Maybe you’re ready just for a change or a new challenge.

Or, you like the idea of trying something new every few months.

Or, maybe you just can’t find the right permanent job right now.

Regardless of the reason for pursuing temporary work, there are some drastic differences between “temp” and “perm” roles, and it all starts with the interview.

If you erroneously prepare yourself for a permanent job interview, you could lose out on a great temporary (or freelance/contract) opportunity.

Why Job Interviews for Temporary Jobs Are Unique

Many people interviewing for contract work know that the job is temporary, but don’t realize the importance of preparing differently for this type of interview.

Yes, you still need to sell your brand, and present yourself in the best possible light.

However, what a company is seeking from a temporary worker is different than a permanent employee.

They have separate criteria that you need to address in your interview.

Generally, contract work is more transactional in nature, and the employer is looking for a person to fill a specific role or work on a project.

Your ability to show that you can fill that role can be the difference between winning the job or continuing in your search for work.

8 Tips for Succeeding in Interviews for Temporary Jobs or Contract Positions

Here are some tips for succeeding in job interviews for temporary placement opportunities:

1. Know What the Employer Wants

In a traditional permanent job interview, hiring managers ask interview questions to make sure the candidate is a good fit for the role AND the organization’s culture.

They’re already thinking about retention and are curious about your 5-year plan, career goals, professional passion, development needs and strengths and weaknesses.

Temporary jobs are short-term, so there’s no need to share your aspirations to become a CEO or entrepreneur.

Hiring managers for these positions are less concerned with your cultural fit and more focused on whether you can accomplish the tasks of the job and how quickly you can get up to speed.

Be sure to review the description before the interview so you know how and where you meet the requirements and also where you may be lacking in some skills or experience.

2. Focus on Your Skills, Not Your Passion

During the interview, zero in on the experience and skill set required for the job. Be sure to give specific examples of:

• Similar work you’ve done in the past.
• The technologies you know.
• The processes you’ve implemented.
• The projects you’ve worked on.

Share your successes, and how you overcame obstacles.

Give as much detail as possible about your assignments so that you paint a full picture of your abilities.

For example, if you’re interviewing for an accounting position and you’re asked about reconciliation, don’t just say, “Yes, I’ve done that.” Hiring managers want to know the where, when, how, and how many times.

3. Be Ready to Move Fast

The interview and hiring progression for a permanent job can take weeks or months to unfold. In contrast, the temporary job interview process can move at lightning speed.

In some cases, you may interview one afternoon, get an offer, and be in the job by the next morning.

With temporary work, the employer almost always has a pressing need for someone to do the work. Be ready to clear your calendar so you’re better prepared to take the offer if it comes.

4. Communication May Be Lacking

With some permanent posts, you’re kept informed by the hiring manager about the process as it progresses. This isn’t typical for contract positions.

You may interview and not hear any feedback at all. It’s not personal. This just goes along with the fast-paced temporary placement environment.

Except for the interview itself, all your communication will most likely be with your agency/staffing firm recruiter, so it’s imperative to have open communication with him or her.

5. Research What Matters

Candidates are often encouraged to research an organization before an interview, using Google, LinkedIn, and their own network to glean as much information as possible about the company, its leadership team, and the culture.

Research is still important for contract interviews, but it should be more focused. Learn what you can about the specific challenges of the role you’ll be performing, and how your skills and experience can help the organization meet the challenges.

For most temporary assignments, there isn’t time to get immersed in the culture.

6. Negotiate BEFORE the Offer

Don’t make the mistake of trying to negotiate your salary after an offer is made.

For temporary work, all negotiation must happen before the interview, and with your recruiter at the agency. Remember, you will be paid by the staffing firm, not by the company where you will work.

Discuss your salary needs and expectations with your recruiter beforehand so that you are comfortable with the hourly rate. After an offer is extended, there is no room to negotiate.

7. Prepare for All the Usual Interview Questions

While not commonly asked during interviews for short-term positions, you may still want to be prepared for questions about your long-term goals especially as they relate to searching for permanent work, your career path, and your strengths and weaknesses.

