Interview Tips for Temp Jobs

The more successful your interview, the more likely you will be to get a position that is a good fit for you. Consider some this advice for acing your interview:

Treat it like an interview for a full-time, permanent position. The temp agency is the company you will be representing when you go to your temp job. Dress appropriately, and show up on time. Listen attentively and use positive body language to convey your attention and interest. Introduce yourself with a firm handshake. Bring your resume, and be ready to answer common interview questions for temp positions.

Do your research. Read up on the company and its goals, and learn about the types of temps typically hired by the organization. If you’re interested in temp-to-perm positions, find out whether that’s a common arrangement at this agency.

Know your availability. Are you only available to work during your winter break from college? Available 9 to 5, except on Fridays? Be honest about when you can work, and when you are unavailable.

Be honest. Be honest about your goals, whether it’s to land a permanent position (eventually), maintain flexibility, or to develop some skills that will make you an attractive candidate for your next full-time job.

Have a few questions of your own. There’s only so much you can find out about a company ahead of time. Use the interview to learn more about the agency, including the kinds of companies they work with, the benefits offered (if any), and more.

Send a thank-you note. Send an emailed or handwritten note to thank the interviewers for their time and to reinforce your interest in finding a position.

Be persistent and patient. Sometimes a staffing firm will have an assignment waiting for someone like you. Sometimes it takes a while to find a client that needs your skills, or it takes the client a while to respond. Check in with any staffing firm you’ve contacted at least once a week to remind them of your interest and demonstrate your eagerness.

When you get a job, prepare. When you receive an assignment as a temp, the agency will provide you with information about where to report, dress code, hours, wages, and a description of the duties and duration of the job. You also might need to do a second interview with the company. If you don’t receive all of this information, ask the temp agency.