{"id":5397,"date":"2021-05-11T17:14:43","date_gmt":"2021-05-11T17:14:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jobhunt.fj-dev.com\/success-in-temp-job\/"},"modified":"2022-02-14T09:00:55","modified_gmt":"2022-02-14T16:00:55","slug":"success-in-temp-job","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.job-hunt.org\/success-in-temp-job\/","title":{"rendered":"Insider Advice on How to Succeed in a Temporary Job"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>By Elizabeth Webster and Kelly Ratliff<\/p>\n<p><em>You\u2019re hired! <\/em><\/p>\n<p>There are no two sweeter words in the job search lexicon.<\/p>\n<p>For temporary workers, assignments can range from a few days to a year &#8212; and some may even convert to permanent positions.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; background-color: rgba(0, 197, 179, 0.4);\">Regardless of the length of the assignment or the type of work you\u2019ll be doing, you want to position yourself as a hard worker and a valuable member of the team.<\/p>\n<p>Many temporary workers make the mistake of hanging back and waiting for projects and tasks to come to them, or they get too comfortable way too fast.<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<h2>Dos and Don&#8217;ts for Success as a Temporary Worker<\/h2>\n<p>Avoid these common pitfalls so you can use your next position as a positive step forward in your career. Here are some dos and don\u2019ts for the first few days and weeks on a temporary job.<\/p>\n<h3><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width: 20px; height: 19px; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; float: left; border: 0px solid;\" src=\"https:\/\/job-hunt.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/2019-07-21_DO-6.jpg\" alt=\"DO Dress professionally\" \/><strong><em style=\"background-color: rgba(0, 197, 179, 0.4);\">\u00a0DO: Dress Professionally \u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Appropriate dress can mean different things in different offices. While a suit may be the norm in some companies, it can be as out of place as a bathing suit in others.<\/p>\n<p>When starting a new assignment, make sure you and your recruiter discuss the dress code before your first day. Dressing up or down can draw unwanted attention and make you look like you just don\u2019t belong.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re still unsure of what to wear, err on the side of being overdressed.<\/p>\n<h3><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width: 20px; height: 19px; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; float: left; border: 0px solid;\" src=\"https:\/\/job-hunt.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/2019-07-21_DO-6.jpg\" alt=\"DO Be patient\" \/><strong><em style=\"background-color: rgba(0, 197, 179, 0.4);\">\u00a0 DO: Be Patient \u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Typically the temporary interview and hiring process is fast &#8212; so fast that the company might not have everything ready for you to begin work.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s even possible that your desk or computer won\u2019t be set up on day one and that you might not get the typical training and &#8220;onboarding&#8221; that permanent employees receive (let alone the welcome basket).<\/p>\n<p>Try to be flexible, and work with what you have. Don\u2019t be pushy and add to your manager&#8217;s stress. Your graciousness will be appreciated.<\/p>\n<h3><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width: 20px; height: 19px; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; float: left; border: 0px solid;\" src=\"https:\/\/job-hunt.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/2019-07-21_DO-6.jpg\" alt=\"DO Come prepared\" \/><strong><em style=\"background-color: rgba(0, 197, 179, 0.4);\">\u00a0 DO: Come Prepared \u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Temporary workers are typically hired to work on specific projects or cover for staff shortages. As a temporary employee, you are expected to be able to come in and hit the ground running, often with no onboarding and little fanfare.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; background-color: rgba(0, 197, 179, 0.4);\">Show up early on the first day with a notebook and pen (remember that laptop may not be ready!).<\/p>\n<p>Ask any questions you may have, and take notes. Take initiative when appropriate, and be ready to jump into the assignments you are given.<\/p>\n<h3><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width: 20px; height: 20px; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; float: left; border: 0px solid;\" src=\"https:\/\/job-hunt.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/2019-07-21_DO-NOT-6.jpg\" alt=\"DO NOT\" \/><strong><em style=\"background-color: rgba(0, 197, 179, 0.4);\">\u00a0 DO <em>NOT:<\/em> Complain \u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>If you have a rocky start, make sure to keep a positive attitude. Don\u2019t complain to your co-workers.<\/p>\n<p>Your cranky moment may be relayed to your supervisor, or that co-worker could be your boss at a future job.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; background-color: rgba(0, 197, 179, 0.4);\">If you have an issue, bring it up to your recruiter.<\/p>\n<p>They can be a sounding board for your problem, and help you to resolve it in a professional manner.