Temporary Employment - Your Foot in the Door...not somewhere else!!

by R.L. Smith
(Quincy, MA)

There was a time when being a temp was dimly viewed-by those hiring temps and even by those who were temps. The joke used to be that the only qualification to be a temp was to have a pulse, but temporary employment can lead to some good opportunities.

It is amazing how far being on time to work, showing up, and actually doing the job gets you. Both temp jobs I had turned into full time jobs. This was in terrible economies and in one case, I was hired in the midst of layoffs, at a good salary.

There is a saying there is always a shortage of good people.

I realize the temp market has changed a lot. However, once you get your foot in the door, you will make a valuable contact - one that might turn into that next full time job.

Go beyond temp agencies. Check out craigslist, online bulletin boards, and even bulletin boards at the supermarket. Ask people in your social circle if they have a need for temporary office workers.

The informal network works! For example, I got a freelance training job while I was volunteering at the local computer center.

Sometimes we think of job hunting as a straight line. It's more like a maze. Be aware that you are in control of making up your own maze, hopefully leading to a direct job route!