A Means to an End?
You made a conscious decision to temp. And now you’re making a conscious decision not to. Hey, you’ve got your reasons; maybe along the way you learned about a role that suits you perfectly; you’ve built up your skills to the point where you’re eligible to apply and now the time has come. Or perhaps the idea of taking a day off and getting paid for it suddenly appeals. Whatever it might be, how do you throw off the many coloured cloak of temping and assume the mantle of permanent employment?
If your current agency doesn’t seem to be able to satisfy your new found desire for a ‘proper job’ then it’s time to register with a new one. And this time around you need to make sure that you let them now that you’re in the market for a full-time placement. If that still doesn’t get you the interviews you need maybe enquire as to whether you’re with the right consultant within the firm.
Once you’ve got your agency in line with your expectations you’ll need to prepare for an interview. Don’t forget the basics: be on time, dress smartly, but also be ready for the inevitable ‘why did you temp for so long?’. Address this question in your mind beforehand and make sure that your answer portrays you as a forward thinking, diligent and professional individual who would be an asset to any company.
Perhaps the best way to answer any probing questions in an interview for a permanent role is to highlight the advantages temping has given you over your average applicant. Turn it into a selling point by focusing on your ability to adapt, to prioritise a workload and to meet deadlines. Above all, stay positive in the interview, as your interviewer will retain an overall impression of you long after the answers to your questions have faded into the mists of time. You’ll be signing up for a dental plan before you know it.
