Put Your Best Foot Forward When Temping

Put Your Best Foot Forward When Temping

Applying at a temporary agency should be treated like any other job application. On occasion people arrive at the office dressed in street attire that leaves an impression that you don’t take your job search very seriously, let alone yourself. First impressions do last and in the office when we are sitting and discussing new job applicants we either remember you by your resume or by how you dress.

Appropriate dress

We recommend that if you are coming in for an interview for an advertised position dress to impress with suit/shirt/tie or skirt/dress slacks. It does help you get your foot in the door because if you make a good impression with First Choice then you’ll be thought of as our First Choice when a client calls for a temp.  If asked if you treat your temp job like a permenant job the answer should be a resounding “yes”. With unemployment numbers expected to continue to rise, it’s time to take a serious look at working with a temp agency.

Consider your image
You should constantly strive to look professional even if you are just going to the agency for an initial interview. If you arrive looking like you are just there to “hang out”, you may find that the agency will be concerned on how you show up for the first day at the client’s office. As a result you may not get as many placements as you would like (if any).

Make an impression on the agency interview day
Treat your interview at the agency as if you were going directly to the employer. Consider the temporary agency the chance to make a good first impression. Keep in mind that agencies get paid on who they send to the employer. If their relationship with the employer is potentially damaged due to your lack of professionalism, agencies will no longer try to find work for you. Remember, they work to get paid too. Bring a fresh copy of your resume with you to the interview, two forms of ID and pre prepared to take a skills test for typing and Microsoft Word.. If you send in an electronic resume as a response to a job ad, be sure to bring a print version as well. You will also want to bring along two forms of identification.

In addition to an initial interview, you may be required to take skill tests. If you are interviewing for an administrative position, this may include typing or data entry skills. If you have not typed in awhile, be sure to practice before you go.

After the agency, now what?

Now that you have impressed First Choice with your professional appearance, attitude and skills, your next step is to be sent on an assignment. Chances are, our agency will call you later in the week with an employer to report to. When you take that call, remember to verify the information that we give you including location, hours, amount paid, length of assignment and  parking accommodations if necessary and available. Remember it is not acceptable to arrive late or forget to call if you realized you had another appointment scheduled for that time and need to cancel.

Remember that professionalism, productivity and accuracy are the key to successfully working with any temp agency. You never know if the employer is looking for someone to hire as a permanent employee. If your work is exemplary they may decide to hire you directly from the temp agency contact. Treat your temporary assignment as if it were your permanent job. You will see fantastic results in the end.

www.firstchoiceservice.com
Facebook us: First Choice Service
701 Smithfiled Street, Suite 601
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 261-4130