Preparing for a Temp Agency Interview
Its difficult to find a job these days, but many people are finding that a temp agency can help them get work. Even temporary jobs often end up lasting months, during which time you can be searching for something more permanent. However, getting onto the agencys roster requires acing the interview, which might be nerve-wracking.
There are some techniques, however that can help you do well in any interview, not just those with a temp agency.
Dress the Part First impressions really do matter and even if you feel that the agency is not a real interview, you want to make sure you look the part. Dress neatly and professionally. Your clothes should be ironed and cared for. Untucked shirts and wrinkled slacks will give the interviewer the idea that you just dont care whether you get on their list or not . . . and chances are you wont!
Everything from having trimmed nails and neatly combed hair can make a difference in the type of jobs the agency will refer you for, so take the time to clean up nicely.
Polish Your Resume Having a great resume is a must in todays competitive marketplace. You may even want to have a professional polish your existing resume or help you create an entirely new one. This is what remains after your interview, so its a good idea to carry an extra copy with you, even if you sent one in ahead of time. Having a copy on a disk can be handy, as well, so the interviewer can type notes and keep it on their computer.
Bring a list of references and contact information, as well. This is important since the interviewer will need to talk to those you have worked for in the past. Make sure all contact info is up to date.
Make a List of Jobs In a temp agency, they deal with a number of different positions, so its quite likely they will ask you which positions you are best suited for. If you have prepared a list of jobs that you are comfortable with, along with your skill sets and how much experience you have in each, this will make it far easier for the interviewer to see exactly how they are going to be able to place you.
Study for the Tests When you are applying for a position through an agency, they usually require you to take tests that will check your knowledge of specific areas. You can get the manuals for these tests ahead of time and study. While this like might seem a lot of work to get a job, its worth doing, since a higher score will move you up the list for the best jobs that come in. You will be considered more employable and thus offered higher paying jobs more frequently if you can boost your score on these tests.
A temp agency interview is really not that different from any other job interview, but keep in mind that these companies have a reputation to maintain and they need to make sure that you are the type of person who will make them look good.
