The Best Answers to Temporary Job Interview Questions

The Best Answers to Temporary Job Interview QuestionsThe Best Answers to Temporary Job Interview QuestionsInterviewing for a temp job? Its important to frame your responses to interview questions carefully so that youll impress the hiring manager elend only with your skills, but with your aptitude for a temporary role. A temporary job is one in which you remain in the position for a limited period of time. Temp jobs occasionally, but not always, turn into permanent positions. Temps (also known as seasonal workers) are sometimes hired through temp agencies, or they can be hired directly by a company. Temps work in a variety of fields, from administrative to legal to construction to manufacturing. In a temp job interview, its important to focus on your flexibility, your high comfort level with working in new environments, your ability to communicate and work well with a variety of colleagues, as well as your availability for temporary jobs. All job interviews go more smoothly when the interviewee prepares ahead of time. To ace a temporary job interview, concentrate on the attributes that make you an excellent hire for a temp job, as well as a high-achieving employee in general. Discuss Salary Beforehand Often with temporary jobs, there is not a lot of room to negotiate salary, especially after the offer is made. If you are working with a temp agency, discuss your salary needs with the temp agency beforehand. Dont Ask for a Permanent Job Even if you would prefer a full-time position rather than a temp job, theres no need to mention it in the interview. Thats because of the temp agency, or the employer if they are hiring direct, wants to hire temporary workers who can commit to the job only for as long as needed. That being said, if you are asked if you might like a long-term position should one open up, you can answer yes, but still emphasize that you are excited about the temporary position. Focus on the Role Emphasize that you can fill the specific r ole of the temporary position. Be sure to thoroughly read the job description ahead of time. Highlight the skills and experiences you have that will help you fill this role. Even more so than in an interview for a permanent job, you want to prove that you have what the employer needs. Because you will not be a long-term employee, focus more on how you can accomplish the required tasks, rather than your interest in the company or the companys culture. Highlight Key Temp Job Skills Beyond highlighting your skills that are related to the specific job, you can also highlight qualities that would make you a good temp worker. For example, emphasize your flexibility and availability (see below for more information on this). Also, emphasize your ability to work and get along with a variety of colleagues. If you are a quick learner, say so. Provide an example of a time when you demonstrated any of these skills. These qualities are needed for any temp job and will help you stand out. K now Your Availability Employers who are looking to hire temporary employees may want them to start right away, or to commit to a set schedule on the spot. Be sure you know your availability before going into the temporary job interview, so that you can answer without delay. Be Flexible Emphasize your flexibility. If you can work nights or weekends (if that is something the job might require), be sure to state this. Again, mention if you are able to start right away. Often, temp jobs require working a flexible schedule. Also, emphasize that you are a flexible worker who is comfortable working in new environments and with new people. That is something many companies are looking for in a temp worker. Temp Job Interview Questions and Answers Review common temporary job interview questions and sample answers you can use to get ideas for your own personalized responses. Are you more interested in long-term or short-term placements? - Best AnswersDescribe your ideal co-workers - B est AnswersDo you think a temporary job will be a good fit for you? - Best AnswersHow easily do you assimilate into a new environment? - Best AnswersHow would your colleagues describe your personality? - Best AnswersIf a permanent position became available, would you be interested? - Best AnswersWhat hours are you available? - Best AnswersWhat interests you about working a temp job? - Best Answers Would you be willing to work different shifts? - Best Answers Prepare for Common Interview Questions While you should prepare for your interview by practicing answers to the questions listed above, you also likely will be asked some common interview questions. Be sure to practice and prepare answers to both common interview questions and temp job interview questions.