Interviews for full-time jobs are scary enough, but how do you tackle the tricky subject of answering interview questions for temporary assignments? We all have different reasons for working temporary jobs, but you may get asked a question that you don’t know how to answer in the right way. To sharpen your skills, here are some of the most commonly asked questions from staffing agencies about temporary jobs and the best ways to answer them.
Q: What interests you about working a temporary job?
This question gives you the opportunity to demonstrate that you have a plan for your career and are willing to work toward your goals. Your answer should be more than just needing a job to pay the bills or something easy to pass the time until you find long-term work. This could be a chance for you to get some experience before deciding to go to graduate school, or provide you the opportunity to work while your children are in school and stay home when they aren’t, or you may need some experience after college to decide on a career path.
Q: What characteristics do you have that make you a fit for temporary work?
Some people like variety, and it’s ok to tell an interviewer that. Temporary jobs can provide opportunities to work in different work environments. Staffing agencies look for qualified individuals who enjoy working with new people and workplaces. There’s nothing wrong with admitting that you don’t do well working in one place for an extended period of time. You’re a quick learner and enjoy experiencing new things.
Q: Are you interested in long-term or short-term assignments?
If you’re looking for long-term assignments, inform the interviewer that you are looking for positions that could get you hired full-time by the employer. You’re thinking in the long run, which translates into strong work ethics to the interviewer. If you want short-term placement, give specific times of the year that you’re looking to work. The more detailed you are, the better tailored the assignments will be to you. If you have no preference, put the focus on the desire for a job that can develop and grow your skills.
Q: How easily do you adapt into new work environments?
Everybody has a different approach. It’s important to let your interviewer know so they can place you in an environment that best fits you. You may find excitement and energy working with new people and cultures and assimilate to new jobs easily. You may be quiet at first so you can internalize (http://blog.expresspros.com/movinonup/2012/06/climbing-the-corporate-ladder-when-youre-shy-and-introverted.html) your new surroundings and duties, but quickly learn to be productive. If you have a lengthy work history, think back to how you’ve handled the different work styles and tell the interviewer how you’ve developed your own style for managing new work environments.
Q: If you were offered a full-time position, would you be interested?
If temporary work best fits you or your family, don’t feel like you have to say yes. For whatever reason, you are looking to hone your skills without being tied down to a specific job or geographic area. Even if you are looking for full-time work with an employer, you should always tell the interviewer that it would depend on if the job and company is the right fit (http://blog.expresspros.com/movinonup/2012/02/warning-signs-an-employer-may-not-be-for-you.html) for you.
What are some questions you have been asked in temporary job interviews? Share them in the comments section below.
