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Anonymous

10/05/19 at 7:28PM UTC

Career

temp work & job hunting

Had a full time job but it did not work out after management change. I am now temp job for less money while looking for work. Looking for tips on balancing job search and temp work. Also looking for tips explaining myself. I don't want to spend too much time on my temp work because the job will not lead to permeant work. Thanks. good luck everyone with job hunting.

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Patti

465

Working in tech in Colorado

10/07/19 at 3:31PM UTC

A couple of thoughts from someone who has BTDT a few times. 1) Sometimes temp jobs turn into permanent jobs. Don't be afraid to ask for temp to hire. I have even had jobs that were emphatically temp only, to be hired full time. 2) ask about skype interviews. I have had that happen a few times. Best of luck!

Amylith

198

back in college, grown kids, no obstacles.

10/07/19 at 1:44PM UTC

In my 2nd job (part time) I am usually there on Fridays and weekends, which are casual dress. The rest of the week the office staff is expected to dress professionally. I was asked to cover for someone mid-week, and while I remembered to dress appropriately, I also immediately noticed people were dressed up. I actually joked to one that she better not be interviewing, she looked so well dressed today! We all realized quickly it was just that I was used to seeing them in Friday clothes, but it definitely speaks to how people will notice immediately if you look different than usual. Beyond that I agree with everything Shernette said. And lots of employers will accommodate late day interviews. One of my bosses did an interview on Saturday last week because that was when the person was available. They understand and respect that you are respecting your current employer by being there during office hours. That shows you'll be respectful toward them as a new employer.

Shernette Linton, Esq.

127

Trademark Lawyer | Resume Writer & Career Coach

10/06/19 at 3:26PM UTC

Re balancing your job search and temp work, here are a few thoughts. - try scheduling interviews for early morning or around lunch time and let your employer know ahead of time the reason you will be arriving late or taking an extended lunch (see below). - most employers already know that temps will be interviewing; some are supportive, others aren't. If yours is supportive, you could say that you'll be late, leaving early, etc., for an interview. You'll feel less stressed if your interview runs late because your employer will understand that interviews sometimes run late and that this is outside or your control. I've had temp staff under my supervision tell me they will be in late/taking a long lunch for an interview and I've always wished them luck! - if not advisable to disclose that you’re interviewing , you could just say you'll be in late or taking a long lunch due to an appointment, or to take care of some important personal matters. Offer to make up the time if that’s an option. - Even the most understanding of employers won't take kindly to your absences if they are extreme or pose an inconvenience to your employer, so try not to schedule more than one or two interviews each week. - you could ask your interviewer if there is any way you could schedule interviews outside of your normal work hours, e.g., 6pm if you work 9am to 5pm. Unusual, but some employers understand and will make the accommodation. - one giveaway that you are interviewing is showing up dressed to the nines when you are usually in jeans and tees (coupled with a late arrival or long lunch). If you are usually dressed down, you could up your dressing game the week of your interview, so your interview dress doesn’t stand out as much. - if it would be less problematic than trying to schedule several interviews over a few days, you could try to schedule two or three interviews the same day and take the entire day off. Best of luck!

doxie74

Creative single lady

10/06/19 at 6:34PM UTC

Thanks good tips.

Constance Wells

Human Resource Manager

10/05/19 at 10:29PM UTC

The experience I received from doing temporary work helped me to land a full time position. I did as much as I could in my temporary role to grow my skills and added those things to my resume. I made sure the agency that placed me knew I wanted full time work and hoped they could assist me in finding it. However, I also applied to roles and tried to schedule interviews around my work schedule in the temporary role. Is the temporary work that you are doing within your desired career field?

Sandra Diaz

764

I leverage data and systems to deliver results.

10/05/19 at 9:58PM UTC

For balancing temp work & job search, apply the "30-Minute Rule" - spend at least the first 30 min of your day on search, especially focused on contacting people at target companies. It's ok to spend the time applying to jobs online if you stumble upon an opportunity, but plan to only spend 1 day of the week doing that. The rest of the time you must use to contact real human beings who might be able to lead you to your next role. Seek ways to connect what you're learning in your temp job with benefits you can bring to an employer in your field (if it is different than that of the temp job). Join my group here for more support and ideas: https://fairygodboss.com/groups/SJClDDCIS/spark-job-search-boot-camp

Anonymous

10/05/19 at 7:34PM UTC

Same except I’m not doing temp work yet. Came back from maternity leave to a different manager who was behaving unethically (I worked in finance). I was fired after I spoke with Compliance. Trying to explain that I was fired after raising ethical concerns puts potential bosses on alert. I don’t know how else to explain that I was fired for whistleblowing. Very frustrating.

BBI

10/07/19 at 2:30AM UTC

Just find a new job.

BBI

10/06/19 at 5:53AM UTC

Do you work and be careful about watching other people work ,next time think about your career firsthand.

Tammy Hager

602

Admin Professional in corporate finance

10/06/19 at 12:56AM UTC (Edited)

So don't say that, reword it. Say it wasn't a good match for me. Their values and my integrity were not a good fit. Of course they will probably ask you to elaborate, which you will have to expIain by saying - I witnessed unethical processes taking place & I did not want to be a part of that environment so I decided to leave . Anyone else want to weigh in on this?

Sandra Diaz

764

I leverage data and systems to deliver results.

10/05/19 at 10:03PM UTC (Edited)

You may want to look into laws regarding termination for whistleblowing (here's guidance for NY state -https://www.workplacefairness.org/whistleblower-retaliation-claim-NY) and use as a tool to negotiate with your former employer for at least a stellar recommendation, but if the law is on your side, maybe there is more to negotiate.