<\/p>\n<h3><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width: 20px; height: 20px; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; float: left; border: 0px solid;\" src=\"https:\/\/job-hunt.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/2019-07-21_DO-NOT-6.jpg\" alt=\"DO NOT\" \/><strong><em style=\"background-color: rgba(0, 197, 179, 0.4);\">\u00a0 DO <em>NOT:<\/em> Gossip \u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The office rumor mill can be a sticky snare. Once you participate, it\u2019s hard to pull yourself out of it.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; background-color: rgba(0, 197, 179, 0.4);\">Stay away from office politics and drama.<\/p>\n<p>As a general rule, be friendly, but not overly social, to keep your reputation intact and better position yourself for a permanent opportunity should one become available.<\/p>\n<h3><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width: 20px; height: 19px; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; float: left; border: 0px solid;\" src=\"https:\/\/job-hunt.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/2019-07-21_DO-6.jpg\" alt=\"DO Ask questions\" \/><strong><em style=\"background-color: rgba(0, 197, 179, 0.4);\">\u00a0 DO: Ask Questions \u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Some temporary workers avoid asking too many questions for fear that they will bother their manager or appear unknowledgeable.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; background-color: rgba(0, 197, 179, 0.4);\">It\u2019s great to be a self-starter, but if you are unsure, ask!<\/p>\n<p>Supervisors would rather you check in than make mistakes.<\/p>\n<h3><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width: 20px; height: 20px; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; float: left; border: 0px solid;\" src=\"https:\/\/job-hunt.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/2019-07-21_DO-NOT-6.jpg\" alt=\"DO NOT\" \/><strong><em style=\"background-color: rgba(0, 197, 179, 0.4);\">\u00a0 But NOT <em>These<\/em> Questions! \u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Questions about your day-to-day tasks are encouraged. However, try to avoid asking:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><em>\u201cCan I take a break?\u201d <\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>\u201cWhen can I leave?\u201d <\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>\u201cDo you mind if I\u2019m late tomorrow?\u201d <\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>\u201cAre there any permanent positions opening up here?\u201d<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You don\u2019t want to appear unmotivated or bothersome.<\/p>\n<h3><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width: 20px; height: 19px; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; float: left; border: 0px solid;\" src=\"https:\/\/job-hunt.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/2019-07-21_DO-6.jpg\" alt=\"DO Engage\" \/><strong><em style=\"background-color: rgba(0, 197, 179, 0.4);\">\u00a0 DO Engage \u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>What you do want to do as a temporary employee is position yourself as an indispensable, integral part of the team.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Demonstrate your reliability by coming in on time and working hard.<\/li>\n<li>Always check in with your manager before the end of the day to ask if they need anything else done.<\/li>\n<li>See every project through. If you finish an assignment, check to see if there are additional ways you can help, even with tasks that are outside your \u201cjob description.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>Save checking your personal emails, voicemail, or Facebook for your lunch break.<\/li>\n<li>Get a feel for the company culture and the goals of your team and the organization so you can help them reach those objectives, even if it\u2019s just while you are on assignment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Engage in your work as if your job depends on it (it does!).<\/p>\n<h3><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width: 20px; height: 19px; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; float: left; border: 0px solid;\" src=\"https:\/\/job-hunt.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/2019-07-21_DO-6.jpg\" alt=\"DO Stay positive\" \/><strong><em style=\"background-color: rgba(0, 197, 179, 0.4);\">\u00a0 DO Stay Positive \u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>It isn\u2019t always easy being a temporary employee. It can be difficult to find your place, and it\u2019s sometimes confusing (can you use the employee gym or not?). Maybe you feel excluded, or like your supervisor is taking advantage of you. Try not to take any \u201che\/she\u2019s just a temp\u201d slighting personally and keep your chin up.<\/p>\n<h2>Managing the &#8220;Interview Trap&#8221; While a Temporary Worker<\/h2>\n<p>Should you interview for another position if you\u2019ve already got a temporary job?<em> It depends. <\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>If you do interview, only schedule meetings for those jobs you\u2019re most serious about. Missing work for a job you won\u2019t take isn\u2019t the best use of your time.<\/li>\n<li>When possible, schedule interviews for before or after work, or early or late in the day.