How to secure a temp job if you’re an older worker

There are many reasons why you may decide to look for temporary work if you’re in your 50s and 60s. Maybe you can’t find a permanent job that suits your skill set, you’re looking for a change, or you simply want to do something with your time that doesn’t involve the long term commitment of a permanent job. Whatever the reason, in order to get the position you’re after, you will need to perform well at interview. These tips will help you to do that, so you can be sure of the best possible chance of getting a great job.

 

Think about what the company needs

 

A temp job is likely to look for different things in a candidate than a permanent job. For example, asking about your future aspirations will require an answer about the near future, rather than a five year plan. Think about the tasks that you would need to complete in that role, and tell them exactly why you’re the right person for that job. Read through the job description carefully, and identify areas that you know you excel at – and highlight them during your interview. You should talk about any positions you’ve held that have been similar, and how you have been successful in other projects. It’s also important to think about any hurdles that you overcame, as this shows you’re a great problem solver, and ready for a challenge.

 

Be flexible with your starting date

 

If you have been invited to an interview for temporary work, you may need to start your new job quickly if you’re successful. The process isn’t as lengthy as for a permanent job and the company is likely to need the position filled quickly. Therefore, it is important that your schedule allows for a quick start if needed.

 

Don’t be disheartened if you’re not contacted afterwards

 

Sometimes, temporary position interviews don’t come with the same level of communication as permanent ones might. You may not hear back at all after your interview, but that doesn’t mean you did anything wrong. It simply shows just how busy your interviewers are, and they are probably moving on to trying to fill another empty position. It’s a competitive world, so you should be prepared to pick yourself up after a disappointment and simply move on to the next interview. So long as you prepare and speak confidently, you will know that you have done your best.

 

Learn about the company

 

It always looks good if you can show that you have researched the company, and understand their aims and values. So, have a browse on the internet before you go, and see whether there are any key points that you could link into during your interview. Not only will you be able to see exactly how your role fits, but you will also get a much better idea of exactly which skills your job requires – meaning you can focus on these while you are answering the interview questions.

 

Enter a salary negotiation before you attend your interview

 

If you have already been offered a job, then there won’t be much scope to negotiate salary – as it will be assumed that you were happy with the terms of the position before you attended the interview. Instead, you should get in touch with your agency and discuss this beforehand, to make sure you’re happy before you continue with the process. Once you have been given an offer, there won’t be any chance of increasing pay, so dealing with this early in the process is key.

 

Have answers ready for the more common interview questions

 

Although you might not expect to sit the same interview as you would if you were going for a permanent position, there will still be lots of questions asked, and it is important that you prepare. As well as any questions that are asked about the actual job, there will also be some about your character and skills, just like in any interview. You should make sure that you make it clear in your answers that you are happy taking on the kind of work that is being offered, and that you’re not looking for a permanent position within the company – as this might not be possible, and would therefore damage your chances of being offered the job.

 

Be confident and clear

 

With any interview, confidence is key, so you should try to practice in a mirror, or in front of a loved one, before you go. This will help you to get a little bit of feedback and make some improvements, so when you get to your interview you will know that you will perform well. Even if you don’t get the first position you go for, practice makes perfect, and every experience counts.