SEATTLE - The latest unemployment numbers show a slight increase in Washington state, but it's not all bad news. In fact, more companies are hiring - at least, temporarily.
Jean Tap's experience is in administrative work. The 25-year-old is keeping her skills polished at Terra Staffing Group in Kirkland, a temp agency that's also hired her as a temporary worker.
"It feels great," says Tap. "And I enjoy doing what I do and I feel they put me in the right spot."
Jennifer Lambert plays matchmaker for Terra. Today, she sits at a table full job applications from people looking to be matched up with an employer.
Lambert says temp agencies are the first to feel the effects of a tough job market. That means they're the first to start seeing signs of a recovery.
"We are the canary in the coal mine," says Lambert. "There are more employers who are hiring on a contract basis for temporary projects."
Terra Staffing has seen a 50 percent jump in temporary jobs over the past few months, even with rising unemployment. So what's going on? Lambert says more companies are seeing this as the new normal.
"They're past that hunkered-down stage and looking at ways they can capitalize even in a challenged market," she said.
Lambert says they're seeing the most opportunities in health care, manufacturing, and technology.
