How to find entry-level jobs? (Are temp agencies still a thing?)

When I was in college, during breaks I used to sign up with TEMP EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES that would vet my skills and then farm me out to different companies who needed short-term workers.  It was a fun and easy way to try out different jobs, the temp agency was technically my "employer," and with the temp agency as the middleman, it meant no "interviewing for jobs."  I also got my first REAL job after college through an employment agency -- I did have to interview, but the agency helped to match me with the right job.

Is there anything like that for today's college students (or grownups, for that matter)?  I am the parent of an intelligent, responsible college student who would LIKE to work, but has no work history to put on a resume, and this seems like it could be a good workaround for that.  But these days is it all just find-your-own-job-on-a-jobs-board?  If anyone has pointers for how kids who don't have a college degree or much of a resume find employment these days, I'd be grateful!  My kid is considering taking a leave of absence this coming year, but only if it is somehow possible to find a job.

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Does your student's college use Handshake? It's like LinkedIn or Indeed but specifically for college student employment. My college student found a summer job, an internship, and a permanent job after graduation on Handshake. If not Handshake, maybe a different service through career services?

Hello,

Nelson Connect is a temp agency that serves most of the bay area from my understanding. They also work with a lot of government agencies which can be a very good way to get into public service if that's something you're kid is interested in. 

Good luck! 

hi,

my small food business, cult crackers, is hiring an account manager. we're in west berkeley at the berkeley kitchens. (you can see the job post on craigslist under account manager.) we will train. 

dianna @ cult crackers