Here’s part 2 of Joy’s series of advice on temping.
Don’t miss Part 1: Making good first impressions, choosing agencies and your agency CV.
At different times I have worked in temporary work both in Cardiff and Manchester, and along the way I have gained some hints and tips that I hope will help you navigate through the maze of temporary work.
Meeting the Consultant and agency
- The consultant will often want to meet you like in an interview to see what you are like.
- Dress as you would for an interview and present yourself well. It will show you take it seriously, and are professional and reliable.
- Remember they will become your employer and you will represent them on a temp assignment. I have known other temps always be late, forget to communicate if they were off sick or at a doctor’s appointment, or even take too many liberties by chatting more than actually working and surfing the net for their own purposes during work time. Over time this kind of attitude gets noticed by the employer, reported back to the agency giving an overall impression of each temp’s performance. They will be more willing to suggest you for further work if you are on the ball as well as a good investment for the agency.
- You may need to fill in some paperwork. Ask what you need to bring with you to register. This could include photo ID. I have found bringing N.I insurance number, bank, emergency contact and referee details and a print out of my CV helpful when filling in forms.
- Be clear about the work you want: temporary, permanent, part-time, full-time, type of role, travel times to work etc.
- Be realistic about the wage you want: ensure it covers your financial commitments and the minimum hourly rate you would work for. The more flexible you are in your requirements gives more opportunity to be considered for more available work!
- You may need to do some tests to assess your skills; i.e. with office work: typing speed, computer software, analytical or numerical tests depending on the type of role.
- Temp work should never be seen as second rate. A bad attitude or lateness will reflect on you and the agency and the amount of work you get.
Getting work
- Keep in regular contact every week with your agencies. They may not know until each week or the day before about jobs; don’t rely on the agency to ring you!
- When put forward for a role, you may need to go for an interview with the employer. Treat this like other interviews, be professional and prepare well beforehand. More information on preparing for interviews
Coming soon, the third and final part; Working on a temporary assignment and getting paid.
Filed under: Job hunting, Short-term options
