Working on temporary roles, we often meet people from a huge variety of professional backgrounds, from junior candidates looking for their first job in a corporate environment to senior executives who bring decades of experience. However, what we’ve found is that no matter what level you’re at, attitude is everything. Of course, technical ability is important but how you present yourself throughout the job seeking process can go a long way towards securing employment.
It is important to remember, you only need to be slightly better than other applicants to secure employment, and this is where your soft skills differentiate you.
It Comes Down to Communication
Communication and attitude go hand in hand. From the initial phone call with a Recruitment Consultant, to interviews and email correspondence throughout the process, how you come across and how you are perceived will play a huge part in your success. This applies to both temporary and permanent opportunities; within temporary employment processes you have limited time to make an impression, as we work fast-paced to deliver suitable candidates to our clients’ specifications.
Be aware of your tone and how you present yourself when answering a call. Even if you’re busy or not in the right frame of mind, it’s important to maintain enthusiasm, but if the timing isn’t right, be up front and honest. As long as you’re clearly interested, most people will be happy for you to suggest an alternative time for the call.
Similarly, if you simply can’t pick up the phone, ensure you have an appropriate answering message set up. Your friends may find the “Hello, hello, hello. I can’t hear you!” type of message funny (the first time they hear it), but what about when potential employers hear it? Think about how this would reflect on your personal brand. Also, don’t forget to return the call. This proactive approach once more, shows a positive attitude that will reflect well on you.
With email correspondence, it’s more than just how you come across in written communication. We’ve seen our fair share of inappropriate email addresses, so it is a good idea to look at your address and make sure you would be happy for potential employers to see it.
When it comes to interviews, each company will look for and want something different. While some may lean more heavily towards technical skills, others will look for more of a cultural fit. With most temporary roles, our clients will want to conduct an interview too, be it formal or informal. However, one thing will remain constant: first impressions matter. This is another reason why attitude can set you up more favourably and we understand that for some, this may be a first interview or perhaps you haven’t done one for a while – regardless, we’re happy to help.
Keep body language in mind, too. Non-verbal communication like good eye contact, nodding and a professional appearance will all be taken as indicators of interest in the position.
Little Things Can Make All the Difference
While plenty of companies look for people who can hit the ground running on temporary assignments, it’s not the only consideration. Conveying a positive, can-do attitude, along with an eagerness to get started will only increase your chances. This is why the little things go such a long way. Being proactive, looking eager and demonstrating why you are the right fit for the role (beyond simply your technical ability) will all contribute to your success. Think about the soft skills you have and how they fit the requirements, as well as whether or not you’re open to developing your skills further.
Benefits of Temporary Assignments
Understandably, candidates can be hesitant about temporary roles, but getting over that hesitation unlocks a huge number of benefits of temporary employment:
Getting the most out of temporary assignments also requires an open mind. You may find yourself presented with a role, that in ordinary circumstances, would be too junior for you to consider, but on a short-term basis it could be invaluable. Is it an opportunity to develop yourself in other areas? Take Executive Assistants in Wellington. Many companies want EAs to have government or New Zealand specific experience, which can make it difficult for overseas candidates to get their foot in the door. In this situation, a willingness to take a step down in this new environment by doing something like taking a temporary Administrator job can make a huge difference. It means that the second time around, you’ll have decent references from a highly relevant employment experience and a track record to go with it.
Summary
The attitude you present is critical to a successful job search and needs to be good from the outset to increase the chances of success. By taking stock of how you communicate throughout the recruitment process and embracing the benefits of temporary assignments, you will be well placed favourably for the future. A temporary job doesn’t mean you can’t still be actively looking for a permanent position elsewhere, just remember to keep communication lines open. For more advice, or the latest temporary jobs, get in touch with Beyond Recruitment.
