temp agencies don't make money unless they find employees for the companies they have contracts with. They have jobs and ppl who need jobs try to get one. Not every job is perfect but if you have full time hours it shows you put in the effort and you start building work history.
Its true an HR department is only if you worked there and length of time, but honestly they will answer pointed questions if ask of them. Its still better than in the 80s where they could talk to your direct supervisor and unless your super is a stand up guy chances are they won't give a glowing reference.
we make our own luck sometimes, sell yourself to the recuiter, manager or whatever you need to. Lets face it after being out of gainful employment for a matter of years , the most important thing isn't huge pay checks, at first you are trying to impress a company and maybe you can get promoted once they know you and see you in action.
I would have taken 15$ an hour and still look for something more but the temp agency although seemed to be misleading did however, give you a shot.
Try not to time yourself out of the work force.
these are just my personal thoughts i hate seeing ppl suffer not getting a job that they would be happy in.
Show the agency that you are a stand-up person and be positive, they also are trying to do a job. And i bet it isn't that great of a pay range.
Doesn't a direct hire also include benifits like health insurance among other things? When i changed Hospitals i was working at one of the questions the interviewer ask was if i was currently working a full time position, i was and said i was and would have to have a 2 week window to leave my current employer. She was happy that i was working and said thats what we like to hear. We finished the interview and within an hour she called me and offered me a great job with adequete pay but with merit raises fairly often. There is nothing wrong with having to work hard to prove yourself.
I hope something i said helps to get you out there and loving work or at least having a history started.
good luck. tams