If you are looking for a flexible and varied work experience, temporary placement can be a great option. However, to succeed as a temp, you need to demonstrate your skills and adaptability to different employers and assignments. Here are some tips on how to showcase your value and fit in as a temp.
Before you start a new assignment, do some homework on the company and the role you will be filling. Find out their mission, values, culture, and expectations. Learn about their products, services, customers, and competitors. This will help you understand their goals and challenges, and how you can contribute to their success. It will also show your interest and enthusiasm for the opportunity.
This is such an overlooked piece of advice lately - please, if you're a temp and want to potentially be full-time, learn all about the company and show that you are curious and excited about the company's goals/mission/values/etc.
Communication is key to any successful work relationship, especially as a temp. You need to communicate clearly and professionally with your recruiter, your supervisor, your co-workers, and your clients. Make sure you understand the scope, duration, and objectives of your assignment. Ask questions if you are unsure about anything. Provide regular updates on your progress and achievements. Seek feedback and guidance when needed. Be polite, respectful, and positive in your interactions.
Communication is critical. Define the way that your manager prefers you to communicate. Some people prefer texting, and some find that texting is not polite. Typos and spelling errors can happen by texting that will make you look extremely unprofessional. Casual friendship texting is much different than texting in the office. Ask for feedback. Ask how you can do things differently. Be open to critical feedback. Perception is reality. Change the dynamic when you need to. Be a self-starter and google answers so that you can be a bit more prepared. Ask for help when needed. Show up early and stay late. Stand out, as a hard-worker. Be positive always and stay away from the negativity and gossip.
As a temp, you will encounter different work environments and cultures, and you need to adapt to them quickly and smoothly. Observe the norms and etiquette of each workplace, such as dress code, work hours, communication style, and hierarchy. Follow the rules and policies of each company, such as security, confidentiality, and health and safety. Respect the diversity and differences of each team, and avoid conflicts or gossip. Be flexible and open-minded to new ways of working and learning.
One of the main benefits of temporary placement is that you can showcase your skills and strengths to different employers and industries. To do this effectively, you need to identify and highlight your core competencies and transferable skills, such as problem-solving, teamwork, customer service, or project management. You also need to demonstrate your specific skills and knowledge that are relevant to each assignment, such as software, languages, or technical skills. You can showcase your skills and strengths by delivering quality work, taking initiative, and exceeding expectations.
Find your mentors, and define your fans. If people believe in you, and trust you, they will want to keep you on their teams. Be willing to try more and do more. Make your manager shine. Add value to the team. Come up with creative solutions. Shadow the leaders, and the well-respected. Ask if you can help, and ask and be interested in other functions. Show interest in the company, and all the functions. Show positive energy and compliment people. Focus on your strengths and work on your challenges.
Another benefit of temporary placement is that you can learn new skills and expand your network. To do this, you need to be proactive and curious. Seek opportunities to learn from your co-workers, supervisors, and clients. Ask for feedback and advice on how to improve your performance and skills. Take advantage of any training or mentoring programs that are available. Network with people in your field or industry, and build positive and lasting relationships. You never know when a new skill or a new contact can lead to a new opportunity.
Finally, as a temp, you need to update your resume and portfolio regularly. You want to keep track of your achievements and accomplishments in each assignment, and showcase them to potential employers. You also want to highlight the skills and experiences that you gained from working in different settings and sectors. Make sure your resume and portfolio are clear, concise, and tailored to the jobs you are applying for. Use keywords, numbers, and examples to showcase your value and impact.
Aside from earning the weekly pay check, temporary assignments offer so much more. Gaining experience, keeping your established skills sharp while learning new ones & gaining access to opportunities that you did not know existed. Many temporary assignments lead to full-time job offers. The assignment may be the first step to your next career opportunity. The staffing firm may get you in the door, but the rest is up to you to make the most of the experience.