Temp-For-Hire: Ten Ways to Survive the Temping Game

You're looking through the classified section because you either need a job or are in need of a new job. Once you run across something that seems like a perfect match for your qualifications and/or education, the excitement kicks into high gear until you have phone in hand and on the other end you hear,
"Thank you for calling ________Personnel/Services/Staffing. How can I help you?" Before you hang up because you think the ad is a chaser, there is a possibility that the other person on the line may be the connection to the opportunity you have always been in search of.

Reputable agencies realize that the key to success is customer, as well as employee satisfaction and understand that negligently making a incompatible match between a client and employee, not paying an employee on time or failing to carefully screen candidates for placement can be damaging beyond belief. You may have noticed in recent that more personnel services are asking to view resumes before setting up an appointment to register. Some of the larger agencies like Robert Half International are geared toward accepting career-oriented individuals so communication is key when it comes down to skills, actual commitment level and overall attitude. If you want a long-term (or permanent) position as an executive assistant, make sure you can deliver the goods (and then some) that you have on your resume'. Exaggeration of abilities causes embarrassment for the employee but a loss for both the agency as well as their client.

Some of us have had moments where we needed the job last week because bills are due next week and will take almost anything just for the sake of bringing home a little change. I personally recommend registering with no more than three agencies at one time and checking in with them no less than twice a week. If you really need to make those dollars, be prepared for anything but don't be too quick to judge if things go wrong on the first day. Hopefully, the worst thing that will happen is that you will have a funny "job from hell" story to share during happy hour. The following are few things that were part of the 'on-the-job training' I got when I was getting my feet wet in the temporary working world and some roadblocks I still see today. You may not want to make temping a lifestyle but taking a couple of these pointers into consideration can make the days easier.

1. Take the first two days to see what the climate is like on your job assignment. Is it high energy or low-key? Are there cliques or are you more than welcome to jump in on any informal conversation at any time? To do a Google search on the company is beneficial but there are some things that are best to find out on your own since you may spend a long time at this location.

2. Shut down the chatterbox. Some of us are natural conversationalists and that's not a bad thing since most people get their jobs from networking. Yet, to have a non-stop monologue is rude, distracting and indiscreet (more often than not, your proven ability can keep matters quiet is more of an asset than your knowledge of MS Excel). Recently on an assignment, I met a woman who was temping as a receptionist. With a lot of open space and no few doors (or dividers, for that matter), her constant chatter was about as subtle as a garlic sandwich, no matter how friendly. The problem was that she was located in the finance department where concentration on details is always key and unnecessary noises should be minimal.

3. Stay as neutral as possible. Now, I'm not saying that you should wear a grey or beige suit and say nothing over the course of six months but do realize that the new person in the office (especially a small office) will be the most likely to be scrutinized for the first few days, even weeks. Not just office etiquette, but how you conduct yourself during lunch or break, attire and attitude can come under fire and sometimes there is no rebounding from the water cooler talk.

4. Be willing to learn through on the job training. Did you ever want to learn the switchboard? Or how to use a high-speed scanner? Experience gained on each assignment can give your resume' an automatic upgrade. Be sure to advise the person who placed you so that they can fully evaluate and possibly give you an salary adjustment accordingly.

5. Dress professionally. When I returned to the private sector after more than two years in the school system, I was shocked to see that people were going to work dressed like they were going to the mall. In my early years of work, it was rare to see anyone wear clothes that were so short and/or tight that they literally could not do simple things like bend their knees to file away papers or are constantly tugging at their shirt knowing it is low cut and they have an ample bosom. Unless you work in the fashion or entertainment industries, please leave the low cut jeans, midriff top and similar clothing for another occasion. Ladies, even if your bustline looks more like Kate Moss' and not Carmen Electra's, please always wear a bra and some sort of bottoms.

6. Do not over-extend yourself. The difference here is the scope of assigned duties. If you are a secretary who did not know Outlook prior to working for a particular company but someone was willing to train you and now you can not only send e-mail but organize, set up appointments and handle other information. If the same secretary were to take on duties that are normally handled by a company's IT department, there could be some problems. For one, IT professionals normally make more money than those in secretarial pool. Even if you are qualified to perform such job, don't take any chances because your company or you may become impatient with having to go through a middleman. Always discuss changes with the person who placed you and then things may be negotiated so that all parties are satisfied. There is a difference between gaining experience and cheating yourself. Even if your immediate supervisor gives you a sob story, don't give into the pressure to benefit them and not you!

7. Take advantage of tutorials. Most of the larger agencies have in-house tutorials such as Microsoft Office, QuickBooks and typing speed practice exams. If you do not have the money or time to attend classes this is beneficial because it not only increases your qualifications to accept more assignments but an increase in pay. Some even offer online classes with testing and certificates of completion you can print out at home.

8. Get a letter of recommendation. If you have a good relationship with a client and you know that your assignment is coming to an end, ask for a reference. Be prepared to do this yourself as a draft in case your supervisor has something they want to add and then on company stationery. Of course, the more references you can get the better. Since competition can be fierce for even entry-level jobs, the more arsenal you have increases your chances of getting an offer. In most states, employers are only required to give actual dates of employment and nothing else when asked for a reference. No notes from past evaluations, no personal input. Even if your placement specialist is willing to go out on a limb for you, personnel agencies tend to stand by this since their office staff turnover tends to be constant.

9. Small tokens mean a lot. This can be a crudite platter from the grocery store, a box of doughnuts or candy (Remember the first tip - if everyone in your place of work is a vegan, don't bring a deli tray!) It's a way to break to ice, not the bank, especially if the assignment is short-term.

10. When the going gets bad...get the hell out! These things just happen. Sometimes the work habits are too different to blend, the client is difficult 24/7 or there is constant turnover anyway so there is probably nothing you could have done differently. Only if you see a pattern, then take a assessment of what may have cut your assignments short (especially if you were told they were to go long-term or permanent). How was your attendance? Do you need to brush up on certain skills? Perception helps because it is seldom that your placement specialist will tell you why they suddenly keep losing your number - even if you ask them for feedback as to why you aren't getting called as much.

Finally, like any job - do not stay on an assignment for the money. You will be miserable and it will eventually show for all to see. Sometimes co-workers become compassionate by sharing their experience on how to deal with a certain kind of person or an individual in particular. Others who may be less than friendly, will use provocation to get you out of the company in the worst way possible. Give yourself a deadline, save your money and look for that next opportunity.