Frequently Asked Questions

What types of positions does Professional Placement / Pro-Tem Service offer?

We have a full range of opportunities and industries that we have worked with over the past 70 years. Our most frequent opportunities fall into the following categories: Administrative Support, Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Sales/Sales Management, Customer Service, Technical, and Management. This list does not encompass many of the specialized positions that we've employed. Please call so we can discuss your background and find out if we have the perfect opportunity for you!

How do I register with Professional Placement / Pro-Tem Service?

The best way to start the registration process is to submit your resume or contact us at (602) 955-0870. We'll discuss your work history and determine the types of assignments that will further your career goals.

How can I be sure that my current employer will not know that I'm looking for a new job?

This is a typical concern for many of our candidates. Unlike most resume posting sites, at Professional Placement / Pro-Tem Service all of our searches are confidential. Your resume will remain with us until you personally authorize its submission for a specific job opportunity. Also, the ability to have access to candidates that are currently working, but not wanting to be fully “out there” is why many of our client companies utilize our service.

Are there fees for registering with Professional Placement / Pro-Tem Service?

No, our services are always free to you as a candidate. All fees are paid by our client companies.

I am relocating soon. Can I apply for a job before I move to the Phoenix area?

Absolutely, we happily accept resumes from those who currently live out of state but plan to move here in the future. In fact, starting your search prior to moving here is a good idea. If you are traveling to Arizona already, you may want to make an appointment to come meet with us so we can discuss your background with a recruiter and possible opportunities for when you move here.

How long will it take to find me a job?

This question is always a difficult one to answer satisfactorily. Many times, we have positions that are available right away, and sometimes, the right opportunity opens up months down the road. Your flexibility with hours, pay rate, and availability are some of the variables that may determine the length of time before employment is secured. Other factors such as economy, specific experience requirements, and personality tests are less able to be controlled. The main advice we suggest when looking for new employment, is to start early and not to give up! It may take time and patience, but when that right fit comes along, you will be glad you kept trying.

What do I need to do before my initial interview with Professional Placement / Pro-Tem Service?

A representative from Professional Placement / Pro-Tem Service will email you a link for an online application, which should be completed before your interview time. If you are interested in temp-to-hire or temporary positions or might be in the near future, please bring your tax information along with acceptable identification for the Form I-9. Don't forget to dress professionally for your meeting with the Employment Coordinator!

What are the advantages of working on a temporary assignment?

A high percentage of our temporary opportunities are "temp to hire" or lead to direct hire opportunities
Competitive wages
Flow of income while searching for a new career
Ability to enhance your current skills and develop new ones
Chance to increase your network of professional contacts and references

How long do the temporary assignments last?

The length of the assignment varies according to our client's needs. Some are short-term, some are long-term, and some are temporary to hire. We work to match the right candidate with the right job; if you desire long-term assignments with 40-hour work weeks, then we'll strive to put you in that type of assignment. However, the assignment availability is subject to our client's needs. No matter the length of the assignment, one key suggestion we have is to approach each assignment as a working interview.

How often am I paid while on a temporary assignment?

Temporary employees are paid weekly based on the number of hours worked and the position's pay rate. Payroll is processed on Mondays for the previous work week. If the employee chooses to pick up or have your check mailed, it will be available on Wednesdays after 3:00 pm. If the employee is enrolled in direct deposit, funds will be available on that Thursday. Direct-hire employees are paid in accordance with our client's payroll policies.

Do I receive benefits as a temporary or temp-to-hire employee?

Currently, Pro-Tem Service offers several benefits to their qualifying temporary employees, including paid vacation, holiday pay, paid sick time, weekly payroll, and direct deposit.

Do I receive overtime pay while on a temporary or temp-to-hire assignment?

Yes! Anytime, an employee who works more than 40 hours in a week for one of our client companies will be paid overtime at a rate of time and a half.

Why do I need to bring my W-4, A-4, and Form I-9 information to the initial interview / what identification is acceptable?

For temp-to-hire or temporary assignments, your payroll will be processed through Professional Placement/Pro-Tem Service. We need to have the W-4, A-4, and Form I-9 completed before you can start the assignment. Having them completed will help the process move smoother and faster. There is a list of acceptable IDs for the Form I-9 online at:

http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/wp-content/uploads/files/form/i-9.pdf

Why am I asked to take testing?

Depending on your area of expertise, you may be asked to take testing to ensure you receive an assignment that is appropriate for your experience and skills and to help us better market you. The assessment you may be asked to take will evaluate your knowledge of software or the skill that is required for the position.

If I am on an assignment and encounter any problems, who should I contact?

We appreciate close communication whenever you are on an assignment. If you are unable to go to an assignment for any reason (such as illness or car problems), we like to have you call the client you are working for to let them know right away and then contact our office so we can also be aware of the situation. For other questions or concerns, it is always a good idea to contact your Employment Coordinator at Professional Placement / Pro-Tem Service so we can listen to your concern or problem and help guide of assist you.

How long until I qualify for paid sick time?

The accrual of sick pay time does start immediately after hire, but employees are not eligible to use the accrued sick time until after a 90-day waiting period.

How many hours of sick pay do I qualify for?

Employees will earn 1 hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked, with a maximum of 40 hours per year. Unused sick pay can roll over into the next year; however, only 40 hours of earned sick time may be used per year.

How do I call in sick and use my accrued sick pay?

To use your accrued paid sick time, contact our office at (602) 955-0870 as soon as you know you are sick and will not be able to report to your assignment. Then, on the following Monday when you report your hours for the week, ensure your time card says "sick time" on the day you were out with the amount of sick pay you wish to use, or if reporting hours through our online time card reporting system, write "sick time" in the employee notes section along with the amount of sick pay you wish to use