Characteristics of a Good Temp

The temporary service is paid by the client (the business or individual requiring the temp) on an hourly basis. In turn, the temporary help service pays their employee (the temp) also at an hourly rate. Generally, the service charges the client anywhere from a 35 percent to a 60 percent markup for the services of the temporary employee. While this may appear high, businesses usually justify the price by noting what they save on employee recruitment costs, insurance, fringe benefits, overtime, severance, and any possible subsequent unemployment insurance. You should also remember that the temp service is paying these same costs out of their markup, as well as additional costs such as insurance for bonding temps and errors and omissions insurance, which protects the temporary service in case the temp does something tremendously harmful to a client while on an assignment.

Most firms are sold on the concept of using temporary employees. In fact, a survey of 800 companies in twelve major cities reported that they spend an average of $64,000 a year on temporary labor with 10 percent of the companies spending an average of $225,000 a year on temps.

What makes a good temp?



In writing this book, we spoke with representatives from over sixty temporary services throughout the United States. The overwhelming response to this question was flexibility. Terry Hueneke, senior vice-president and group executive at Manpower Inc., one of the world’s largest temporary services, summed it up best:

A great temp possesses a motivated, positive work attitude. He or she is flexible, able to adapt quickly to new situations. Someone who is inquisitive and is not intimidated when faced with the unknown. A great temp operates under a positive work ethic, hard work, timeliness, punctuality, and understands his or her commitment to the temp service and the corporate client.

Review some of the other characteristics from our survey to see how you com pare with what those in the industry cited as desirable traits.

• Adaptable, flexible to new people and situations.
  
  
• Self-disciplined, able to motivate self without any external pressure.
  
  
• Unflustered and unbothered by the no routine.
  
  
• A good communicator; will keep in touch with the temp service and be unafraid to ask questions at an assignment.
  
  
• Likes autonomy in work.
  
  
• Agreeable to the non ideal not every assignment will be what you want.
  
  
• Possesses excellent interpersonal skills.
  
  
• A desire to continually learn and improve skills.
  
  
• Possesses a good sense of humor.
  
  
• Reliable, punctual, and responsible.

Before you go into a temporary help service to register for employment, sit down and think about what you want to get out of the experience. Ask yourself why you want to temp, how long you think you will temp, and what kind of work are you looking for. Come to terms with these things yourself, and then be able to verbalize the answers out loud. Your temp service should know what you want and what you expect if you would like to have a mutually beneficial relationship with them.

The Positive Aspects of Temping

Boardroom Reports, in New York City, recently stated that 57 percent of the temps they polled in a formal survey found their life-style more challenging than one that would be provided by traditional employment. Fifty percent reported that temporary work meets all of their financial obligations.

You don't have to be a gypsy to enjoy temporary employment; and if you enjoy it, don't feel guilty about it. Temping is legitimate work and is losing many of the old stigmas it once had. Temps who temp for the freedom and flexibility wouldn't change their life for permanent employment. Temps who temp to supplement their household income say it provides vacation money and otherwise unobtainable luxuries. If you plan to temp because you are seeking a permanent job, temp at a service which has an employment agency affiliate. Often, you can register for both permanent and temporary employment at the same time, and you will be more likely to be sent on assignments that have a good chance of converting to permanent status. Your agency counselor will work with the temp service representative to set up interviews and assignments around your work schedule. If you are contemplating a permanent job with a specific industry or employer, do some sleuthing while you are on your temp assignment.