7 Tips for Interviewing for Temp Jobs

Some job candidates make the mistake of approaching interviews for temp jobs with the mindset – “It’s only temporary work, it’s not a big deal, all I need to do is show up.” This certainly isn’t the case.

First of all, the temporary work is a big deal to the company doing the hiring. They need to bring people on board with the right mix of skills and experience. The last thing they want is a candidate with an “I could care less, I just want a paycheck” attitude.

Secondly, a temporary job can lead to a full-time opportunity. If that’s your ultimate goal, then by taking every temporary job interview seriously, you can open yourself up to new opportunities, new contacts and new careers.

Finally, recruiters will quickly take note of how you approach the temporary job interview. They are trained to spot candidates who seem truly interested and engaged – those whom they can trust to place on assignment at an employer’s facility – and those who approach the process a little too casually.

To help ensure you fall into the latter category, here are some tips to help you prepare for your next Miami Lakes temp job interview:

Tip #1: Research the company.

Before you go to the agency for your interview, know what kinds of people they are looking for and the types of placements they make. You want to ensure their services align with your goals. If you’re looking for temporary administrative work and the agency focuses on industrial, they’re not the best fit for you.

Likewise, if you’re interviewing for a particular position and you know the employer’s name, spend some time on their website learning about what the company does and whom they serve. When you go to the interview, showing some interest in the employer will help you stand out.

Tip #2: Dress professionally.

Just because the interview is for a temporary assignment doesn’t mean you should dress anything less than professionally. Make sure your attire is clean and neat and that what you’re wearing is appropriate for the kinds of positions you’re applying for.

Tip #3: Bring your resume.

Be prepared with several copies of your resume, a notebook and pen in case you need to take notes, along with a valid ID.

Tip #4: Be prepared to talk about yourself.

Your interviewer will ask you questions like “tell me about yourself” and “what are your strengths and weaknesses.” Be prepared to talk about them.

What you say should include information about the types of industries and employers you’ve worked with in the past, your responsibilities there, and any important accomplishments.

Tip #5: Be honest about your career goals.

For instance, if you’re really looking for a temp job to segue into full-time work, let your interviewer know that. When you’re both on the same page, you’ll have a much better chance of a successful relationship.

Tip #6: Know your availability. 

The interviewer will want to know when you’re available to start and work during the week. So be ready to talk scheduling.

Tip #7: Ask questions. 

You want to ensure that the types of assignments a temporary employment agency puts you on are right for you. So don’t be afraid to ask questions about the opportunity and the employer. Even better, write your questions down ahead of time so you don’t forget them.

If you’d like to learn more about temp jobs in Miami Lakes, please let us know. Future Force works with hundreds of leading employers throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and West Palm Beach and we can offer you access to a variety of temp jobs you won’t find advertised anywhere else, in addition to a competitive benefits package.

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