching workers to shifts quickly. They want clear, relevant information at a glance. Aim for one to two pages. Use simple headings (Summary, Skills, Experience, Education, Certifications) and make your availability obvious — days, nights, weekends, locations you can reach on a regular basis.
No experience? Lead with transferable strengths
If you’re new to work or changing direction, highlight what proves you can show up, learn fast, and work well with others:
- Teamwork from sports, clubs, or group projects
- Customer service from volunteering or community roles
- Time management from studies or caring responsibilities
- Physical stamina from manual tasks, athletics, or hobbies
For detailed ideas on how to present this effectively, see these CV tips for warehouse roles.
List relevant certificates and training
Even short or informal courses can help you stand out: food hygiene, health and safety awareness, first aid, manual handling, forklift licence, responsible alcohol service. Add expiry dates where relevant.
Make your CV ATS-friendly
Some agencies use applicant tracking systems. Keep formatting clean:
- Use standard fonts (Arial, Calibri) and plain headings
- Avoid text boxes, graphics or columns that can confuse parsing
- Include keywords from job ads (e.g. ‘stock replenishment’, ‘cash handling’, ‘warehouse operative’)
Tailor for the sector
Hospitality: emphasise customer-facing experience, calm under pressure, closing late, or split shifts.
Industrial/warehouse: show reliability, punctuality, ability to lift and follow safety rules, and any equipment you’ve used.
Retail: customer service, POS systems, stock rotation, accurate cashing up.
Be clear about availability and travel
Spell out your preferred shifts (e.g. early mornings, nights), areas you can reach, and any restrictions (exams, childcare, existing commitments). Clarity prevents mismatches and shows you respect everyone’s time.
Polish your online presence
A simple, up-to-date LinkedIn profile that matches your CV helps recruiters verify your details. Use a professional photo, a short headline (‘Warehouse operative | Night shifts | FLT licence’) and list your certs. Engage with sector-related posts to raise visibility.
Registering with agencies: what to expect and how to stand out
Gather documents before you apply
To prevent delays, line up:
- Right to work proof (passport, or share code with visa)
- National Insurance number
- Proof of address (recent utility bill or bank statement)
- Any certificates (food hygiene, FLT, first aid)
- Bank details for payment
Treat the registration interview like a job interview
Even if it’s short or online, it matters. Dress neatly, show up on time, and bring energy. Be ready with examples that show reliability and initiative using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). For instance: “On a busy event shift (Situation), we were short-staffed (Task). I rearranged the prep area and supported front-of-house (Action), so we cleared the queue and met service times (Result).”
What recruiters look for
For many entry-level temp jobs, soft skills matter as much as experience: good communication, enthusiasm, problem-solving, teamwork, and a can-do approach. Learn what screens you in (and out) from this recruiter-backed guide: what recruiters look for and how to stand out.
Ask smart questions
You’ll come across as switched-on if you ask:
- What are the common shift patterns and locations?
- What are typical employer expectations on the first day?
- How do you handle holiday pay and timesheets?
- How can I become a go-to worker for repeat bookings?
Be honest about gaps or limits
If you’ve been out of work or can’t do heavy lifting, say so. Agencies can only place you reliably if they understand your situation. Honesty builds trust — and better matches.
Follow up without pestering
A short message a day or two after registration keeps you visible:
Subject: Availability and next steps
Hello [Name], thanks for meeting me on [date]. I’m available for [days/shifts/locations] and keen on [roles]. Please let me know if anything suitable comes up. Thanks again, [Your name].
Maximising your chances: temp agency job tips for getting selected
Show you’re easy to place
Agencies prioritise workers who are dependable, flexible, and responsive. Demonstrate that you’re ready to go and comfortable with a mix of shifts, at the start, while you build a track record.
Say yes to varied shifts early on
Opening yourself to early starts, evenings, weekends or last-minute gaps can fast-track your bookings. Once you’ve built trust, you’ll get first pick of the shifts you prefer.
Respond fast to offers
Coordinators often contact several candidates at once. The first person to accept typically gets the slot. Enable notifications and check your messages regularly. On tech-led services such as Indeed Flex, accepting in-app quickly can make the difference between securing a shift and missing out.
Build a reputation that gets you rebooked
Turn up early, meet the brief, and finish strong. If something genuine stops you attending, tell your agency immediately. One no-show can follow you around; one glowing review can open doors.
Ask for feedback
A quick “How did I do?” after your first few shifts shows you care and helps you improve. It also keeps you on your coordinator’s radar for better-paying or long-term roles.
Understand ratings and references
Some platforms allow employers and workers to rate each other. Consistently strong ratings can unlock premium shifts. Keep a simple log of supervisors who can vouch for you for future applications.
Stay connected with your coordinator
Let your agency contact know when your availability changes, if you’ve gained new skills, or if you enjoyed a particular workplace. A friendly, professional relationship often leads to first refusal on new roles.
Register with more than one agency—carefully
It’s fine to widen your net, but never double-book. Keep a simple calendar, decline clashes early, and protect your reputation with every agency.
For first-hand tips on becoming a familiar, trusted face who gets regular work, read this practical piece: how to survive the world of temping.
Navigating your first shifts and turning temp work into long-term opportunities
Treat every shift like an extended interview
Managers notice who turns up early, listens well, and pitches in. Bring any required kit (ID, safety boots, uniform), learn names, and offer help once your tasks are done.
