Essential know-how from The Fourth Generation
Demand for temporary and contract workers continues to rise as flexible working becomes a way of life in many companies. Temporary staff are becoming an integral part of business and the best can expect rich rewards. So whether you are a student looking for holiday work, a college leaver just setting out into the workplace, in a permanent job but would like to consider temporary work or keen to make temping your career you may have quite a few questions that need answering.
What skills and qualifications do I need?
Whatever sector you work in, it is important to keep your skills up to date, as many employers will use temporary staff to bring specific skills into the company. If you are an office worker using computers then you will find that we have developed our own computer based training system PinPoint™ which is a very effective and fast way to learn new software.
If you have keyboard and other general office skills and you want to use them, then you will probably find yourself working in an office environment and even if you haven't you may be able to take on a clerical role.
Temporary work is available right across the workplace, so there are opportunities for everyone, but is particularly strong in banking, insurance and telecommunications.
Whatever your skills and experience of The Fourth Gen can help make the most of them by matching you to the right job.
Will there be a chance to make progress?
Your performance at work is carefully monitored both by The Fourth Gen and by the employer. In many cases we can offer free training programmes which will extend and improve your skills.
For instance if you have very basic keyboard skills we can help you improve your speed and accuracy, you may also be eligible for training in word-processing, database or spreadsheets. The Fourth Gen is committed to equipping its temporaries with the best and most up to date skills in the marketplace.
Temping offers you the perfect opportunity to taste a variety of working environments before you commit yourself. It can be a good way to start your career or a way of changing direction.
How will I know what to do on my first day?
Most companies will assign someone to show you the ropes on your first day but just in case you feel a bit lost then you might like to use the following checklist to make sure you know the essentials before starting work.
Office geography
Find out where you will be sitting, where the toilets are, if there is a special eating area etc.
Equipment
Make sure you have all the necessary equipment to do your work and that it is working. If you are unsure about any aspect of the operation then either ask someone in the office or ask your consultant.
Key personnel
Make sure you are introduced to the people with whom you will be working and that you also know the names of the key people within the organisation.
Company style
If you will be answering the telephone ask how the company like it to be done, how they like messages taken, how the internal telephone system works and for an internal telephone list. Ask for examples of letters and reports etc. to show you the house style.
Photocopier/Fax
Make sure you know how to use both and find out if you need to keep a record.
Working together
Working with someone for the first time isn't always easy. Whatever type of work you are doing, everyone has their own way of doing things so it is important that you are absolutely clear on the following points:
- What is the deadline?
- What should the work look like when it is finished?
- Do you have all the information/ resources to complete the task?
- If you have any queries who will be available to ask?
- Remember - good communication is the key to a successful working relationship.