Why choose temporary work?

Temping offers a host of benefits which can make it a great choice for many jobseekers.

• Giving you greater control over your working life – you choose when you would like to work as well as for which companies
• Gaining experience in different companies, industries, working cultures and management styles all in a relatively short period of time.
• Variety - the chance to test yourself in different working environments and define what suits you by work out your strengths and weaknesses.
• Access to new skills through exposure to different systems and processes.
• The chance to gain valuable experience whilst you work out your long term career direction
• A foot in the door - temping might be a route into a desirable company when no permanent positions exist. Once you are known and have proven yourself you might be a shoe in for the next permanent position
• 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

Being a top temp

There is no real recipe for being an excellent 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 asked to return.

• Quickly learn the names of the key members of staff at the company.
• Always be on time and work your full hours (remember you are paid by the hour).
• Make the most of your time and aim to pick up as many new skills in each role as possible. The more tasks you undertake the better your CV looks for future employment both temporary or permanent.
• Ask for more work if you are not busy to show how willing you are to contribute to the team
• Treat the position like a permanent role, try to bond with the team you are placed in, you never know you might be asked to stay permanently if you do a great job
• Dress appropriately for the position/company, don’t underdress as you are only there a short time
• Be prepared to work the hours the client requires
• Let your consultant know if you are going to be late to work, off unwell or need a holiday day so they can set the client’s expectations
• Make sure you get paid on time by getting your timesheets signed by a recognised signatory and send it promptly to your consultant
• Let your consultant know if you are no longer interested in the contract. Your honesty will be appreciated by all and we can work to find you something different
• Give as much notice as possible when finishing a contract so your consultant can arrange a replacement for the client
• Get rewarded long term for your effort - ask your employer for a reference at the end of your contract.