Temping Tricks of the Trade

Following Sharon's advice, I registered with most of the temp companies she listed in her post on June 25, 2009. Within a week or two, Innovations already had two separate assignments for me: I had to turn down one due to a scheduling conflict but I was able to accept the other. They placed me for a week at a life science VC firm in downtown San Francisco. The position itself is nothing fabulous as I'm filling in for a receptionist who went on vacation. However, the job has put me in the vicinity of some of the most powerful life science entrepreneurs in the world. For example, one of the partners has a meeting this week with the president...as in, the president of the UNITED STATES!

Although I'm not interested in working for a VC firm or in the life sciences industry, I scheduled a brief 15 minute informational interview with the Director of Marketing and Communications--a field I am interested in.

Which brings me to Courtney's Temping Tip #1: when you're on an assignment, look around and see who works in a position that you are interested in. Then schedule a very brief informational interview. Offer to buy them coffee. Then pick their brain. You never know where it might lead.

I think temping is a great way to go when you're struggling to find a job. It's actually how I got my first job out of college. It gave me a chance to check out an organization without having to commit to it. It also gave me a chance to build a great relationship with the staff so when a position opened up...VOILA! I already had one foot in the door.

Here's a list of additional Courtney Temping Tips:

#2 - Always show up on time. If the company already knows you have a problem getting to work on time, why would they hire you?
#3 - Be super friendly to everyone.
#4 - Dress appropriately. In fact, dress a little nicer than everyone there. Otherwise, you really will just look like the temp.
#5 - Try to drop the hint (subtly) that you're a student, looking for a job after graduation.
#6 - Offer to help out with anything. No matter how trivial of a job it is.
#7 - Go the extra mile. Stay late if they need help getting a project done (but remind them that you are on overtime, if that is your agency's policy).
#8 - Do all of the above, even if the job sucks. The best part is, it's only temporary. You can get through anything knowing there's an end in sight.

I'll keep adding to this list as I think of more helpful ideas.