1. Be organised
Temporary workers can often find themselves working a variety of shifts and hours around other commitments. To avoid lateness or forgetting a shift completely, record the work you have agreed to in a diary or planner and refer to it daily so you are one step ahead of the curve at all times.
2. Commit to your hours
Although much of temp work is flexible, it is important to keep the hours you agree to in the first place. If you are studying or have other commitments, this comes first but be professional regarding your assignments and get in touch ahead of any problems arising.
3. Get the most out of your assignment
Treat each temp assignment as a learning curve. If you find yourself applying for a range of different roles after registering with Unitemps, use each experience as a way of gaining new skills, making contacts and asking questions. This will prove invaluable to your CV and increase your employability.
4. Be professional
Although you are a temp member of staff, your role is just as valued as other employees. Being a temp worker is not a reason to let your standards slip. Be as professional as possible to make the best impression – remember, the contacts made in these jobs will remember you and could help get you where you want to be in your career.
5. Look for internships
When applying for jobs, keep an eye open for opportunities that relate to your chosen field. Some internships can last for several months and there are a variety of full-time, fixed-term roles advertised on Unitemps that could be the professional step-up you’ve been looking for. Or you could be given an insight into a career you want while gaining useful skills along the way.
6. Network
You’ll be meeting an array of new people in your assignments; observe and ask questions about what they do. If possible, see if there are opportunities to shadow someone in a role you find particularly interesting. The important thing is to make an impression – if another role came up, your new contacts would then think of you first.
7. Be realistic about your availability
If you need work to fit in around your studies, only accept what you can manage. Temporary workers may find it tempting to accept multiple assignments, when really accepting one would make sure they are honouring their existing commitments. The fact that you are using the spare time you do have for new experiences and an additional income is a bonus in itself.
8. Apply for several part-time roles if you need more hours
If you do require more hours, take advantage of the many part-time roles that are available. By mixing and matching different assignments, you can create your own tailored schedule and clock the necessary hours.
9. Take advantage of the flexible nature of temping
Temping can be as flexible as you desire – if you have opportunities you have been wanting to pursue, temping gives you the luxury of being able to explore these while gaining skills for life at work at the same time – all without the burden of financial worry.
10. Add your experiences to your CV
Throughout your time as a temp, make sure you use the work you have been doing and the skills gained to give your CV a boost. Whether you have just worked ten short-term jobs or have recently spent several months working in a full-time role, review what you’ve learned and put it down on your CV for potential employers to see.
Do you feel ready to start working in a temporary position? Take a look at our current temporary job vacacancies.
Last updated on 19 December 2022
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