Blog
The LowDownLearn to Survive as A Temporary Employee
Put Your Best Foot Forward
Although this is a temporary position, it is still necessary to make a good impression on your supervisor. As a temp employee, everyone gets to see all of you, which is a good thing if you are hoping they will offer you a job. People sometimes get jobs based on personality and how well they fit into the company culture.
Ask all questions before accepting a job.
There is nothing worse than starting a new job and getting blindsided by specifics that you should have known before your first day. Before accepting the new position, ask any questions that you may have. Get all the details about the assignment. This includes qualifications and requirements, reporting supervisor, shifts, project length, and project location.
Always Arrive Early
Getting to work on time is one of the keys to being a successful employee. Take time each day to make sure you leave early enough to arrive on time and be ready to report to work. Check-in with your named supervisor or the front desk as soon as you arrive to either be escorted to your desk or project location. If for some reason you have an emergency that prevents you from arriving at your scheduled time, call your staffing agency immediately.
Familiarize Yourself with the Environment Quickly
A temporary position can quickly become a permanent position. As a temporary employee, you can accomplish more if you ask questions and find out the company expects from you as an employee. Take a minute during the first week to review the company mission statement. You will be able to use this information to conduct yourself well on the job and fit right in with the permanent employees.
Complete All Given Tasks
When working as a temp, you will want to complete all the tasks you are asked to do to the best of your ability. If you find yourself struggling to finish a task, do not be afraid to ask someone for help. Stay productive and have a good attitude throughout the day, even if a task seems menial and unimportant. Be willing to go the distance and ask for more tasks in order to stay busy. Supervisors will take notice of your productivity and can possibly lead to a permanent position.
Get Feedback on Your Performance
It can be discouraging to receive an assignment and then be told a few short days later that you are no longer needed. This is why it’s important to ask for feedback from the staffing agency that placed you. They can work with the client on any potential issues before they reflect negatively on your performance. You’ll be viewed as proactive rather than negative.
Use these tips to help you survive your first week and beyond at a temporary assignment. Being a temporary employee is not always negative, it can ultimately be very fulfilling. Utilize this time to grow yourself as an employee and make new connections that could be possibly used in the future. Even if a company does not hire you as a full-time employee, you would of still make a good impression on your reporting supervisor.