What does it take to be a great construction temp? It’s a question we’re often asked here at OneStaff, so we put our heads together, thought about the many great temps we work with and made a list of the key traits our clients always mention when they’re giving us feedback.
If you want to make the best of your temp roles and always be front of mind when new assignments come up, here are a few tips you can take note of the next time you’re taking on a construction temp job.
Be Reliable
When it comes to construction work, being reliable can really set you apart from other temps and leave a huge impression on your new employer. Hiring Managers see this trait as getting the small and basic things right.
For example, being on time and ensuring you’re ready to work at the time you’re due to start are vital. If you can be counted upon to be there and be ready to go at the same time every day, you’ll be putting your best foot forward.
Demonstrating these basic business practices means you’ll build up a great reputation onsite which will make employers want to work with you time after time.
Be Productive
Put simply, work hard. You’ve been hired for a reason and there are things that need to get done, so it’s essential you are as productive as you can be in the time available.
Doing what you say you’re going to do is another small day-to-day thing that goes a long way in the construction industry. Companies like knowing what they’re going to get, so if you can work at a consistent pace and level, you’ll definitely win some hearts.
A key part of this is to be trustworthy and not make promises you can’t keep. This includes giving realistic timeframes for the work you’re doing and not rushing. It’s better for a piece of work to take longer than to be done quickly and not meet the requirements.
Be a Self-Starter
As a construction temp, you’re probably going to get a pretty basic introduction to the job and the team. To impress your employers, you’ll need to take initiative, be self-motivated and hit the ground running. A great way to do this is to make a point of only needing to be told something once. This will help you acclimatise quickly to the role and ultimately be more efficient. These are traits your managers are sure to recognise.
As a temp you’ll need to be able to adapt to different environments, roles and workplaces. To do this, you’ll need to be a fast learner and stay on your toes. Whilst there’s always the potential for slower work days, if you can stay productive and find things to do during these times, you’ll stand out.
Have a Professional and Positive Mindset
Not everyone is cut out to be a temp, and sometimes it can be difficult to be enthusiastic when you know you won’t be somewhere for long. However, being positive and staying professional is how you can show your value to an employer.
If you’re motivated to succeed and it shows in the effort that you put into your work, you’ll be sure to make, and leave, a great impression.
As a temp, it’s inevitable you’ll be asked to do a number of different things on the job. If you approach each task with a positive mindset and seize every new experience as a learning opportunity, you will be seen as a great asset to the team and the culture. Enthusiasm is contagious and can make you someone the rest of the team wants to be around.
Whilst working hard is the most essential trait for a temp, it’s also important to fit in with your team and help them out as and when you can. Teamwork is crucial, and having a positive attitude alongside this will help to create a positive work environment.
Summary
If you’re a construction temp and you always want to be front of mind for new assignments, it’s good to know that doing the ‘little’ things will help you stand out from the crowd.
Getting to work on time, being reliable and having a positive, can-do attitude will impress construction companies and help you be the temp everyone wants to hire and work with.
For if you’re looking for help finding your next assignment, contact the team of specialists in Industrial and Construction recruitment at OneStaff.
