Don?t Discount the Temporary Position Interview

If you think, 'it's just an interview for a temp job -- no big deal,' that's where you're mistaken. Some wonderful opportunities, networking connections and careers have resulted from temporary positions.

Temporary assignments today run the gamut from receptionist to CEO and beyond. And since an agency is usually the first contact with the company, much of the marketing and negotiations have been done for you.

And if you believe 'but the interview is set up and all I have to do is show up,' you're wrong again. The mind set you bring to that interview will make a big difference as to whether or not you get the job.

Most employers like to conduct interviews for temporary positions, even though they are slated only for a few weeks or months of service. They are particularly concerned about people in positions of higher responsibility. The employer is interested in selecting quality people who can be trusted with company information, knowledge and secrets.

Steps to Take to Prepare For Your Interview

-- Step #1 - Do Your Research.

Many companies have Web sites where you can access valuable background information to use in your interview.

By finding out information about the company, like annual revenue and the organization's mission, you will show an interest in what you will be contracted to do. Showing some enthusiasm about the position will demonstrate a positive attitude toward the assignment that you're seeking. You don't want to project the idea that you are there because you can't find a job anywhere else, or are waiting for just the right job -- even if that is the case.

-- Step #2 - Get a Job Description.

Prepare ahead of time.

A worthwhile exercise is to take a piece of paper and fold it down the middle. On one side of the fold write, 'What they are looking for,' and on the other side, write, 'What I have to offer.' Look at the job description and compare the company's needs with your experience and qualities. How do you stack up? Where are your shortcomings? Can you show how you learn quickly or bring added value to the company from the start?

-- Step #3 Prepare a Short Information Statement.

Be ready to answer the dreaded question, 'Tell me about yourself and your background.'

Your statement should include some information on the type of companies and industries you have worked for, your strengths, your transferable skills and some of your personal traits. Practice saying this statement until it is natural.

-- Step #4 Be Prepared to Talk About Your Successes and Experiences.

The employer will want to find out about your past experience -- successes and failures, your work ethic, your track record and, more than likely, the reason you have chosen to work as a temporary employee rather than a regular employee. Make sure you have an answer to the question, 'Why temporary employment?'

Even though you are not being considered for a regular position at this time, there is always the possibility that it just might work out well for both parties -- and the first step to making that happen is by acing the interview.

About The Author

Carole Martin is a celebrated author, trainer, and an interview coach. Her books, 'Interview Fitness Training Workbook' and 'Boost Your Interview IQ' (McGraw Hill) have sold thousands of copies world-wide. Receive Carole's FREE 9-week job interview e-course by visiting her web site at: http://www.interviewcoach.com or http://www.interviewfitnesstraining.com.

---

Interview Tips - Ten Top Dos & Donts for Winning Interviews

In this day and age it can become increasingly difficult to even get your foot in the door and get an interview; once you've accomplished that you... Read More

Stacking The Deck In Your Favor

Many people do not bother to look at their own magnificence and without that view it is not likely that we will recognize the need for strategies... Read More

Your Interview Questions Are a Serious Matter

Of course interviews are mainly about you answering the questions they put to you, but at the end of your allotted interview time, the questions that really... Read More

10 Things to Do to Get the Job

10. Understand all of the opportunities available to you. Don't just assume that you can only work at the standard place of employment for your area of... Read More

How To Get A Job Fast

In today's unpredictable economy, the idea of job security with any company would seem to be a thing of the past. Large company layoffs, golden handshakes, mergers,... Read More

How to Answer The Most Difficult Interview Questions

The following 'difficult' questions are common to most tricky or adversarial interviews. In order to convince the interviewer that you are the best person for the job,... Read More

8 Steps to Getting On-Track When You Start a New Job

Starting a new job can feel like moving to a new country. Your language skills may be modest. You have little knowledge of the laws, let alone... Read More

Reinvent Your Career In Five Simple Steps

The phrase "reinventing yourself" seems to be popping up all over lately. Just a few days ago a friend asked me how he could do it without... Read More

Learn Some Useful Feng Shui Career Tips

As it does with every main life aspect, feng shui also provides tips and guidelines to help you improving your career. If your career is not moving... Read More

Recruiting Excellent Job Candidates

An independent recruiter, recruiting agency or executive search firm is charged with tracking down excellent potential candidates for available job positions. Despite the fact that there are... Read More

Troubleshooting Your Job Search

OK. You've posted your resume online. You've sent out a dozen copies answering classified ads. You've told everyone in your network that you're looking for a job.And... Read More

How To Prepare For A Telephone Interview

It is important to prepare thoroughly for your telephone interview.Begin by studying the job description and the candidate profile. This will enable you to identify the company's... Read More

Work Attitude Ethics For Progress

This "fruit for thought" article is for all human beings, who somehow find themselves in the role of breadwinner and striving to improve their living standards.The heading... Read More

Telephone Job Interview Preparation Tips

TELEPHONE INTERVIEW BACKGROUNDTelephone interviews are quite common in today's job market. They are offered for a variety of reasons including cost savings, screening of candidates and out-of-town... Read More

Have You Given Up On Yourself?

Have you given up on yourself? Have you decided to take the easy road and coast for the rest of your life? Have you come to the... Read More

Online Business: The Underground Railroad for Corporate Escapees

Millions of people everyday spend eight hours or more in a small padded cubicle. The curious thing about it is they choose to do that. They willingly... Read More

So you want to work at home

There are several ways to work from home. Some of the more popular ways are affiliate programs, direct marketing and starting your own business. However it is... Read More

Career Success Through Self-Marketing

Marketing shouldn't be limited to advertising companies. Finding a job or enhancing your current position requires good self-marketing skills. What is self-marketing? Basically, self-marketing is communicating your... Read More

The Top 10 Reasons to have a Career Coach

Many people in the last decade have experienced for themselves either a layoff or termination. Some of these people affected have experienced outplacement-consulting services. This is a... Read More

The Best Business And Economy Solutions

In todays Business and economy, starting any business service requires a good business plan. A little money wouldn't hurt either.Here it is, if you are thinking about... Read More

Are You Winning the Talent Wars?

How many times have you heard or read, "Our employees are our greatest asset"?What are the chances of any company surviving if it cannot find the right... Read More

The Springtime of Your Career

Rick Jarow, author of Creating the Work You Love, introduced many of us to the notion of career seasons. When we're struggling with a career, we're most... Read More

Petite Modeling: What Should You Wear to Your First modeling Photo Shoot?

If you're looking into making the petite modeling industry your career and are wondering what you should bring to your first photo shoot then this article is... Read More

Should You Seek Temporary Or Contractual Employment While Searching?

According to US Department of Labor statistics, the average time to find employment is roughly six months. It could take as little as four to six weeks,... Read More

What Can I Do To Improve My Job-Interviewing Skills?

Whether you're a student job seeker or a polished and proven executive, the first thing you must come to terms with is, "Regardless of the position you... Read More

Effective Resume and Cover Letter Writing - Part One

To begin, make a decision to discard any former knowledge learned about the "rules" of resume and cover letter writing. People commonly become stuck in "bad" writing... Read More