Temping is often unfairly seen as an inferior choice when compared to permanent work.
Temping in fact offers a host of benefits which can make it a preferable choice for many jobseekers.
Benefits of temping include:
- Giving you greater control over your working life – you can choose if and when you would like to work as well as for which companies.
- Allowing you to work and experience different companies, industries, working cultures and management styles all in a relatively short period of time.
- Giving you the chance to test yourself in different working environments and work out your relative strengths and weaknesses.
- Providing the chance to develop new skills through exposure to different systems and processes.
- If you’re unsure what direction you want to take your career in then temping can provide you with the opportunity to work flexibly until you can make a decision.
- Temping might be a way to get to work for a desirable company when no permanent positions exist. By getting a foot in the door you will be well placed to apply for a permanent position when one becomes available.
- Employers often use temping as a way to assess a person’s suitability and compatibility for a particular role. Temp to perm positions are a popular method of long term assessment for employers.
How to be a successful Temp
There is no real secret to being a good temporary employee, temps are judged mainly by the same criteria that permanent employees are. If you work hard and get your tasks done then you will be well regarded and often asked to return for future assignments.
Temping does, however, present some unique challenges that require some thought and preparation:
- Make sure you know who your boss is and the names of the key members of staff at the company.
- Always be punctual (especially given that you are paid by the hour).
- Ensure you maximise your time and learn as many new skills in each role as possible. The wider your skill set the more temporary assignments you will be suitable for in the future.
- Don’t sit around waiting for work to be given to you, if you aren’t busy then ask for work.
- Similarly, if you are unsure how to do something make sure you get clarification on what you should be doing.
- Stay focused on the tasks you have been given and don’t spend your time chatting on the phone or surfing the internet.
And, most importantly:
- Always remember that you’re there because the company needs you and your skills. It can sometimes happen that permanent employees have preconceived ideas about temps that can be difficult to overcome unless you remain confident in your abilities.
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