Some questions you can count on include those about your adaptability, flexibility, ability to change gears with ease, and how quickly you can become proficient at the tasks and demands of the job. (see more on common interview questions and answers)

Beware the “Trick” Long-Range Goals Question

If a hiring manager asks about your long-range goals, be careful when responding.

Some may be asking to gauge your happiness and longevity in a temporary role. If you share that you’re looking for a permanent position, you may answer your way out of the contract job. Hiring managers want to ensure that you will stay for the length of the contract and that you are invested in the role.

A safe answer is to say something like,

“Right now, I want to focus on honing my skills, and this position is the perfect opportunity for me to do that.”

Some temporary work truly is temp-to-perm. However, for most of these jobs, the position is temporary. So, keep that in mind if you are asked this question.

8. Be Engaged

Maybe you are looking for a permanent position, or maybe you enjoy the variety and skill honing temporary work affords you. Regardless of your longer-term goals, put forth your best effort, and engage in your work.

You most likely will only be at this job for a finite period of time, so try to prove yourself quickly, if you are interested in making a good impression that can pay off for you later.

It is possible that there will be a permanent post within the company or that your manager could help you network at another organization. So, treat the job as a short-term opportunity, but be fully engaged.

More About Job Interviews

• Smart Answers to Interview Questions
• 3 Steps to Interview Success: Build Your Interview Checklist
• Job Interview Success Secret: Your Relevant Stories

More About Temporary Jobs

• Temporary Work Can Be an Audition
• 3 Insider Tips for Getting More Temporary Work
• Turn Temporary Work Challenges into Opportunities
• The Advantages and Disadvantages of Temping

About the author…

Jane Davis Long is a Principal Staffing Manager in the Accounting, Finance & Administrative division of WinterWyman, one of the largest staffing firms in the Northeast. Jane’s focus is on placing high-quality candidates at all levels (Clerk through CFO) in Accounting & Finance roles for Boston area companies, from start-ups to Fortune 500 powerhouses. Contact her at janedavis@winterwyman.com. To keep abreast of happenings in the contract staffing world, follow WinterWyman’s LinkedIn page, and check out @WinterWyman on Twitter.

The post Successful Interviewing for Contract or Temporary Jobs appeared first on Job-Hunt.

Potential employers often see it before they meet you.

Job seekers looking for temporary work may be surprised that — just like their colleagues searching for permanent roles — their online presence is critical to their success.

Why?

Your online presence shows a glimpse into your personality. And, more importantly to potential employers…

Your digital profile offers insights into your accomplishments and – this one’s important – insight into your judgement.

Since virtually anyone can access social media sites, or find their way around security settings, organizations want to make sure that potential employees can uphold the company’s image and reputation with their online presence.

Violating a company’s social media policy has cost people their jobs. It can also screen out potential employees from moving further in the hiring process. Because both of these actions could be discriminatory, many states have enacted laws and guidelines to protect job seekers and employees.

What Should You Do?

Is your online presence helping or hindering your job search? Here are some tips for ensuring a professional online presence no matter the type of role you are seeking:

  Google It!  

The first step in reviewing your online presence is to search for yourself and to do an inventory of your digital footprint.

• What comes up when you Google yourself (both in web and image searches)?
• Consider deleting any questionable content or old profiles and check your posts, tweets, snaps and photos.
• Don’t forget to see if a friend, colleague or family member tagged you in any posts or photos in which you don’t want the world (or even friends of friends) to see.

Use the “mother test” here – if you wouldn’t want your mom to see it, delete it now.

[Read the Guide to Defensive Googling for details on how to search most effectively and Monitor Your Online Reputation with Google Alerts for more information.]

  Privacy Check  

Pay special attention to the privacy and security settings on all your profiles. For your personal accounts like Instagram and Facebook, make sure your settings are airtight.

For LinkedIn, you want to choose a slightly more lenient privacy setting, especially when you’re in job search mode. Stringent security on this site can make you look like you’re being less than forthcoming, and can also make it difficult for employers, recruiters and your contacts to find you.

  Picture Perfect  

Your profile photos on social media sites are the first glimpse employers have of you. What do they see?

