Job Tuition

Temporary Work

December 2nd, 2006 by Jennine

I kick started my career by doing temporary work and I seem to keep going back for more. Initially I was attending interviews and employers would advise me that while I was a suitable candidate I needed more experience to win the position. After a while this kind of feedback gets disheartening and a distinct lack of money doesn’t improve the situation.

Now, I’m the type of person who would go anywhere and do any type of clerical work as long as it paid. I appreciate the fact that not everyone is the same or has the same opportunities because of other factors. However, most employment agencies have a temporary or support staff division. If they don’t they would be able to advise you as to where you can go to register for this kind of work.

Besides being a great starting point for those new to the job market, temporary work has other positive factors. These factors include:

• Government agencies will quite often use “temps” when they need to cover short term vacancies;
• Helps build a solid skills base;
• Demonstrates flexibility to future employers;
• Provides flexibility to your working life (you can go on holiday whenever you like and advise the agency you are unavailable on particular dates);
• Helps build self-confidence when you have been unemployed;
• Provides a steady income(contracts can span from 1 day to 6 months);

The key to becoming a successful “temp” is to work hard. Permanent employees can afford to take a bit of time off during the day, their position is secure. However, if you want to create a good impression with your employer and ensure that they rehire you for their next vacancy, do everything you can to make them want you back. After a while of temping you will get your regulars and if it’s a government agency you are working for don’t be surprised if you work in each Department. When I worked in South Wales, UK, I spent 11 out of 12 months working for one of the County Borough Councils. I spent time in various Departments, but because I had such a good reputation I was asked for, by name, to transfer to different areas at the end of each contract. People talk and Managers are notorious for sharing tips on who are good workers and who aren’t. Make sure you are one of the good ones.

My top 5 rules for creating a good impression when being a “temp”:

• Arrive early on Day One and ask for the person you are to meet by name, not by Department;
• Dress for the position, even if it means going in a day or so earlier to hang out and see what other people are wearing to get an idea on how to dress. Nothing worse than either overdressing or under dressing and feeling uncomfortable all day. If in doubt, wear a neat and tidy outfit; make sure it’s clean and ironed.
• Smile, always smile. When you are introduced to someone, when walking through the corridors, when there are other people around, smile. Everyone remembers the person who always smiles a welcome. It shows you are friendly, in control and enjoying yourself. Don’t forget to smile when you are on the phone, the caller can tell the difference.
• Ask questions. If you are unsure on a procedure, induction, fire/emergency codes, what you are meant to be doing, ask. Be proactive, lots of questions shows a desire to learn, however don’t just ask a question for the sake of it.
• Look busy. If you are given minimal tasks and have completed them, go scouting for more work. Don’t just sit there and twiddle your thumbs waiting for someone to notice you have nothing to do. Employers remember those that use their initiative. Ask your colleagues if there is something you can do or alternatively ask your Supervisor. Even better is look for something to do and then go to the Supervisor and suggest that you go on doing X,Y and Z as you have completed your other tasks.

Hopefully, this will help you on your way to becoming a “temp”. It’s great work, I enjoy being a “temp” as you get to work in a variety of places and build a good solid network. Also, you can call on a variety of people as referees for future permanent positions and if you’re lucky you can tailor the referee for the position.