Get the Most Out of Your Temporary Houston Job

November 23rd, 2010

Considering temporary employment? It’s a great option for many individuals. Not only does it offer good pay and a flexible schedule, but you can also gain experience in different industries and different fields, and possibly even obtain full-time employment. But, despite what some might think, a “temp job” in Houston requires a lot more than just showing up. So how can you make the most out of a temporary job opportunity? Here are some tips to help.

Work with a reputable temporary employment firm.

Working with a reputable employment firm is a good first step to landing a rewarding temporary job. To find a firm that’s a good fit for you, invest some time into researching different temporary employment firms in Houston. Take a look at what kinds of positions they fill and which industries they serve. Once you’ve created a list of a few that look promising, then call each one and ask them about their longevity in the market and why you should choose them instead of the competition. Also, evaluate how the firm’s staff treated you. For instance, was the phone answered promptly? Were your questions answered politely? And finally, beware of any fees. A reputable temporary employment firm will not charge a fee to job candidates.

Make sure you understand what’s expected of you.

Once you’ve chosen a firm and they’ve offered you a temporary job assignment, then take the time to carefully review it with the staffing manager. Don’t be afraid to ask questions – whether it’s of your staffing manager, or your supervisor once you’re on the job. The better you understand the assignment – and what’s expected of you – the more successful you will be in it.

Think of the position as “permanent.”

Just because the position is labeled “temporary” doesn’t mean it’s going to be a piece of cake or that you can slack off. Instead, give your best effort to each and every assignment. If you do a terrific job, then it could even lead to full-time employment. Also, when you accept a new assignment, learn all you can while on the job. Whether it’s practical skills or industry-specific knowledge, capitalize on the opportunity to enhance your experience or skill set.

Look the part.

Dress appropriately for the kind of work you’re doing. Whether the temporary job lasts a few days, a few weeks, or leads to full-time employment, you’ll want to make a good impression.

Communicate with your staffing manager.

If you really liked a particular assignment or company, then let your staffing manager know. They may be able to offer you additional opportunities within that company in the future. On the flip side, if an assignment was less than stellar, then try to understand why it wasn’t a fit for you so you don’t accept a similar assignment in the future.

And if you’d like to learn more about temporary jobs in Houston, or working with a temporary employment firm, then please contact Murray Resources.

15 Critical Questions You Should Ask Every Temporary Employment Firm

July 13th, 2010

Landing a position through a temporary employment agency can provide a host of benefits, like a flexible schedule, supplemental income, and the ability to test the waters at different companies. But if you’ve never worked for a Houston temporary employment agency before, you may have some questions. That’s a good thing! Before committing to a particular agency, you should ask each a variety of questions to ensure they’re a good fit for you.

Here’s a list of 15 important questions to help you get started:

Questions to Ask About the Temporary Employment Agency

1. How long have you been in business?

2. Why types of Houston employers do you work with?

3. What are some examples of the job opportunities that you fill?

4. How much do your services cost? (Hint: If the employment agency tells you they charge job seekers for their services, then it’s time to say good-bye. Reputable employment agencies don’t ask applicants to pay for placements in temporary job assignments.)

Questions About How the Process Works

5. Will you contact me when a position I’m suited for becomes available, or should I call to check in? How often?

6. What happens if I want to turn down a job opportunity? Is that allowed?

7. What if I accept a temporary job opportunity, but realize after a few days things aren’t working? What should I do?

8. If I show up to an assignment and the company decides they don’t need me, do I still get paid?

9. Will I receive training? Do I have to pay for the training? (Again, if the answer’s “yes,” it’s time to turn and walk away. A reputable employment agency will not ask you to pay for training.)

10. What if the Houston employer you place me with wants to hire me full-time? Can I accept?

Questions About Pay & Benefits

11. Approximately how much do the jobs I’m qualified for pay?

12. How do I track my hours?

13. How often will I be paid?

14. Do you offer any benefits, such as health insurance, to temporary employees?

15. Do you pay overtime to temporary employees? If so, what’s the rate?

Make sure you get the answers to these questions – and any others you may have – before committing to a particular temporary employment agency. And if you want to add Murray Resources to the list of Houston temporary employment agencies you’d like to possibly work with, then please feel free to contact us to learn more. Or, to get an idea of the types of positions we can give you access to, take a look at our current job openings in and around the Houston area.

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