For networking sites like LinkedIn, opt for a headshot (professionally taken if possible). It’s difficult to see your face in a full body shot. You should also be alone in the photo — pictures with multiple people can be confusing and unless you’re a graphic designer, your cropping skills are probably not top notch.

Make sure you look current and presentable and try to capture your professional image. On more social sites, your profile picture can be more casual, but forget about the shirtless selfies or pictures with a cocktail in your hand. Casual doesn’t mean careless.

[Read LinkedIn Profile Photos for Job Seekers Over 50 for tips on getting the best photo regardless of your age.]

  Check Your Dates  

If the last time you updated your LinkedIn profile was when you created it years ago, or when you started your last job, log on now! Make sure your company names, job titles and dates of employment are correct and match your resume.

Any inconsistencies could cause a potential employer to question your honesty or integrity. At best, you look sloppy and disorganized. Data accuracy is especially important for temporary workers and contractors who may change jobs frequently. Keep those dates up-to-date.

  Watch What You “Like”  

You should also avoid “liking” posts and photos about provocative subjects.

While you may think it is harmless to give a thumbs up to a meme with snarky content, think again. Those who are following you can see your “likes” on their feed – and often, so can their connections. Keep it professional.

Content Do’s and Don’ts

Your content presents “you” to the rest of the world — recruiters and potential employers, members of your professional network, and even members of your social network. Keep them in mind when you are using social media.

  Content Do’s  

On LinkedIn, be sure to give a clear and concise picture of your professional identity. Do list your job titles and give a brief description for each position, including the accomplishments relevant to your current (or target) job.

It’s also a good idea to include references and links to published work or professional blogs to demonstrate your knowledge and professionalism. Make sure you belong to several groups that represent your chosen field or industry.

Finally, try to post content a few times a week, and use your profile to showcase your career expertise. Recruiters love this type of profile. You make it easy for them to “sell” you as a candidate.

  And Content Don’ts  

No matter how private your settings are, stay away from any controversial topics on LinkedIn, Twitter, and other social media sites while looking for a job.

You may have strong opinions on political, religious or social issues. However, these are scorching hot (and extremely subjective) topics and even if you are passionate, others may disagree, think it’s inappropriate, or respond negatively. Post about these topics at your own risk.

The Bottom Line

A messy digital footprint could be more than a faux pas. It could negatively impact your job search. Having honest, accurate, and appropriate information on your profiles can help you land your next temporary, contract, or permanent position. Being invisible is not the solution — many employers ignore people they can’t find in Google or LinkedIn. So, be visible — very carefully and professionally!

Think of your online presence as your own professional brand. Build it and care for it so it can take you to the next level in your career. See Job-Hunt’s free Guide to Personal Online Reputation Management for more details.

More About Temporary Jobs

• How to Work Successfully with a Temporary Staffing Firm
• Successful Job Interviewing for Temporary Jobs
• Staying Positive While Job Hunting for Temporary Jobs
• Temporary Work Can Be an Audition
• 3 Insider Tips for Getting More Temporary Work

About the authors…

Elizabeth Webster is a Senior Staffing Manager in the Accounting, Finance & Administrative division of WinterWyman while Meghan McFee is a Principal Staffing Manager in the Technology division. Liz works with all levels of Accounting & Finance (Clerk through CFO) contractors in the New England job market while Meghan’s focus is on recruiting Database, QA, Project Management and Tech Support professionals in the New York and Boston markets. Contact Meg at mmcfee@winterwyman.com and Liz at ewebster@winterwyman.com. To keep abreast of happenings in the contract staffing world, follow WinterWyman’s LinkedIn page, and check out @WinterWyman on Twitter.

The post Making a Great First Impression on Employers appeared first on Job-Hunt.

Your skills stay up-to-date, and you may have an inside track to a permanent job.

Temporary work also expands your network, and helps you gain experience with new employers.

Working with a staffing agency that specializes in temporary positions gives job seekers access to an abundance of opportunities and recruiters with access to hiring companies.

Employers turn to the staffing firm for help filling temporary needs.

Working With Temporary Staffing Firms

It is important to know how best to work with a staffing firm.

