How to Make the Most of Your First Temp Job: 5 Tips to Follow

In Employment Help by adminburnetts

Even in a thriving economy, landing a dream job can be difficult for many people. Whether you’re currently in school, in the process of switching careers, or are simply trying to find your footing, temporary job placement can allow you to have a steady income while exploring all available opportunities. But if temp jobs are completely new to you, you’re probably wondering what it really takes to succeed in this type of unique position. The following five tips will help you make the most of your temp placement by amping up your professionalism and impressing everyone in the office.

    1. Get all the details first
      If you’ve been on the job hunt for a considerable amount of time, it’s natural that you’d jump at the chance to accept an offer. But before you do, make sure you obtain all the details. Otherwise, you might end up saying yes to something that really isn’t a good fit. You’ll need to ask about the daily requirements of the job, the length of the placement, the days and times you’re being asked to work, the location of the job, timekeeping information, attire requirements, wages, and to whom you’ll be directly reporting. As a rule, don’t be afraid to ask questions — both before you accept the offer and during your placement.

 

    1. Dress comfortably and professionally
      These days, the typical work environment is more casual than ever. But that doesn’t mean it’s okay to show up in jeans and sneakers on your first day. Even if management has specified that employees don’t need to wear anything formal, it’s best to err on the side of caution. It’s better to be overdressed than underdressed, but you’ll also want to make sure you’re comfortable and not overly flashy. Your attire should be tailored and free of wrinkles, and your shoes should be appropriate for the office yet comfortable enough to walk around in all day. By making a great first impression with your clothing, you’ll show your boss and coworkers that you’re put-together and ready to work.

 

    1. Always arrive early
      If you want to impress everyone around you during your temporary job placement, something as simple as arriving five to 10 minutes early in the morning can actually go a long way. Strive to arrive at least a few minutes before your shift every day so you can get settled in and be ready to go. Don’t be swayed by long-term employees who waltz in 15 minutes late on a regular basis. As a temp worker, you cannot afford to take your placement for granted — especially if you’re hoping to make your placement more permanent.

 

    1. Be flexible and gracious
      Approximately 57% of organizations view employee retention as a problem. If you’re filling in during a time of unexpected turnover or the company is scrambling to come up with a short-term solution for a vacancy, it’s possible that things are a bit more chaotic in the office than usual. Remember to always be patient with staff and roll with the punches just as they do. When you arrive on your first day, they might not have everything physically set up for you or they may need a little bit of time to get your daily tasks organized. Having a positive attitude and the ability to do whatever’s needed will be highly appreciated by management and coworkers alike.

 

  1. Go above and beyond
    Don’t assume that your temporary job placement can’t one day become permanent. If you work hard enough and show all you can bring to the table, they may decide to take you on full time. This starts with going above and beyond the tasks that are assigned to you. When you’ve done a thorough job and have time left over, ask management for additional responsibilities and be willing to jump in to collaborate with others. This will show you’re a go-getter (and an irreplaceable one, at that).

Need help finding temporary job placements in your area? Our temporary employment agencies can connect you with companies that need qualified candidates just like you. Contact us today to learn more.