Tips for succeeding in temporary employment
So, you’re planning on embarking on some temporary employment? Whether you’re in the HR or interim finance sector – contracting really does work exceptionally well for all parties. Interim roles enable organisations to bring in key talent and specific skill-sets to support them at critical times. While for the contractors themselves, the flexibility and up-skilling offered by these assignments is equally valuable.
Whether you’re planning on making a long career out of contracting, or just dipping your toe in the temp pool, these tips will help you succeed in temporary employment.
How to make the most of your temp job
We’ve previously covered many of the benefits of contracting in this article, such as the flexibility and possibilities it offers for work life balance. It is also an opportune way to upskill and enhance your CV and gain exposure to different companies or industries. How can you make the best of this opportunity? Here are our top tips:
- Find a role that fits in with your long-term goals
- Make the most of the opportunity to network
- Grasp opportunities for learning; whether it’s new software, training or personal development
- Treat it as you would a permanent position; give it your all!
- Ask for feedback at the end of your contract
- Keep a note of your new skills and achievements.
Read more of the benefits of temping from our contractors >
Tips for your first week
Being the newbie and someone who isn’t permanent will feel daunting for some contractors, especially if you’re new to temping – but it doesn’t have to be!
Be friendly and approachable
Arriving as a temp you could feel awkward but it needn’t be that way! This almost goes without saying, but arriving with a smile, making eye contact and being courteous will help you connect with your colleagues with ease. Be helpful, participate in activities and sit with your co-workers at lunch and you’ll soon feel part of the team.
Arrive informed
Get all the information you can from your recruiter ahead of time, to ensure you are well informed before you start; this includes not just the information you need about the role but also as much detail as you can on your line managers and the company itself. It will help you feel much more comfortable and make settling in easier.
Ask good questions
You may have done your homework but remember you won’t be expected to know everything immediately, so ask plenty of good questions. Not only will it help you get the knowledge you need to do the job, but it shows you are willing and engaged.
How to work with your recruiter
Your recruitment consultant really is your key when it comes to successful temping. Working closely with them will enable to you be successful!
We always advise meeting with your recruiter to really get the most out of this valuable relationship. Get to know them really well – and ensure they are able to get to know you. Be open with your recruiter about your goals, plans, strengths and weaknesses. This way they will be able to really work for you to bring you ideal roles and opportunities.
As above, being informed ahead of your temping contract is being prepared – a good recruitment consultant will know the company inside and out and will be able to tell you anything you need to know! So, make the most of this fountain of knowledge before you start the role.
Most importantly, keep in touch. Your recruiter will want to hear from you throughout your contract, not just when you’re job hunting. It’s important that you let them know how you’re getting on, any difficulties you’re having or things you are not happy with, as well as the good things too. Communicate your feedback to them, as it can really help both you, the recruiter and the client.
For more support on getting the most out of your recruitment consultant, we’ve covered it here in How to work with your recruitment consultant >
If you follow this advice then you’re sure to succeed with your career goals. Good luck!