Let me illustrate. One college summer Ann couldn't find a job, so I suggested she go to a local Employment Agency and sign up to do some "fill in" work in an office. After all, she had spent every previous summer doing fun type jobs. I thought, this would give her a chance to learn about business and decide if this might be a great environment for her future.
My ideas probably weren't the same as Ann's, she really enjoyed those fun summer jobs! Her first temp job took her to a small business firm for a couple of days to answer phones. This was agony, no one to talk to and all she did was mundane work. The next week she went a mid-size business for a day to do filing. That was even more boring. Thoroughly disgusted, she began looking in the paper for something enjoyable. The agency called later in the week and said they had a position at a financial services company who was looking for an assistant for an undetermined amount of time. Needing to do something before she found that "great summer job" again, Ann said fine. Reluctantly she reported to the firm and met two incredibly impressive managers. They were both senior directors of the company and after 5 days working there, she knew this was her dream job. Energized by the environment, people and industry, Ann began taking on greater responsibilities and her bosses thought she was unbelievable in her ability to function at a mature, professional level. Ann couldn't get enough of learning and performing beyond expectations. She wasn't just a summer replacement, she could easily have become a full-time highly functional employee with a promising future there and she was told this numerous times. She found a multitude of ways to make their business better, more efficient and be a valuable resource for them. The summer came to an end and Ann had to return to school. Originally wanting 10 days off before school, Ann worked until the day before she left. She loved what she was doing and they loved her! This wasn't just a temp job, this was as good, if not better than an internship. She was offered a permanent position upon graduation, but that's another story!
OK, now you have some idea...go to at least five to seven temp agencies that place people in positions within companies you may be interested. If you don't know who those companies are, look for areas of responsibilities that might be ideal for you abilities and interests. You can find these temp agencies in the phone book, normally listed as Staffing Agencies, Employment Agencies or Placement Agencies. Meet with them so you can get a feel for what they are like and how they treat their placement candidates. If you like what you see, then sign up. If you don't, thank them and if they call, you aren't available!
Why is this important? There are so many reasons. To begin, it gives you a chance to experience an environment that you really don't know unless you are part of it. The abilities you learn what is important in their business, how they treat their employees, what the culture is like, is their a political side to the company and finally how they treat their people. If you can, move about into different departments so you have a chance to find out what area you are most interested in and get passionate about. Spending time in each area gives you the opportunity to see what they are all about.
For the employer, they have the chance to observe you, see what you can accomplish and begin to understand where your greatest strengths lie. There are so many advantages to taking a temporary position. You get to see what the company is all about, explore areas of interest and understand how to effectively function and grow within their environment. But most important for you is finding how they treat their employees, after all, you will be spending a majority of your day with them.
For the employer, they get the opportunity to observe you and find out what are your strengths, what you seems to enjoy, how you interact with their people and how well you integrate into their culture. If they choose to hire someone, you will be a known entity and they to you
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