The Top Skills Employers Look for in a Temporary Employee

No matter what industry employers are in, they look for many of the same skills in temporary employees. Overwhelmingly, they’re soft skills such as tech savviness and the ability to prioritize; many hard skills such as mastery of a specialized computer program can be taught, while the case isn’t so for soft skills. If you are considering becoming a temp, then here are the top skills that you will need to cultivate:

1. Ability to fit in.A temp who intuitively grasps the personality and culture of a company is in a great position. Such temps demonstrate the innate ability to observe, learn and adapt. Similarly, they understand boundaries. They convey professionalism and friendliness without being aloof or nosy.

2. Openness to training.With many employees, not just temps, employers have to teach hard skills. A temp who is easy to train is a huge asset. Such temps take careful notes, ask appropriate and insightful questions, and aren’t afraid to ask for clarification or help. They know who to go to for further training and what resources to use for information. They’re self-sufficient team players.

3. Flexibility: Jobs change. Situations change, particularly in temp work. If you’re a temp employee, demonstrating adaptability will take you a long way.

4. Ability to prioritize: Research on multi-tasking indicates it’s ineffective and that brains work best when they focus on one or two tasks. That’s why temps must have the ability to prioritize and organize. They have a long list of tasks to complete and must assess in what order and how quickly.

5. Tech savviness and professionalism: The proper use of technology is important. For example, you make a bad impression if you spend your work time texting to your friends from your cellphone. You practice professionalism in your use of tech equipment, whether your own or the company’s, and you’re up to date on how to use computers and technology.