Thinking about working for a temp agency? Here are some tips to help you make it a fun and profitable experience.
In today's fast-paced world, the old world idea of landing a job with a good company and staying with that company for life doesn't work for a lot of people. There are those who have made "˜temping' or working for a temp agency their career.
While temping may not appeal to everyone, there are definite advantages. Working for a temp agency provides the employee with an opportunity to meet many new people and learn a variety of new skills. The temp worker is able to pick and choose their assignments, and can, if circumstances require, request a change in work assignment when conditions are not ideal. Temping gives the worker flexibility, growth, opportunity for skill development and variety in work assignments while providing a good wage, and all the employee benefits you would expect from a top notch professional company.
Happiness while temping is the responsibility of the employee. When temping, it is important to know what you are looking for in an assignment and communicate clearly with your agency. If you perform better in an upbeat, active office environment, or prefer a night or swing shift, make your representative aware of your individual needs.
If you are assigned to a company that provides a hostile, or unsafe working environment, let you temp agency know. Most temp agencies have written guidelines regarding what is expected of the companies they refer to. You will be making everyone's job better.
When you accept an assignment, make sure you have the correct information regarding time, location, salary, and direct supervisor. Be sure you follow all the rules of both your temp agency and the company you are referred to. It is your responsibility to ensure your time is recorded accurately, signed by the appropriate person and turned into your agency on time.
Take the time and effort to keep your skill updated and current. Most temp agencies provide voluntary classes to help you increase your marketability and job efficiency.
When on the worksite, be sure to act in a professional manner. The contacts you make during a temp contract could serve you well later. A good impression on one job means a better placement next time.
Sign up with several temp agencies in your area. When one doesn't have any work, another will. This way, you will keep yourself busy and in the workforce. Using different agencies also provides you the opportunity to do different types of work. You may sign as an Administrative Assistant with one agency and, using the same skills, sign as a marketer with another agency. Diversity keeps you fresh, interested and helps you decide which type of work you enjoy most.
When you don't have an assignment, be sure to call your agencies every day and let them know you are available. Try to be flexible regarding location and scheduling. The more versatile you are, the easier it is for agency staff to place you in a job that matches your ideal work conditions.
Remember to follow guidelines regarding temp to perm or direct hire. Most agencies have rules about how long you have to be gone from a work assignment before you can be direct hired by that company.
Enjoy your time as a temp. If you take the time to foster business relationships, keep your skills current and communicate with your agencies, you will find temping to be profitable and fun.
