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Temp Your Way to a New Career |
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You may think that working as a temporary or contract employee is
merely a way to make some money while you look for a permanent job -
but it can be much more. Temporary work gives you an opportunity to
look at companies from the inside; not just from a job description. It
gives you the chance to show people who you are and what you can do;
not just your resume.
More employers are hiring for attitude, not just aptitude these
days. You can show them your attitude much better from within the
company. Today's temporary employers have needs for a wide range of
administrative, technical, and professional positions. Employers bring
in temporary employees to address normal fluctuations in a company's
workflow, as contingency workers to fill positions that are temporarily
vacant, and as a source for trying out permanent employees.
There's a common misconception among temporary employees that
there's no need to treat a temporary job as seriously as a permanent
one. On the contrary, employers often express similar expectations of
temporary employees as they would when hiring for a permanent position.
Since there is normally minimal training time available, employers
appreciate temporary employees who can hit the ground running and show
initiative to get the job done.
Temporary jobs can range from one day to more than a year. If you
perform your duties well and establish a solid professional
relationship with others, you may be first in line to leap to a more
permanent position.
How to be a Standout Temp
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Demonstrate integrity
Be honest with your recruiter about your skills and availability. This
helps your recruiter present you accurately for positions that fit your
qualifications. If you become aware of an open position at a company
where you are temping, call your recruiter to inform them of your
interest. They will pursue that position on your behalf. This creates a
relationship of trust between candidate and recruiter.
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Be punctual
Always be on time to your temporary position. If you are running late
or have an emergency, call your recruiter to let them know your
situation, so they can communicate the problem to the employer.
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Be a team player
If the work you are assigned to do on your temporary assignment is
complete, ask the others around you if they need any help with their
work. Also, if someone asks you to assist them while you are working,
try to help them out. Teamwork makes your job a lot more enjoyable, and
you are able to gain valuable experience in other areas.
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Think outside the box
Try to come up with better ways or more efficient ways of completing
your work and ask your supervisor if you may try them. Many companies
welcome ideas and are appreciative of any suggestions you may have for
them. This shows an employer you care about your work and the company!
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Have a "can do" attitude
If your employer on your temporary assignment asks you to do something
new, give it a try. Learning something new could lead you down a career
path you never thought about taking!
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Show stability and consistent work performance
Don't accept a temporary position unless you are certain you are available and can complete the assignment given!
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Treat each temporary assignment like a permanent position
Prove to the client that you are a reliable, dedicated, and hard
working employee that they should want to hire for a permanent position.
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Report your availability
If you are actively seeking temporary assignments, call your recruiter
each week to update your availability, so they know you're ready to
work.
Think of all that temporary work has a lot to offer you as a job
seeker: it gives you the opportunity to earn income while conducting
your job search, and allows you to try out a variety of companies and
industries for a better job fit. Temporary work gives you a chance to
learn additional skills and build up your resume. There are many
software and skills particular to specific industries that would
certainly give you a "leg up" on your competition.
If you follow the steps above, and take advantage of each temporary
job as an opportunity to network and gain new contacts and experience,
you'll increase your chances of being asked back for more work, and
possibly a permanent position. Temporary workers who are enthusiastic,
punctual, professional, and show initiative about their assignments,
however brief, stand out.
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