The Temp Commandments
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1. Thou Shall Accept Various Assignments
If you, like many university students and new graduates, are temping with the hope of learning about various companies and industries, you need to be flexible when considering assignments. Don't turn down an assignment unless you're absolutely convinced it will be a poor fit.
2. Thou Shall Keep in Mind Thy Reasons for Temping
Did you seek temporary work so you'd have one or two days a week to pursue the type of job you'd really like to have? If so, don't fall into the trap of accepting assignments five days a week. On the other hand, if you need the money to pay the bills, be sure to set aside enough days or hours during the week to earn the cash you need.
3. Thou Shall Go Above and Beyond the Call of Duty
Once you're in your temporary workplace, do more than what's expected of you. Simply being competent and completing the work you're assigned is enough to get you noticed in many companies. So if you show enthusiasm and do more than you're required to, you'll gain respect and the chance to do more than just answer phones.
4. Thou Shall Get to Know Many People and Departments
This is especially important if you're using temping as a stepping-stone to bigger, better and more permanent things. The more you can sense what's going on in the company and why, through simple casual conversations with your co-workers, the more opportunities you're likely to spot and the better the chances you'll know who to approach about those opportunities.
5. Thou Shall Seek Out Extra Assignments
You'll sometimes find yourself with little or no real work to do in temporary assignments. Don't cure your boredom by reading a magazine or surfing the Web. Instead, ask your supervisor or others in the company if there's anything you can help them with, especially if doing so will give you a chance to learn a new software programme or participate in an important project.