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If your temporary assignment is temp-to-perm, be very judicious about scheduling interviews, and do so sparingly.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; background-color: rgba(0, 197, 179, 0.4);\">Don\u2019t completely pull yourself off the market because converting to a permanent position isn\u2019t guaranteed, but pursue new opportunities <em>with caution<\/em>. Doing so can send the message to your employer that you\u2019re not serious about your current position.<\/p>\n<p>If you do end up taking another job, make sure to give one to two weeks&#8217; notice to the staffing firm.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re unsure about what to do, ask your recruiter to help guide you through this tricky process.<\/p>\n<h3>Bottom Line<\/h3>\n<p>Contract assignments may be temporary, but you have the chance to make a lasting impression with your supervisor. Do your job well so you can leave the assignment with more experience, new contacts and a stellar recommendation for your next job.<\/p>\n<h3>More About Temporary Jobs<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a title=\"Successful Job Interviews for Temporary Jobs\" href=\"https:\/\/job-hunt.org\/job-interviews-temp-job\/\">Successful Job Interviewing for Temporary Jobs<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/job-hunt.org\/working-with-temp-staffing-firms\/\">How to Work Successfully with a Temporary Staffing Firm<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a title=\"Temporary Work Can Be an Audition\" href=\"https:\/\/job-hunt.org\/temporary-employment-audition\/\">Temporary Work Can Be an Audition<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a title=\"3 Insider Tips for Getting More Temporary Work\" href=\"https:\/\/job-hunt.org\/getting-more-temporary-work\/\">3 Insider Tips for Getting More Temporary Work<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a title=\"Turn Temporary Work Challenges into Opportunities\" href=\"https:\/\/job-hunt.org\/challenges-into-positives\/\">Turn Temporary Work Challenges into Opportunities<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a title=\"The Advantages and Disadvantages of Temping\" href=\"https:\/\/job-hunt.org\/temporary-employment-advantages-disadvantages\/\">The Advantages and Disadvantages of Temping<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a title=\"Staying Positive While Job Hunting for Temporary Jobs\" href=\"https:\/\/job-hunt.org\/job-search-staying-positive\/\">Staying Positive While Job Hunting for Temporary Jobs<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>About the authors&#8230;<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Elizabeth Webster and Kelly Ratliff are both Senior Staffing Managers in the Accounting, Finance &amp; Administrative division of <a title=\"WinterWyman,\" href=\"http:\/\/www.winterwyman.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">WinterWyman<\/a>. Liz works with all levels of Accounting &amp; Finance (Clerk through CFO) contractors in the New England job market while Kelly concentrates on the greater NYC area. Contact Liz at ewebster@winterwyman.com and Kelly at kratliff@winterwyman.com. To keep abreast of happenings in the contract staffing world, follow <a title=\"WinterWyman&#039;s LinkedIn page\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/winterwyman\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">WinterWyman&#8217;s LinkedIn page<\/a>, and check out @WinterWyman on Twitter.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>To be successful in your temp job, follow these dos and don&#8217;ts shared by recruiters who fill those jobs and keep the employers happy.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":46,"featured_media":24679,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"old-site-template.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[92,99,34],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5397","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-temporary-jobs","category-freelance-and-contractor-jobs","category-jobs"],"last_modified_at":"","edited_by":"Wendy Fecteau","acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.job-hunt.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5397","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.job-hunt.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.job-hunt.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.job-hunt.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/46"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.job-hunt.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5397"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.job-hunt.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5397\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24680,"href":"https:\/\/www.job-hunt.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5397\/revisions\/24680"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.job-hunt.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/24679"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.job-hunt.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5397"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.job-hunt.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5397"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.job-hunt.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5397"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}