Temping as a Career Move

The March 23, 1999 general meeting featured a return visit by Dee Brillhart, Staffing Manager for Accountemps. Dee again shared with Marin Professionals the advantages and rationale for "temping" as a valuable option in our job search.

While Dee's Bailiwick is bookkeepers and accountants, she stressed that temporary work opportunities are likely available for any educated, motivated individual. In addition, Dee noted that temporary work is a tool underutilized by most job seekers.

Excellent way to enhance employability

Dee pointed out several contributions temporary work offers a job seeker. Through temporary work, one can both showcase oneself and evaluate a potential employer. One can expand one's network of job contacts and learn of jobs not advertised to the general public. Temporary work can also provide income either to fund an alternative lifestyle or pay the rent while seeking permanent employment. Finally, temping can repair or protect one's résumé by shortening gaps in employment and keeping a résumé current.

Whether one is seeking temporary work for short-term assignments or in pursuit of a "temp-to-hire" situation, Dee stressed that it is important to carefully choose a reputable and appropriate placement service. More and more employers want a service which serves as an HR department; one that rigorously tests and evaluates its personnel. Hence, it is important to deal with a service which can properly appreciate and understands the skills you have to offer and is held in high regard in your profession. The better placement services will work with both employers and potential employees to facilitate "temp-to hire" connections.

Of course, the initial concern of both placement services and potential employers is that the applicant possess the necessary skills to fill a short-term position. But Dee made the point that while initial hiring decisions are made on the basis of skills, permanent positions are usually offered on the basis of character. Dee stated that the highest compliment from an employer is that an applicant is flexible. Often, when an employer is impressed with a temporary worker, that employer will ask that person to fill an unrelated permanent position. In addition, because temporary workers are often needed to produce results immediately, a premium is placed on those who can step right in team players.

Dee made it clear that a reputable placement service will invest its efforts on behalf of job applicants who will enhance the services standing with employers. If one is motivated and flexible, temporary work through a reputable placement service can be fulfilling and rewarding whether one simply seeks short-term work or a chance at permanent placement.

Dee Brillhart may be contacted at Accountemps, 100 Rowland Way, Suite 105, Novato, CA 94925; (415) 892-9563.