There are many misconceptions about how the relationship between recruiters and candidates work. Not understanding the intricacies of these relationships can lead to confusion, misunderstanding, and in some cases hurt feelings.

Here are some tips for successfully working with a staffing agency that can help you make the most of your temporary job search.

  Know Your Employer  

When you take a contract or temp position through a staffing firm, the agency is technically your employer.

Although, you will report to a manager at the company, your paycheck, W-9 and benefits will come from the staffing firm.

This can be confusing to many first-time temps.

Many companies use staffing firms specifically because they are set up to handle the complicated pay and benefit structure of contract workers.

You may be concerned that this arrangement may be a hurdle in turning your temporary role into a permanent one, but don’t worry.

There are no guarantees that a temporary job will become permanent, but — if it does — transferring payroll and benefits information is easy and won’t serve as a barrier.

  Understand Who Your Recruiter Really Works For  

Staffing agencies are hired, and paid, by organizations who are looking for employees and need help finding them.

This means that their primary purpose is to find the right talent for their client employers — NOT jobs for their candidates.

Understanding a recruiter’s underlying motivation may save some hurt feelings and keep the relationship positive.

However, recruiters can’t do their jobs without the right candidates. Yes, they want to place you, but not at the expense of their clients.

They will not send you to an interview for which they feel you are unprepared or not a complete fit. It makes them look bad.

Staffing firms are different from employment agencies. If you work with an employment agency, you are the client; with a staffing firm the company is the client.

  Understand the Firm’s Expectations  

A skilled recruiter will work with you early on to set expectations around communication (frequency and method), feedback, and the process he or she follows for distributing your resume and setting up interviews.

For example, you should know the answers to these questions before you accept your first assignment from the firm:

• What can you expect from working with a recruiter?
• How often will they be in touch? Every day, every Friday, once a month?
• How long will it take before you get a temp job?
• Will they share feedback about your resume and interviews?

If you don’t get the answers to your questions, or are unclear on the process, ask!

  Insist on Transparency and Open Communication  

The recruiter at your staffing agency should be open and honest with you, providing feedback that will help you emphasize your strengths to potential employers, being truthful when a job just isn’t the right fit (even if it’s at your dream company), and keeping you informed throughout the interview and hiring process.

However, when it comes to being open and honest, you need to reciprocate.

Recruiters can only do their jobs well when candidates are honest with them. Don’t accept a temp job knowing that you have two interviews for permanent roles the next week, or tell the recruiter that you have a 2-week vacation planned just when the job starts.

You may be hesitant to share this information for fear that it will impact your consideration for a position, but if your recruiter knows ahead of time they can work with it. If they don’t, and have to tell employers after the fact, it can damage your reputation — and theirs.

Tell them the whole story from the beginning so they can best manage that information and assist you in finding the right position.

  Negotiate Early (with the Staffing Recruiter)  

The best (and really only) time to negotiate your pay for a temp position is during the initial stages of the interview process.

At the onset of matching you with a position, your recruiter will present you with a position and the rate. If you’re unhappy with the fee structure, speak up! Once you have accepted the offer, it’s too late.

  Take Charge of Your Search  

You may be working with one staffing agency, or several, but you’re the boss of your job search.

This means knowing where your resume is going.

Make sure you keep a list of where your resume is submitted.

If employers are getting your resume from multiple recruiters (and potentially also directly from you), it makes you look disorganized and sloppy — not traits you want to highlight in a job search.

Multiple resume submissions can also ruing opportunities because employers don’t want to get caught in the middle of a disagreement about which recruiter would get paid if you are hired.

Experienced recruiters will check with you prior to submitting your resume to make sure the position is a good fit. If your staffing firm doesn’t have that policy, insist on it.

Get the Right Fit

There are many staffing firms and recruiters wanting to work with you, and you need to make sure you get the right fit.

Finding a recruiter who specializes in your functional area or industry is a necessity.

As importantly, you want to find a person you feel comfortable telling your whole story to (the great and the maybe-not-so-great) and who you trust to give you honest feedback.

Following these tips will help you work most successfully with a staffing firm so you can make the most of your search and find temporary positions that will help further your career.

