The All-Important 1st Day as a Temporary Worker
Taking a new temporary position can be exciting and nerve –wracking at the same time. Many temporary workers love the work style – the flexibility and the variety – but some people simply need the job, and view temporary work as a way to get their foot in the door and investigate a new industry.
Your first day on the job can be very important. This is where you make your first impression in your new workplace. A good impression can lead to a job offer or, at the very least, useful contacts and references as well as new industry experience and job skills.
The most important thing to remember is that you need to prepare for this day in much the same way as you prepared for your interview with the staffing firm and/or workplace supervisor.
- Take all of the paperwork and information provided by your staffing firm and read it thoroughly. This includes any type of provided job description. Note any types of skills that are required, and, if there is time, practice or brush up on those skills. In addition, note any type of required dress code. Will a work shirt or uniform be required? Will one be provided, or do you need to provide your own royal blue t-shirt (for example)? Is the office business casual except on Fridays when “jeans” are acceptable? Ask the question if the information is not proactively provided. It shows that you are thinking ahead, and are willing to embrace the company’s culture. Flip-flops are never a good idea.
- Check out the company’s website. Look for information on the company’s service and/or product line, its mission/vision/values statements, links to press releases, blogs, articles and any type of community service initiative. All of these points will help you understand the department you will work in and their role in the company’s business.
- Analyze your relevant strengths. I am not saying that you should meet your supervisor and immediately start tooting your own horn, but by being able to say “I can do that” will show what an asset you are…right from the beginning.
- Be positive, punctual and perform. Today, companies are looking for those intangible qualities in their workforce – items that cannot be quantified and listed on a resume or job application. To get longer term assignments, better placements, and (perhaps) even a job offer, perform your duties well, show up on time, communicate effectively, be a team player, and keep a positive attitude about everything. Show that you are a stand out in everything you do.
Finally, remember your work day begins when you leave your house. As I have mentioned in other blogs, you never know who you will come into contact with on your commute to work. The gentleman at the bus stop or the lady in front of you at Starbucks or the man you just cut off in traffic could be a new co-worker or supervisor or the president of the company.
Snelling is here to help. We have been helping companies and job-seekers find their best match for over 60 years. Our recruiters and staffing managers are skilled at helping job seekers find their best-fit company, and they can be an invaluable resource to you during your job search. So visit our website to find your local Snelling office, or register online in order to apply directly for jobs in your area.
