What Adecco does and who it serves

Adecco is a staffing agency that matches workers with temporary, temp-to-hire, and permanent jobs across many industries. The company operates in the United States and globally, connecting job seekers to positions in office work, light industrial, healthcare, IT, and skilled trades. You contact Adecco, they learn what kind of work you do and what you're looking for, and they place you at client companies that need workers.

Adecco makes money when a client company pays them to fill a position. You don't pay Adecco directly — the client company does. This means there's no fee to register with them or to be placed in a job.

The company operates through local branch offices and an online portal. You can walk into a branch, call, or start the process on their website. Most people begin by filling out a profile that describes their work history, skills, and what kind of role they want.

Key Takeaways

  • Adecco places you in temporary, temp-to-hire, or permanent positions and you pay nothing — the hiring company pays Adecco's fee.
  • You register by visiting a local branch, calling, or using their website, and you'll need to provide work history and references.
  • Temporary assignments can last from a few days to several months, and temp-to-hire roles let you prove yourself before the company decides to hire you permanently.
  • Pay, benefits, and job terms depend on the specific assignment and the client company, not on Adecco itself.
  • You can work multiple assignments through Adecco or stop at any time — there's no contract binding you to the agency.

How to register and what information you'll need

Start by locating your nearest Adecco branch using their website or by searching "Adecco near me." Many branches let you walk in without an appointment, though calling ahead can save time. You can also begin online at adecco.com and complete an initial profile there.

When you register, have your Social Security number, driver's license, and work history ready. You'll answer questions about your job experience, skills (like software you know or equipment you can operate), and what type of work interests you. Be honest about what you can do — Adecco matches you based on this information, and misrepresenting your skills wastes everyone's time.

Adecco will ask for references from previous employers or supervisors. These don't have to be recent, but they should be people who can speak to your work habits and reliability. If you haven't worked in a while, a teacher, volunteer coordinator, or someone who knows your character can work.

You may be asked to take a skills test — typing speed, software proficiency, or a general aptitude test depending on the types of jobs available in your area. These are usually short and done on the spot at the branch or online.

Temporary assignments versus temp-to-hire positions

A temporary assignment is a job that lasts for a set period — anywhere from a few days to several months. The client company needs coverage for a specific project, a busy season, or to fill in while someone is out. When the assignment ends, so does your work with that company, though Adecco may place you elsewhere.

A temp-to-hire position is different: you start as a temporary worker, but the client company has the option to hire you as a permanent employee after a trial period. This period is usually 90 days to six months. If the company likes your work, they offer you a permanent job. If not, the assignment ends. Temp-to-hire is useful if you want to prove yourself to an employer before they commit, or if the employer wants to see how you fit before making a permanent hire.

Permanent placements through Adecco are less common but do happen — Adecco finds you a job and the client company hires you directly as a full-time or part-time employee from the start. In this case, you become the company's employee, not Adecco's.

Pay, benefits, and what the assignment agreement covers

Your pay rate depends on the job, your experience, and the client company's budget — not on Adecco. Adecco will tell you the pay rate before you accept an assignment. For temporary work, you're usually paid hourly. Some assignments offer overtime pay if you work more than 40 hours a week, but this varies by company and state.

Benefits like health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans are rare in temporary assignments. Some longer assignments (usually 90+ days) may include limited benefits through Adecco, such as access to a health plan or a 401(k), but you should ask about this when the assignment is offered. Permanent hires through Adecco typically receive the same benefits as other employees at the client company.

Before you start work, you'll sign an assignment agreement that spells out the job title, pay rate, start date, expected end date (if temporary), and any special terms. Read this carefully. It also covers things like confidentiality, safety rules, and what happens if you don't show up or need to leave early.

What happens during the assignment and if you need to leave

On your first day, you'll report to the client company, not to Adecco. Your supervisor there will train you and give you day-to-day direction. Adecco stays in the background, but you can contact your local branch if you have questions about pay, scheduling, or problems at the job site.

If you need to leave an assignment early, tell Adecco and the client company as soon as possible. Leaving without notice can damage your reputation with Adecco and make it harder to get future placements. If the assignment is temporary and the end date is approaching, you can straightforward let it end and wait for Adecco to place you in something new.

If you're in a temp-to-hire role and the company wants to hire you permanently, they'll make an offer. At that point, you become their direct employee and your relationship with Adecco ends for that job. You can still register with Adecco for future assignments if you want.

How Adecco finds and offers you jobs

After you register, Adecco's recruiters match your profile to open positions. They'll call or email you with job offers. You can accept or decline — there's no obligation to take every job offered. If you decline, they'll keep looking for something that fits better.

The time between registering and getting your first assignment varies. In busy markets with high demand, you might be placed within days. In slower periods or if you're looking for a specialized role, it could take weeks. Staying in touch with your local branch and updating your profile when your skills or availability change helps speed things up.

You can work multiple assignments through Adecco over time, or you can stop using them whenever you want. There's no contract saying you have to work for them or that they have to place you. It's a flexible arrangement.

Background checks and what disqualifies you

Most client companies require a background check before you start work. Adecco will arrange this, and it typically includes a criminal history check and sometimes a driving record check (if the job involves driving). You'll be asked to consent to this before it happens.

A background check doesn't automatically disqualify you if you have a criminal record. It depends on the type of crime, how long ago it was, and what the job is. For example, a company handling money might be more cautious about certain offenses than a company hiring for warehouse work. Adecco and the client company will decide together.

If you fail a drug test (if one is required), you won't be placed in that particular job, though you can still work with Adecco on other assignments that don't require testing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay Adecco anything to register or get a job?

No. Adecco doesn't charge workers. The client company pays Adecco a fee for finding and placing workers. If someone claiming to represent Adecco asks you for money, it's a scam.

What if I don't like the job or the company?

You can leave, but give notice to both Adecco and the client company. Leaving without warning can hurt your chances of future placements. If the job is genuinely unsafe or the company is breaking the law, contact Adecco when ready and consider reporting to your state's labor department.

Will Adecco help me find a permanent job?

Yes, Adecco offers permanent placement services, though these are less common than temporary work. Tell your recruiter you're interested in permanent roles. Temp-to-hire assignments are another path — if the company likes you, they'll hire you permanently.

How do I get paid — weekly, biweekly?

Pay frequency depends on the client company and the assignment. Most temporary workers are paid weekly or biweekly. Ask about this when you're offered the job so you know when to expect your first paycheck.

Can I work for another staffing agency at the same time?

Yes, you can register with multiple agencies. However, don't accept assignments from two agencies for overlapping time periods — that creates a conflict. Be upfront with each agency about where else you're registered.