Continuing on from yesterday’s post Ten Benefits of Temporary Employment today I am talking about how to succeed as a temporary employee.
I have been on both sides of temporary employment. These suggestions are based on my experience both as a temp and as a manager who worked with and hired temporary employees.
As a side note, regardless of whether you are a temp employee or a permanent employee many of these suggestions can help you succeed in your current position and earn promotions and pay raises.
- How to Succeed as a Temp Employee:
- First impressions are important. No matter what position you are applying for, labor or clerical, always choose your best, most professional outfit when a applying at the temp agency.
- Be honest when completing your application in regards to experience and availability. Never lie or exaggerate. If you have a resume attach it to your application.
- If work is slow, make sure you follow-up with the agency on a weekly or daily basis and politely let them know you are available. You want your name to come to mind when they receive a new contract.
- When you are given an assignment get all of the details – what are the hours, the pay rate, dress code, expectations, position parameters and who you will be reporting to. Also, inquire about any special needs, such as boots or sneakers, especially if you are working in a warehouse setting.
- Always dress your best regardless of the position. If you have a clerical assignment dress as a professional, regardless if you are just a data entry clerk or taking a temporary management position. If you are assigned a retail or warehouse position, again dress appropriately, but always dress you best. Proper grooming and taking pride in your appearance is important.
- Make sure you know where you are going and get directions if needed.
- If you are unfamiliar with the traffic patterns or public transportation run times, leave early and give yourself some extra time.
- Don’t be late. Always arrive on time, or a little early, every day of your assignment.
- Do your work as efficiently as you can without wasting time.
- Do your work to the very best of your ability. This may be a temporary assignment but give it 100% of your attention.
- Remember, work is not a social club. It’s is fun to meet new people and make new friends, but remember the job comes first. Keep socializing to a minimum during the hours you are being paid.
- Always ask questions if you are unclear about what to do or how to complete an assigned task.
- Pack your lunch. Don’t waste time and money buying food from a vending machine or risk leaving for lunch and returning late.
- Never conduct personal business while on the clock. Put your cell phone on vibrate and check it on your break. No surfing the internet or checking your personal email.
- If you finish your assigned tasks ask if there is anything else you can do to help. Sometimes there may be, but at other times you may be sent home early. This is okay. The employer will remember you for not wasting their time or their money and may ask for you by name when they have more work.
- On the first day confirm how the employee will be processing your time card. Follow-up with your agency rep.
- Turn your time card in on time or if the employee will be sending it in follow-up with your agency rep to confirm receipt.
- Do not solicit employment. The employer and the temporary agency have a contract that specifies how and when you can be hired as a permanent employee if the opportunity arises. Respect that contract.
- If a permanent hiring option discussion is initiated by the employer, communicate this and follow-up with your agency representative.
- When an assignment ends always clearly communicate with the temp agency what your availability is for a new assignment and follow-up with them on a daily or weekly basis.
If you are a staffing/temporary agency or an employer who uses temp employees, what other suggestions do you have to be successful as a temporary employee?
As a temp employee did you find these suggestions helpful? Based on your experience what other suggestions would you add?
