Not Just a Temp - Temporary Employment by Choice

Not "Just a Temp"
By Vicki S. Steere

I was recently out calling on clients, when I walked into a plush, high-rise office downtown. The woman at the front desk appeared together. The tasks on her desk were neatly organized. The busy phones were being handled with grace. She greeted me with a warm smile that said, "I'm truly glad you came."

She immediately made me feel at home by engaging in small talk. I asked how long she'd been the with company. Her personality dimmed just a shade, and she timidly replied, "Oh I only started yesterday, I'm just a temp." It was as if she needed an excuse. In a matter of moments, I went through a flurry of emotions. My initial reaction was one of amazement; but she appeared so together, so organized. How could she be "just" a temp? Next, I was impressed. She seemed to really know what she was doing, especially for "just" a temp.

Then I became downright disturbed by the answer. Prior to that moment, she had been a capable, knowledgeable and efficient representative of the company. To me, she was not "just" a temp.

So I asked her how long she'd been doing temporary work. Her face changed again, her shoulders squared up. She proudly declared, "I've been working temp for nearly five years. I love it. I have time off when I want it. I do all kinds of interesting work. Last week I did some database work, and next week I'm set up to do some technical editing. I really enjoy the challenge."

Like many, this wage earner has chosen temporary employment as a career. Today's competitive environment encourages companies to utilize a more flexible workforce, and temporary employment is a part of that. For the employee, working temporary assignments can be intimidating. While it can be like having the first day on the job jitters day in and day out, the experience will also add to an employee's marketability in the workplace. Following are some helpful hints about making temporary employment work for you.

•	Be confident. You're there because you have the skills the client needs. You're filling a gap in the organization. You are appreciated.
•	Take responsibility. Don't use "being the temp" as an excuse. Use it as an opportunity to learn, to ask questions, to help out.
•	Be open and flexible. In today's workplace, temporary assignments are available in all industries and skill sets. Flexibility and a willingness to try will get you more calls from the temporary service. You can never tell when the next career opportunity may appear.
•	Be ready to work. Take care of any obstacles to your employment before you make yourself available, including transportation, day care arrangements and personal appointments.
•	Be punctual. Consistently being on time shows that you enjoy what you're doing and desire to continue.
•	Have a "can-do" attitude. When I ask my clients why they use temporary employees, their No. 1 answer is, "They get the job done." This means temporaries pick up where others drop off. Be the type of person they can rely on.
•	Be inquisitive. Questions show an interest in getting the job done right.
•	Try different settings. More companies than ever are using temp-to-hire as a tool for testing Out whether or not a potential employee fits into their company. Use temporary employment to try out different environments, different companies. It's less stressful than an interview, and you can also determine if you really want to work there.
•	If you liked an assignment, ask to be requested the next time they need someone. Between assignments, call your temp service regularly. The squeaky wheel gets the oil.
•	Turn a one-or two-day assignment into a week, or a week assignment into a career. Even though you may be finished with the original task, there may be other work available. Ask if you can help with something else, or maybe another department might need help.
•	Keep eyes and ears open for opportunities. If you discover a position within the organization that interests you, let your employment service know. Put them to work.
•	Remember who the employer is. It's sometimes easy to for get, especially with longer assignments, that while working temporary, the temporary employment service remains the employer. As your employer, the service is there to help. If you have a concern, talk to them.
•	Don't be "just" a temp. Be someone who is proud of what you are accomplishing. It will show in your performance.