Showcase soft skills on the job
Adaptability: settle in quickly, absorb new processes, and switch tasks when asked
Communication: confirm priorities, update progress, and flag issues early
Teamwork: support colleagues and respect established routines
Problem-solving: if something isn’t working, suggest a fix and ask for a quick check
Know how you’ll be paid
Before you accept, ask for confirmation of:
- Hourly rate and when you’ll be paid (many agencies pay weekly)
- Holiday pay—how it accrues and how it’s paid
- Breaks—paid or unpaid
- Timesheet or app approval deadlines
Keep your own record of dates, hours worked, and locations so you can verify payments. If anything is off, raise it promptly and politely.
Signal your interest in staying longer
Many companies use temporary shifts to find people they’d like to hire permanently. If you’d consider a longer stint, tell both the on-site manager and your agency. Show up consistently and learn the workplace quirks; it strengthens your case.
For guidance on how to make the most of these chances, including networking on-site and demonstrating value, see this step-by-step advice on how to turn a temp role into a permanent job: turn a temp role into a permanent job.
Capture your wins for your CV
After each assignment, note down what you did, tools you used, any targets you hit, and positive feedback received. These snippets make it easy to update your CV and LinkedIn with specific, credible achievements.
Common mistakes to avoid when working with temp agencies
Application pitfalls
A generic or error-filled CV: agencies skim quickly; sloppy CVs get skipped
Not tailoring to the sector: highlight what’s relevant to the role advertised
Vague availability: unclear or shifting commitments make scheduling hard
Process missteps
Skimming job details: applying for roles you can’t do or can’t reach wastes time
Going quiet after registration: nudge the agency — briefly and professionally
Ignoring messages or declining without explanation: coordinators remember who’s responsive and reliable
On-the-job errors
Lateness, poor dress, or missing kit: it reflects on you and your agency
Not asking questions: clarify duties, safety rules, and breaks upfront
No feedback loop: ask for a quick review and request a reference where appropriate
Recruiters regularly report the same turn-offs — poor preparation, no research, and generic applications. Learn exactly what to avoid here: what recruiters look for and how to stand out.
Benefits of temp agencies for jobseekers: why this route works
Speed, access, and less admin
Agencies can place you fast — often within days once checks are done. They handle much of the admin, freeing you to focus on doing the job well. For a deeper dive into how this supports your search, see why working with a staffing agency can speed up your job search: why working with a staffing agency can speed up your job search.
Opportunities for all experience levels
No experience? Plenty of entry-level shifts in warehousing, hospitality, and retail prioritise attitude and reliability. Short-term roles let you build skills and gather references quickly.
Flexibility that fits your life
Control when and where you work — perfect if you’re studying, parenting, or running a side project. Tech-led platforms such as Indeed Flex make this practical with immediate and clear shift details, pay rates, and worker ratings that help you access more shifts you want.
Exposure and insight
Temping is a low-pressure way to explore different workplaces and find a good fit. Agencies also share what’s in demand and which skills are trending, helping you plan what to learn next. For context on how employers manage fluctuating demand (and why that creates opportunities for temps), read this overview: recruitment strategies for fluctuating demand.
Pathways to permanent work
Many temp roles turn into permanent offers once you’ve shown up consistently and proven your value. If that’s your goal, make it known early, keep your standards high, and ask your coordinator how others have made the jump at the same site.
Frequently asked questions about getting hired by temp agencies
Do temp agencies charge jobseekers fees?
No. UK agencies are paid by employers. It’s unlawful for an agency to charge you for finding work or registering.
How quickly can I start working after registering?
If demand is high and your documents are in order, you could be offered shifts within days. Right to work checks must be completed first.
What if I have no experience?
Plenty of temp roles don’t require it. Agencies value reliability, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn—especially in warehousing, hospitality, and retail.
Can I work for multiple agencies at once?
Yes. It can increase opportunities. Keep a clear calendar and avoid double-booking.
What are my rights as a temp worker?
Under the Agency Workers Regulations, after 12 weeks in the same role with the same hirer, you’re entitled to equal pay and the same basic working conditions as permanent staff in the same role. You’re also entitled to holiday pay from day one.
How do I get paid, and when?
Most agencies pay weekly via bank transfer. Confirm pay rates, holiday pay, and payment schedule before you accept a shift.
What happens if I can’t attend a shift I’ve accepted?
Tell your agency immediately. Emergencies happen, but frequent cancellations will reduce future offers.
How can I increase my chances of regular shifts?
Be flexible, respond quickly to offers, perform well on every assignment, and keep in touch with your coordinator about your availability and new skills.
Can temp work lead to a permanent job?
Yes. Many employers use temping to assess fit before offering permanent roles. If you’re interested, say so—and back it up with reliable performance.
What should I do if I experience issues on a shift?
Contact your agency straight away with details — safety concerns, pay disputes, or unfair treatment should be addressed quickly by the agency with the hirer.
Taking the next step in your temp agency journey
Securing work through a temp agency is achievable for candidates at any stage, as long as you prepare a focused CV, approach registration professionally, and show flexibility and reliability throughout the process. Temp roles provide rapid access to paid shifts, valuable skill-building opportunities, and the chance to progress into permanent positions.
Find and book your ideal shifts with Indeed Flex
Take control of your job search and unlock instant access to flexible, well-paid roles across retail, hospitality and industrial sectors by using the Indeed Flex app. Registering is quick and straightforward — so you can start booking shifts that fit your schedule and build your experience from day one.
