Exploring the Temp Job Market in L.A.
With the current economy, employers are hesitant to keep too many people on the pay roll as staffers. They often turn to employment and temp agencies for those times when they need someone to “fill in” a position. While maybe not your dream job, temp work can help put some cash in your hands, give you experience, help you make contacts and be a easy way to get into the work force in L.A. Below are some tips for getting hooked up with an agency and the benefits of temping.
Temp jobs are great resume boosters.
Tip 1: Seek Out an Reputable Agency
In a city as large as L.A., recruiters aren’t just gonna come knocking on your door. Let an agency know you are available, and set up a time to interview with the agency. Just because it is temp work, doesn’t mean to blow it off. Show up for your interview, and be honest and professional with the recruiter. You may also be tested on your abilities. Show up sharp and focused. Once you establish communication with a recruiter, make sure to keep in touch. While they will do the work to get you in the right position, you need to stay fresh in their mind so when opportunities come along, you are the first in line.
Tip 2: Have a Solid Resume in E-mail Form
While the fancy backdrops and scented resumes are all good and well, a temp agency needs a simple electronic copy of your resume to send to clients. Make sure to email them a copy after you meet with them.
Tip 3: Know What you Want
Definitely be open to suggestions from your recruiter, but also give them an idea of what kind of work you are looking for. Often times if someone succeeds in a temp or temp-to-hire position, the company will either find another place for him or her within the company or turn the position into something full-time. So, aim to get into a position you have some interest in. If you are interest is varied, you might want to have two resumes to address each area interest. And if you have no idea what you want, temp agencies are a great way to “try” out a career without a long-term commitment.
Tip 4: Be Flexible and Patient
Some gigs might just be for a few days, while others could be for a few months. Work isn’t always consistent, and can drag on other times. Be prepared that there might be a lot of shifting, and you will have to play the role of “the new guy” time and time again. When you do find yourself in a company you like, be sure to ask questions and be involved. Talk to managers and see if there is anyway you might be able to stay past your temporary position. You might have to prove your worth and play the waiting game till a position is available, but its worth it to land a solid full time position.
Tip 5: Know Your Worth
Again, this is an area where you will need some flexibility. They need an employee, and you need work. But if they are offering a pay rate that is way, way below what you would be making at a full time job, you should pass. Also, you should not pay for an agency to find you work. The company using their service should pay them. Those seeking jobs do not pay reputable agencies, so don’t get swindled.
Tip 6: Try a Few Agencies
Since work can be sporadic, it’s not a bad idea to meet with a few agencies and have them on the hunt for you. It’s better to have too many options than not enough. Especially because as we said before, work isn’t always steady. It’s a pain to go through the process multiple times, but will benefit you in the end.
Survive the City’s Connie Sommerville said about her temp experience; “I don’t think I would have gotten a job in L.A. without going through a temp agency. Some were good and some were bad, but I found one that was able to get me a job with the very little experience I had and it was an opportunity to get some L.A. experience on my resume.”
When you find yourself coming up empty in the L.A. job market, temp agencies might just be a cool way to keep a roof over your head and could even lead to a big picture win. – Lori Bartlett
