Temporary jobs are, without a doubt, on the rise in the United States. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, American temp jobs increased by 3.3% this July on a year-over-year basis. That would indicate that those in search of temporary job placement will have even more opportunities to find it. But once you do find a temp position that’s a good fit for you and manage to schedule an interview, how can you ensure you really nail it? Check out these tips below.
Highlight Your Skills
In any interview situation, you’ll want to focus on the hard and soft skills that are a good fit for the job’s daily responsibilities. But when you’re interviewing for a temporary job placement, you’ll also want to drive home what makes you perfectly suited for this type of challenging environment. Not everyone can absorb information at a fast pace and master new techniques on a weekly basis. So if you’re a quick study, are able to get along with all kinds of people, and have a strong work ethic, these skills will really work to your advantage if you mention them in your interview.
Focus on Flexibility
Businesses will opt to hire temporary employees for many reasons — one of which may be the high costs associated with turnover (which can range from 30% to 150% of the employee’s salary!). But in order to be considered for a temp job, you need to demonstrate how flexible you are. You need to maintain flexibility in your work schedule; in other words, you need to make yourself available and let your temp agency know if you have restrictions. But you also need to be flexible in the “go with the flow” sense. Your temp position may not have you performing the same duties every day. You will likely be thrown into something totally new every time you walk into the office. Being able to roll with the punches and maintain your workday availability can go a long way.
Prepare With Your Temp Agency
Your temp agency can be a priceless resource when it comes time to prepare for your interview. Because they’ll have an established relationship with the company, they can provide additional insight into the culture, their mission, and what they’re looking for in a candidate. Plus, your agency can help you to spruce up your resume and even run a practice interview session so that you feel more at-ease answering popular questions and talking about your achievements.
Job interviews are extremely intimidating — no matter how much experience you may have. But by highlighting your specific skillset and preparing with your staffing agency beforehand, you can sail through the interview process and land the temporary job placement you deserve.