3 Questions to Ask During an Interview for a Temporary Position

The right information can help you extract the most out of every career opportunity. This matters as much in temp assignments as in permanent staff positions. No matter what the position, you need to know the right questions to ask when you interview.

Despite their name, a “temp job” may not be as temporary as you think. You have a good chance of staying in the role for a long period of time. You’ll also pick up skills and connections that you can use for future career development.

Some figures suggest that as many as 70% of temp assignments have the chance to become permanent. Beyond that, you may stay in the role for a long period of time before moving on to something else. Even if it keeps the “temp” designation, the gig can have the feel of a permanent placement.

Given the value of temp opportunities, it’s important to maximize the value you get from these roles. The more you understand about an assignment, the better positioned you’ll be to get something out of it. The best place to learn that info comes in the job interview.

When you get a chance to ask questions, gather as many details as possible. With that in mind, here are the three questions to ask during an interview for a temporary position:

How will training be handled for this position?

Temporary positions have a wide variance in the amount of training provided. Some companies view temps as revolving-door workers. They come and go. The firms don’t see much value in investing in significant skill development.

Other firms have a broader perspective on a temp’s role. They hope to hold a team together over a long period of time, even when it includes temporary workers. These employers will take a more aggressive and comprehensive approach to training.

Knowing the situation will help you choose employers. It will also give you a head’s up as you go into an assignment about what to expect in the training phase.

How do you define success in this role?

Even in a temp role, you don’t just want to get the job done and go home. Remember: this could turn into a permanent assignment or become a crucial turning point in your career. As such, you want to do more than get by. You want to thrive.

To do that, you need to know how your bosses will define success. What measures will they use to judge your performance? What are their expectations? Is there any room for advancement within the organization for a temporary employee?

Knowing the answers to these questions will give you the information you need to succeed. You can go into your first day with an eye on the prize.

Can this temporary position evolve into something else?

You might not want the temporary position to turn permanent anytime soon. Perhaps you prefer the flexibility and career-building possibilities that come with temporary assignments. That’s a perfectly reasonable strategy.

However, that view can change. Over time, your priorities might shift. Or you could come to love the particular company or the specific job.

In those cases, you might want to start angling for a full-time job. It would be nice to know whether that’s possible at the outset.

Ready to find the perfect temporary assignment? Or maybe you’re looking for permanent placement. Either way, a top recruiter, like SmartTalent, can give you the guidance you need.

Contact SmartTalent today to find the perfect role for your skills and background.