The Dos and Don’ts of a Temporary Job Search
Looking for a job is never an easy task. Temporary jobs can be an excellent opportunity to gain experience, make connections, and earn some extra income. However, searching for a temporary job can also come with unique challenges.
By staying organized, proactive, and positive, you can increase your chances of finding a great temporary position that meets your needs.
We’ll outline some of the dos and don’ts when looking for temporary jobs. With these dos and don’ts in mind, you’ll be well on your way to navigating the temporary job market with confidence and success.
The Do’s and Don’ts
Do: Start with a clear understanding of your skills and interests
Before beginning your search, take some time to identify your skills, interests, and priorities. Consider what tasks you enjoy, what skills you offer, and what environment you thrive in. This will help you narrow your search and focus on jobs that are a good match for you.
Don’t: Apply for every temporary job you come across
While casting a wide net when searching for a job is important, you must also be strategic. Applying for every temporary job you come across can be overwhelming, and it’s unlikely that you will be a good fit for every position. Instead, focus on jobs that align with the skills and interests you initially identified.
Do: Network with your professional contacts
Networking is critical in any job search, and it’s no different when looking for a temporary position. Networking can be as easy as attending job fairs, joining relevant associations, and reaching out to contacts in your industry. Once you find a job, continue to network with colleagues and supervisors in the organization. This will help you learn about new opportunities and make valuable connections to help you in your ongoing job search.
Don’t: Neglect your online presence
In today’s digital age, your online presence can make or break your job search. Make sure your social media profiles are professional and appropriate, and consider creating a LinkedIn profile to showcase your skills and experience, if you don’t already have one. Employers often use social media to screen candidates, so making a positive impression online is important.
Do: Treat temporary assignments as permanent jobs
Just because a temporary job is short-term doesn’t mean you should treat it like you’ll be leaving soon. You can use temporary jobs as an opportunity to build your skills and experience. If you make a good impression, you can use your supervisor as a reference in the future, or maybe they’ll consider you for a permanent position. Whatever the case, the reality is that people from different companies talk, and you want to maintain a good reputation in the temporary community.
Do: Be flexible and open to new opportunities
Temporary assignments can be unpredictable, and you should be open to new opportunities you may not have previously considered. Consider temporary jobs outside of your primary field or with different schedules. You may discover a new interest or skill set, and it could lead to future job opportunities.
Don’t: Forget to follow up
Following up after an interview or submitting an application shows your interest in the position and commitment to the process. But be mindful of the timing and frequency of your follow-up. Wait a reasonable time before following up (we recommend a week after applying) to avoid being seen as too pushy or aggressive.
Do: Stay positive and persistent
It’s easy to get overwhelmed when applying for any job. Maintain a positive attitude, and don’t get discouraged by rejections or setbacks. Just keep applying to relevant positions and following up on opportunities.
Don’t: Walk in blind
Before your first day, take the time to research the company and the position. Look at their website and social media profiles, read reviews on websites like Glassdoor, and gather information about their culture and values. This will not only help you determine whether the position is a good fit for you but also demonstrate your interest and commitment.
Do: Use on-demand staffing
On-demand staffing lets you easily find temporary jobs on your terms. With AmbiMi, all you need to do is enter your skills and availability, and we’ll bring job matches to you (learn more here!). Plus, our skills-based job matching ensures that every job you see fits you.