Job Hunting Tips For Temps in London
If you fancy doing some work as a temp, but are not sure where to start, then the best thing to do is to find a good recruitment agency, who will be able to match up the skills that you have, with the jobs that they have on offer. The recruitment agency should help you to choose an area that you want to work in and help you to overcome any nerves or uncertainties about temping. Remember that the agency needs temps or else it would go out of business, so they do want to keep you.
There are lots of different types of agency available. Some are located on high streets, others are internet based. Some specialise in say, catering temps, others are office or admin type specific, but some have a wide variety of roles available.
Before you approach a recruitment agency though, you really should have an up to date curriculum vitae prepared, so that the whole process of signing up with them can be as easy as possible. It is also a sign to the recruitment agency that you really are professional, literate and well organised, so make sure that you update your curriculum vitae before you start interaction with the agency.
The qualifications required for temping jobs vary. For example, a construction specialist, such as an architectural technologist, will require many more qualifications than if the role were for an office junior, where the main emphasis may be on willingness to work and a keen attitude. But no matter what qualifications you have, you will be able to find a temping job, so long as you display enthusiasm, a keen and flexible approach and are genuinely keen to work. So don’t be shy of approaching a recruitment agency, they may be able to transform your working life!
Temping For The Very First Time
If you are about to start temping for the very first time, then you may feel slightly anxious about it and are not sure what to expect. Well the good news is that there is really nothing to fear. If the company that you have been placed with is a good one, then they will do all that they can to show you how things are done and how things work, so that your first day and first week just whiz past and soon you know exactly who is who and what is what.
On your first day remember that no one expects you to know the procedures for doing things, you are there to learn. Also no one expects you to know automatically where the coffee machine is, or who has two sugars and who only drinks herbal teas, so have realistic expectations.
The first day may seem quite tiring, since you will be shown things and introduced to different people and it can be hard to remember everyone, but if you do forget names, just be honest and ask them to tell you again, whilst offering an apology for not being able to recall their name.
You will be shown how to evacuate the building if there is a fire, where the toilets are, refreshment facilities and then given duties to undertake, as well as the introductions. If you are unclear about your duties or what they expect, ask for clarification rather than doing things wrongly. No one minds being asked to elaborate (usually) but they may well mind if you input data incorrectly etc.
Then after the first day you will find that you soon settle into different routines and find your feet. If you find that you are not settling or that you cannot seem to feel at home in the company, then it may be worth talking to your recruitment agency about finding another position. But realistically, if you keep an open mind and are keen to learn, then temping will be great fun and you will soon settle in wherever you are working.