More About Temporary Jobs

• Successful Job Interviewing for Temporary Jobs
• Temporary Work Can Be an Audition
• 3 Insider Tips for Getting More Temporary Work
• Turn Temporary Work Challenges into Opportunities
• The Advantages and Disadvantages of Temping
• Staying Positive While Job Hunting for Temporary Jobs

About the authors…

Chris Mitchell is the Director of Recruiting in the Technology division of WinterWyman and Brian Beaudry is a Principal Staffing Manager in the Accounting, Finance & Administrative division of WinterWyman. In addition to overseeing a team of 12 tech recruiters, Chris’ focus is on recruiting Database, QA, Project Management and Business Analysis professionals in the New York and Boston markets while Brian works with all levels of Accounting & Finance (Clerk through CFO) contractors in the greater NYC area. Contact Chris at cmitchell@winterwyman.com and Brian at bbeaudry@winterwyman.com. To keep abreast of happenings in the contract staffing world, follow WinterWyman’s LinkedIn page, and check out @WinterWyman on Twitter.

The post How to Work Successfully with a Temporary Staffing Firm appeared first on Job-Hunt.

Yet taking a temporary job can offer many benefits—both short and long-term.

Many job seekers have a bias against temp jobs and often express some common concerns, including the perception that temporary jobs have a lack of stability, limit the ability to hunt for permanent work, and keep you in constant job search mode.

Perhaps they assume that temp work is only answering phones and taking messages or doing some other very boring task

It turns out, however, that the key to changing your perspective on temporary roles is to understand the benefits they offer.

The Advantages of Temporary Work

Temporary roles actually have a lot more to offer, and you might discover that they have lower competition. Making them a worthy consideratio for your next career stage.

1. Improve Your Resume  

A temporary position may offer the opportunity to learn new skills or gain needed experience in an area where you may be lacking.

This is especially advantageous if you want to switch directions in your career.

It is also useful if you want to make the shift to a different industry.

You can gain experience with a new technology or software, too. Perhaps, connect with a new permanent job.

Or, with luck, all of the above.

2. Enjoy a Speedier Hiring Process  

There is often a sense of urgency when hiring for a temporary position. Employers need someone to fill the position quickly.

The speed of the hiring process can be to your advantage. In some cases, candidates who wouldn’t be considered for a permanent role without the required experience can land a contract position.

Because employers are often looking to hire right away—and don’t have time for an exhaustive search—they may be willing to be a little more flexible in their hiring requirements.

3. Start the Path To a Long-Term Role

A temporary position can be a matter of being in the right place at the right time to land that position in a new industry or get your foot in the door at a coveted company.

Even if a temporary engagement doesn’t lead to a permanent position, the experience in a desired company can help you land a long-term job.

4. Find A New Direction  

A temporary position can also serve as a step in a new direction. Maybe you want to change things up a bit.

You’re looking for a shorter commute, a better work-life balance, want to try working from home, or explore a new career. Consulting work can help you reach your goals.

5. Discover Better Flexibility

Temporary work typically offers more flexibility than a permanent position. You can do your job well, and then go home.

Typically, contract temporary workers can maintain a better work-life balance than full-time staff and aren’t expected to put in grueling 80-hour work weeks.

Most temporary positions are paid hourly, so even if you are asked to work late, you are adding to your paycheck.

6. Launch a Career as a Temp Worker

For many people, temporary work is a career choice. While this is more common in the tech sector, the consulting life offers some benefits that just fit well with certain personalities and lifestyle choices.

Some people thrive on being exposed to “new” job responsibilities, management styles, and co-workers. Temporary and project-based positions can offer all of these.

Others enjoy the flexibility and not being obligated to one company for a bulk of their careers. The contract temporary work world allows for that to happen.

7. Cover resume gaps  

Temporary positions can help fill holes in your resume when you are between jobs.

Rightly or not, employers are wary of hiring those who have long periods of unemployment on their resumes. Hiring managers don’t know if you’ve been actively looking for six months or binge-watching Netflix.

Temporary work can give you a job to list on your resume and a chance to continue to build your experience and network.

