Temp Responsibilities

[smitkit]

As some of you may know, I left my job of 5 years last November with the plan to temp for a couple of years so I could gain experience in a wider range of companies (I’m 26 and have spent 3 years at one company and 5 at another).  This came about as I didn’t know where I wanted to take my career (be it secretarial, or whatever) and I figures that temping would enable me to gain experience of what I like and don’t like in both a company, industry and role.

I’ve just completed a 3-month assignment at one company and started a 4 week one at another this week.  The last company gave me plenty to do and were obviously not afraid that as a “temp” it would take longer to explain to me that it would to do it themselves.

At this new company however I’m scratching around for work (asking the people that sit near me etc as well as mentioning it 2-3 times a day to the manager responsible for me).  At the end of the week I’ll be going to another department so hopefully it will pick up then.

My question really, is how can I get them to hand over the work(!) and if you had a temp, what would make you feel comfortable that they can do the job?  In the meantime, how can I fill in the downtime (a bit like the other thread this week, except I can’t have any long term projects).  I’ve checked the applications available to me and I know them all but could brush up my skills.  I know the company intranet site back to front now so can’t learn more there.  Any other suggestions would be appreciated!

Thanks

Smitkit

[supertemp]

This is a difficult one - I'm a long-term temp and I've been in the same situation in the past where I've been asking for work, and there is only so many times you can keep asking.  

Depending on the size of the company and how their email system works, you could suggest to the Manager that you send round an email to other departments (especially other PA's/secretaries in those departments) to see if they need any help.

Or offer to help them out with jobs like filing/photocopying if you spot anything in the office that looks like it needs doing.  You could also mention to the receptionnists who might know what little jobs need doing elsewhere.  Just a thought...

ST

[bethalize]

Being the eternal temp (I've had temping assignments longer than my permanent jobs!) I can sympathise.

When you suggest your availability to people it's worth mentioning what you can do. I say: "Is there anything I can help you with, such as typing, phone calls, research, figures or filing?" That way you can let them know how useful you could be since most people will be surprised if you can type your own name!

Bethalize
Peer Moderator