Whether you’re fresh out of school or changing careers, it’s crucial that you have the right skills and training for the jobs you are pursuing. But, how do you get the experience you need if no one will let you through the door? The answer: Work through a staffing firm! According to the American Staffing Association, 90 percent of staffing companies provide free training to their temporary and contract employees. But, that’s not all. In addition to valuable skills training, you’ll gain on-the-job experience with top companies that the staffing firm helps place you in—not a bad deal! When polled, 65 percent of employees who worked through a staffing firm said they developed new or improved work skills through their assignments. And, 88 percent of staffing employees said temporary and contract work made them more employable. If you have never worked through a staffing firm before, don’t dismiss the opportunity on the basis that it’s not a permanent position. Many employers that use staffing firms do so because it allows them to preview a candidate’s on-the-job performance before they make a permanent hiring decision. So, if you work hard and prove you have what it takes to succeed in their workplace, it could just turn into a permanent position. And, if it doesn’t, you still walk away with free training and hands-on experience that will help you secure a great position with another employer. If your job search is going nowhere due to a deficiency of skills or experience, maybe it’s time to give your local staffing firm a call. Companies like Spherion can give you the training and exposure you need to excel in your career. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!