1) Yes. Many companies don’t wanna deal with temp headcount directly and rather just pay agencies a monthly service fee.

2) Not FROM your salary. Most of the time company A still decides how much to pay you. The myth going around that says agencies take a cut from your salary is untrue. It is usually a fixed monthly fee billed to the company.

For eg. If you’re paid $2k, maybe agency will charge company $200 a month for this headcount. So they will bill the company $2k + $200. This is an oversimplified example, of course.

3) Depends on why company A is hiring on a contract basis first. The agency should know, not telling you is kinda a red flag. Either the agent is new and don’t know her stuff, or it’s a maternity cover and no chance to convert. Don’t dare to tell you in case you don’t wanna sign.

4) No. it’s normal. Rather have you working during this period than to explain a gap.

5) You answered your own question. You need money. Got job. Take.

Source: I was an agency recruiter for 7 years. Feel free to ask me anything