Working contract on these assignments shows hiring managers that you take your career seriously, you’re staying connected to your industry, and you are keeping your skills sharp.

8. Enjoy Financial Rewards

In many cases, contract temporary workers get paid more overall than their permanent coworkers.

Working in a temporary role can lessen the financial burden of being out of work. Not only that, but having this monetary security may allow you to be more selective in your job search. You’ll feel less pressured to take the first permanent position that comes along.

Recognize the Benefits of Temporary Work

There are many benefits to temporary work, and for those looking to contracting as a career or to fill in while looking for something more permanent, a shift in mindset can open a world of opportunities.

About the authors…

Chris Mitchell is the Director of Recruiting in the Technology division of WinterWyman and Sarah Terlaga is a Principal Staffing Manager in the Human Resources division of WinterWyman.  In addition to overseeing a team of 12 tech recruiters, Chris’ focus is on recruiting Database, QA, Project Management and Business Analysis professionals in the New York and Boston markets while Sarah works with all levels of HR contractors in the New England area.  Contact Chris at cmitchell@winterwyman.com and Sarah at sterlaga@winterwyman.com.  To keep abreast of happenings in the contract staffing world, follow WinterWyman Contract Staffing’s LinkedIn page, and check out @WinterWyman on Twitter.

The post Embrace the Benefits of Temporary Work appeared first on Job-Hunt.

Your dream job, even if it’s a temporary role, could be just around the corner.

For those job seekers looking for temporary positions, either as part of a freelance lifestyle or a bridge to permanent employment, the emotional roller coaster of the contract job market can be thrilling – and stressful.

The temp market moves eons faster than the traditional job market with some assignments starting the day after an interview – if there is even an interview at all.

7 Tips for Staying Positive in Your Job Search

It is easy to remain upbeat during a job search — for the first days and weeks anyway.

After that, if you’re not seeing much activity, you may start to feel down or discouraged. But don’t lose faith!

Here are some tips to help you stay positive throughout your temp job search:

  1. Expect the Unpredictable  

Yes, it’s true that the interview and hiring process for temp positions is typically faster than with permanent posts.

However, the temp market is always changing. You may have a week where you have ten interviews, and then two weeks without one.

What’s the typical length of a temp job search? There isn’t one. It could be three days, six months, or more.

There is such a huge range because the market is so unpredictable and a “temporary” assignment can vary from a daylong data entry job to a nine-month web development project.

The more complex the work, the longer the search could take.

  2. Have Realistic Expectations  

It’s important to know that the number of interviews you get is market driven. A lack of interviews doesn’t mean you’re lacking an important characteristic or skill. Try not to take the radio silence personally.

It’s possible that you may need to expand your target job requirements. More flexibility in your parameters may result in an uptick of interviews.

Also, if you do go out on 10 interviews and none of them pan out, don’t lose hope. There are more interviews in your future. You and your recruiter just haven’t found the right fit — yet.

  3. Manage Your Emotions  

When you have multiple interviews you can feel euphoric, while a dearth of appointments can leave you disappointed. These swings are natural, but you need to keep them in check, particularly when talking with hiring managers.

Confidence is an admirable quality, but don’t come off as pompous. Candidates have been known to blow interviews because they’ve gone in with the attitude of “I am so in demand, they’d be lucky to have me.” Others have lost out on opportunities because they came off as timid or desperate.

Do your best to stay even-keeled. And always interview to get the job.

Once you have the offer, you can decide if you want it.

  4. Know Thyself  

Just like when looking for a permanent job, before you start your search, know what you want in your next temp assignment.

What are you looking for? What is non-negotiable? Where can you make concessions?

Consider things like the length of the contract, the type of work, and your commute. You want to be flexible enough that you have choices, but picky enough that they are all real options. This self-reflection at the start will help you explore new opportunities while staying true to your core values.

  5. Control Your Search  

Finding a job is your full-time job, whether you are looking for a permanent position or the right number of temp assignments to keep you employed at the level you desire.

Keeping track of all of your efforts is important.

You should have a running list of every resume sent, including those sent by staffing firms you are working with; and all the interviews you’ve had along with who you met with and the outcome of each.

