Frequently asked questions about temporary work and recruitment
Answers for applicants and for companies – about temporary work, pay, permanent hire and working with smartjobs.
For applicants
What is temporary work and how does it work?
In temporary work, you are employed by smartjobs personaldienstleistungen and work at one of our client companies. Your employment contract, pay and social insurance are handled by us as your employer. The client company assigns your tasks on site. This way you get to know different companies and jobs without changing employer. Companies can use temporary work to cover staffing needs without hiring themselves.
How much do I earn in temporary work at smartjobs?
Pay is based on the GVP/DGB collective agreements, your qualifications and the assignment. Our job ads state the hourly wage, and for many installation jobs also the travel allowance (Auslöse). Whether further supplements apply depends on the assignment and is stated in the job ad or the contract offer. We tell you the exact wage before you sign the contract.
Can I be hired permanently by the client company?
Yes, being hired by the client company is possible and a normal path for us. Some companies use the assignment to get to know you before offering a permanent position. We support the change organisationally. Talk to us if you would like to be taken on permanently.
Which jobs does smartjobs fill?
Our focus is on skilled trades, production and industry, logistics, and recycling and waste disposal. Among others, we fill positions for electricians, plumbing and heating installers, painters, welders, fitters, machine operators, production workers, order pickers, forklift drivers, sorters and refuse collectors. We also fill helper positions that do not require completed vocational training, and occasionally office jobs. You can find a current overview in our job offers.
In which regions does smartjobs work?
We are based in Erftstadt in the Rhein-Erft district near Cologne. Our assignments focus on the Rhein-Erft district (Erftstadt, Brühl, Kerpen, Hürth, Frechen, Weilerswist) and Cologne. In the skilled trades, we also work on installation projects all over Germany. For assignments further away, help with accommodation is available depending on the assignment. We discuss which region suits you in a personal conversation.
Can I speak Polish with smartjobs?
Yes. We hold conversations in German and Polish. You can discuss job interviews and questions about your assignment with us in these languages. During your assignment you also have one permanent contact person, available by phone and WhatsApp.
Which documents do I need to apply?
For the first contact, your name and phone number are enough – no cover letter needed. A CV and certificates or licences, for example a forklift licence, are helpful. Please bring your original documents to the interview. Missing documents do not rule you out; we look at every application individually. You can contact us online, by phone or via WhatsApp.
For companies
How quickly can smartjobs provide staff?
After your request, we call you back the same working day. When workers can start depends on the job, the number of workers and the location, and we clarify this in a call. For planned projects, we agree on a start date together and put a team together. A call or a short request via our “Request staff” form is all it takes.
What does temporary staffing cost for companies?
Companies pay an hourly rate per worker. It depends on qualifications, the job, working hours and the length of the assignment. As the workers’ employer, we handle wages and payroll. After a conversation about your needs, you receive an individual, non-binding offer.
How does working with smartjobs work for companies?
First, we discuss your needs: job, qualifications, number of workers, location and period. Then we propose suitable candidates, stating qualifications, availability and language skills. Once you approve, we handle the employment contract, registration and payroll as the employer. During the assignment, one permanent contact person remains available to you. We discuss extensions, changes or a permanent hire with you.
Your question was not answered?
Call us: +49 2235 98617-0, Monday to Friday from 8 am to 5 pm, or message us on WhatsApp.