How to Spot an Awesome Temp: Expert Advice for Hiring Managers

When sourcing temps, you want to make sure you find and hire the best ones, right? There are certain temps you definitely want to keep around, as they will wow employers and build good relationships between your agency or company and various businesses. But how do you know when there’s an awesome temp sitting right in front of you? We share expert advice for hiring managers on spotting awesome temps, below:

1. They Go the Extra Mile

Exceptional temps look past job descriptions. That is, they are happy to help out wherever and whenever they can, and without complaint. No job is too small for them, and they put a lot of effort and thoughtfulness into the jobs they do. They treat all people in the business, from the janitor to the CEO, in the same pleasant manner. To get at this issue in the interview process, ask situational questions such as, “What jobs in the past have you resented being asked to do?” and “How would you react if the business asks you to do a job that someone much less qualified could perform?”

2. They Are Warm and Pleasant

First impressions matter, especially with temps. Temps need to be warm and pleasant to quickly fit in with a business, so trust your gut as you interview a potential temp. If something seems off—like a temp’s warmth is contrived—it may well be. Look for people who genuinely care for others, and ask about their ability to get along with a wide range of people.

3. Their Resumes Are Comparable to Resumes of Regular Employees

There is no reason to hire a temp who turns in a poorly organized resume that’s filled with typos. Temp resumes should be as well-organized and professional as the resumes of regular employees. Look at how the potential hire has arranged previous temp experience (grouped together or separately, for example), and assess how the temp has listed their achievements and successes. If there is a lot of work history but no listed achievements, you might not be speaking with an extraordinary temp.