No matter if you’ve applied directly for a job, or a recruiter has done so on your behalf, sending your resume multiple times or contacting several people at the same company makes you appear disorganized.

Any follow-up should be through your recruiter or the person you originally contacted and reference your previous correspondence.

If you’re searching for a job on your own while at the same time working through a staffing firm, make sure your recruiter runs every position by you before submitting you as a candidate. This is also key in building a trusting relationship with your staffing partner and is critical if you choose to work with multiple recruitment firms which you many need to do in order to keep your level of employment steady.

  6. Get a Life  

Stay in touch with hiring managers and your recruiters, but don’t get obsessed.

If you let your search control your life, you will burn out. Then when you do get that interview, your desperation and single-mindedness will show.

So take your phone and go for a walk or find something that will energize and rejuvenate you — but always be reachable. Temp jobs pop up suddenly and if you aren’t available for an interview, or to start an assignment, the company or recruiter will move on to the next candidate.

  7. Revel in Small Wins  

Finding a new lead, sending out multiple resumes, and getting a phone interview (even if it doesn’t lead to an in-person interview) are all reasons to celebrate!

The job search can be a long process. It’s easy to dwell on what isn’t happening, but to stay optimistic you also have to focus on your “wins” — even small ones.

It may seem like a cliché to say that finding a new job, even a temporary one, will change your life, but for all practical purposes it will.

You’ll be in a new location and in a new role with new people and opportunities. Your life will, in fact, be different.

Channel that freshness and excitement to stay positive as you navigate your job search.

More About Temporary Jobs

• Successful Interviewing for Temporary Jobs
• Temporary Work Can Be an Audition
• 3 Insider Tips for Getting More Temporary Work
• Turn Temporary Work Challenges into Opportunities
• The Advantages and Disadvantages of Temping

About the authors…

Meghan McFee is a Principal Staffing Manager in the Technology division of WinterWyman and Sarah Terlaga is a Senior Staffing Manager in the Human Resources division of WinterWyman Contract Staffing. Meghan’s focus is on recruiting Database, QA, Project Management and Tech Support professionals in the New York and Boston markets while Sarah works with all levels of HR contractors in the New England area. Contact Meghan at mmcfee@winterwyman.com and Sarah at sterlaga@winterwyman.com. To keep abreast of happenings in the contract staffing world, follow WinterWyman’s LinkedIn page, and check out @WinterWyman on Twitter.

The post Staying Positive While Job Hunting for Temporary Jobs appeared first on Job-Hunt.

You’re hired!

There are no two sweeter words in the job search lexicon.

For temporary workers, assignments can range from a few days to a year — and some may even convert to permanent positions.

Regardless of the length of the assignment or the type of work you’ll be doing, you want to position yourself as a hard worker and a valuable member of the team.

Many temporary workers make the mistake of hanging back and waiting for projects and tasks to come to them, or they get too comfortable way too fast.

Dos and Don’ts for Success as a Temporary Worker

Avoid these common pitfalls so you can use your next position as a positive step forward in your career. Here are some dos and don’ts for the first few days and weeks on a temporary job.

 DO: Dress Professionally  

Appropriate dress can mean different things in different offices. While a suit may be the norm in some companies, it can be as out of place as a bathing suit in others.

When starting a new assignment, make sure you and your recruiter discuss the dress code before your first day. Dressing up or down can draw unwanted attention and make you look like you just don’t belong.

If you’re still unsure of what to wear, err on the side of being overdressed.

  DO: Be Patient  

Typically the temporary interview and hiring process is fast — so fast that the company might not have everything ready for you to begin work.

It’s even possible that your desk or computer won’t be set up on day one and that you might not get the typical training and “onboarding” that permanent employees receive (let alone the welcome basket).

Try to be flexible, and work with what you have. Don’t be pushy and add to your manager’s stress. Your graciousness will be appreciated.

  DO: Come Prepared  

Temporary workers are typically hired to work on specific projects or cover for staff shortages. As a temporary employee, you are expected to be able to come in and hit the ground running, often with no onboarding and little fanfare.

