Temporary Assignments as a Job Search Method

Looking for a job, but haven’t found what you want? You may want to consider working as a “temp”.

Some potential benefits of working a temporary job include:

$$$$$$s! Not a small thing to most people in the job market.

A productive alternative to sitting home sending out resumes day after day after day. . .

Networking. Working a temporary position is a great way to connect with lots of people including supervisors and coworkers—and even other people working as/looking for work as a temp. Example: I landed my first job out of college based on a job lead from a woman I met in the elevator at a local placement agency.

An effective way to prove yourself – with an organization and with the people you work with/for. This can lead to a great reference. . .or even a full time job. Many companies use temporary assignments as selection tools. Another example: I moved into two great positions by starting as a temp.

The chance to try out companies and positions. Just as companies may try people out as temps before bringing them on as full time employees, you can try out companies while working as a temp.

Experience to add to your credentials and resume. Temping may offer a chance to enhance skills or learn new skills.

Filler for gaps in employment. Prospective employers look at resumes with an eye for gaps in employment. Temping shows you had the initiative to “get out there” and work at a time when you would otherwise have been unemployed.

How to find a temporary job? Look at the yellow pages under “Employment Agencies”. Print off copies of your current resume on high quality bond paper and visit the agencies of interest to you.

Temping. . . might want to think about it. Worked for me. Could work for you.

~ jan

Facebook

You may think Facebook is your way to connect with your friends. And, it's okay to say anything you want to because, afterall, it's your friends you are talking to. You might -- no, you really need to -- remember lots and lots of people have access to what you say to your friends on Facebook. "Lots and lots of people" includes employers.

In every meeting I'm at with employers when the subject of Facebook comes up, employers say they look at what job candidates have posted on Facebook. They make decisions not to hire people because of what they read on Facebook.

You may be asking "why would employers even care what I say on Facebook?". Employers invest a lot of $s in any person they hire. They want to know your talents and strengths. They also want to know who you are as a person and how you will represent their organization.

If you need a guide as to what is ok/not ok to put on Facebook, use the Grammie Measure. Ask yourself "Would my Grammie be proud of me if she read this?" If you see Grammie shaking her head no, rolling her eyes in horror, and picking up the phone to call you -- better not post it.

Facebook is a great way to connect with your friends. Just don't let it ruin your chances at a job.