If you're looking for work and are unsure where to start, consider temporary employment. Whether you're just joining the work force, suddenly find yourself unemployed or are looking for a flexible work schedule, temping can be a great workaround.
Getting started
Start by perusing the placement and employment pages in the Yellow Pages. You can determine an agency's reputability by reviewing their client list. The interview process is fairly painless, typically entailing a meeting, and computer and typing tests. Many agencies also act as headhunters and may be filling full-time placements as well.
While most agencies focus on providing general administration support, there are placement agencies dedicated to just about every industry. Also, in order to increase your chances of getting placed, you may wish to sign up with more than one agency.
Be prepared
On a typical day, you should wake up early and be prepared to work anywhere, doing anything. The agency will generally call you for day work between 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. If you haven't heard from them, call in. You may not get a gig for that day, but you may get one for the next.
Once you've received your orders, head out quickly. If a company has requested a temp, they obviously need immediate relief.
At the site, the assignments are generally benign – reception, photocopying, collating and data entry. At the end of the day, ensure that you get your timesheet signed by the appropriate person. Also, keep track of your hours and the companies you've worked at.
Comment reported
Thank you for reporting this comment as inappropriate.
Back to Comments »