Show up early on the first day with a notebook and pen (remember that laptop may not be ready!).

Ask any questions you may have, and take notes. Take initiative when appropriate, and be ready to jump into the assignments you are given.

  DO NOT: Complain  

If you have a rocky start, make sure to keep a positive attitude. Don’t complain to your co-workers.

Your cranky moment may be relayed to your supervisor, or that co-worker could be your boss at a future job.

If you have an issue, bring it up to your recruiter.

They can be a sounding board for your problem, and help you to resolve it in a professional manner.

  DO NOT: Gossip  

The office rumor mill can be a sticky snare. Once you participate, it’s hard to pull yourself out of it.

Stay away from office politics and drama.

As a general rule, be friendly, but not overly social, to keep your reputation intact and better position yourself for a permanent opportunity should one become available.

  DO: Ask Questions  

Some temporary workers avoid asking too many questions for fear that they will bother their manager or appear unknowledgeable.

It’s great to be a self-starter, but if you are unsure, ask!

Supervisors would rather you check in than make mistakes.

  But NOT These Questions!  

Questions about your day-to-day tasks are encouraged. However, try to avoid asking:

• “Can I take a break?”
• “When can I leave?”
• “Do you mind if I’m late tomorrow?”
• “Are there any permanent positions opening up here?”

You don’t want to appear unmotivated or bothersome.

  DO Engage  

What you do want to do as a temporary employee is position yourself as an indispensable, integral part of the team.

• Demonstrate your reliability by coming in on time and working hard.
• Always check in with your manager before the end of the day to ask if they need anything else done.
• See every project through. If you finish an assignment, check to see if there are additional ways you can help, even with tasks that are outside your “job description.”
• Save checking your personal emails, voicemail, or Facebook for your lunch break.
• Get a feel for the company culture and the goals of your team and the organization so you can help them reach those objectives, even if it’s just while you are on assignment.

Engage in your work as if your job depends on it (it does!).

  DO Stay Positive  

It isn’t always easy being a temporary employee. It can be difficult to find your place, and it’s sometimes confusing (can you use the employee gym or not?). Maybe you feel excluded, or like your supervisor is taking advantage of you. Try not to take any “he/she’s just a temp” slighting personally and keep your chin up.

Managing the “Interview Trap” While a Temporary Worker

Should you interview for another position if you’ve already got a temporary job? It depends.

• If you do interview, only schedule meetings for those jobs you’re most serious about. Missing work for a job you won’t take isn’t the best use of your time.
• When possible, schedule interviews for before or after work, or early or late in the day.

If your temporary assignment is temp-to-perm, be very judicious about scheduling interviews, and do so sparingly.

Don’t completely pull yourself off the market because converting to a permanent position isn’t guaranteed, but pursue new opportunities with caution. Doing so can send the message to your employer that you’re not serious about your current position.

If you do end up taking another job, make sure to give one to two weeks’ notice to the staffing firm.

If you’re unsure about what to do, ask your recruiter to help guide you through this tricky process.

Bottom Line

Contract assignments may be temporary, but you have the chance to make a lasting impression with your supervisor. Do your job well so you can leave the assignment with more experience, new contacts and a stellar recommendation for your next job.

More About Temporary Jobs

• Successful Job Interviewing for Temporary Jobs
• How to Work Successfully with a Temporary Staffing Firm
• Temporary Work Can Be an Audition
• 3 Insider Tips for Getting More Temporary Work
• Turn Temporary Work Challenges into Opportunities
• The Advantages and Disadvantages of Temping
• Staying Positive While Job Hunting for Temporary Jobs

About the authors…

Elizabeth Webster and Kelly Ratliff are both Senior Staffing Managers in the Accounting, Finance & Administrative division of WinterWyman. Liz works with all levels of Accounting & Finance (Clerk through CFO) contractors in the New England job market while Kelly concentrates on the greater NYC area. Contact Liz at ewebster@winterwyman.com and Kelly at kratliff@winterwyman.com. To keep abreast of happenings in the contract staffing world, follow WinterWyman’s LinkedIn page, and check out @WinterWyman on Twitter.

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