5 Commonly Asked Interview Questions for Temporary Positions

5 Commonly Asked Interview Questions for Temporary Positions

Temporary employment is the ideal way to find work for extra cash on the side, seasonal employment (especially during the summer and holidays), and for supplemental income between jobs. In fact, many companies use temporary work to explore the best talent so later they can fill full-time positions.

Regardless of your motivations for seeking temporary employment, hiring managers are looking to fill positions with individuals who are dependable and who possess the necessary skills to get their project(s) done. It’s important that you understand the industry that you are applying to and begin thinking about long-term goals related to it. 

Here are a few commonly asked questions for temporary positions with reasoning behind them to help you craft original answers and land the job.

What is it about temporary work that interests you?

This question is designed to help hiring managers understand your motivations for seeking temporary employment: a very important detail in their eyes. You should use this opportunity to explain that you are looking for opportunities to prove yourself in order to land the job of your dreams. It’s okay to explain that you are treating it as a way of evaluating if the job/company is right for you. Employers typically like to hear that candidates are taking the opportunity seriously. This is also a chance to showcase that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to complete the job.

What are your long-term career goals?

Interviewing for temporary positions can be a bit trickier than applying for permanent positions. Decision-makers are looking for candidates on whom they can depend to complete the assigned job and not quit to pursue other long-term career goals. Any “long-term goal” questions should be approached with caution. It is ok to acknowledge that you do indeed have an ideal career path, but try to reiterate that the job has value for both yourself and them; after all, they're the ones looking for a worker. Do what you can to position yourself as a dependable person who is focused on helping them, rather than just gaining experience for your own sake.

Would you be interested in a permanent position if it became available?

Do keep an open mind when asked about potential direct-hire opportunities in the company. If you prefer to stick with temporary work, then focus on keeping your answer general and vague. Explain that you are open to any mutually beneficial possibilities in the future if the situation is right. This is another opportunity to reinforce that you have the skills and knowledge to get the job done and would prefer to focus on that.

Can you tell us about a time when you had to adjust to a new work environment?

Telling stories is one of the most powerful tools in your belt during the interview process. Everyone knows that starting a new position comes with a period of learning and adjustment. We can all but guarantee that you will encounter a question that will ask you to reflect on the past and how you adapted to something out of your control. Plan ahead for this question and focus on showing them that you are resourceful, flexible, and able to work with new people in new places.

What specific job skills do you have that will help with this position?

This may seem like a no-brainer but it is a very important piece when being considered for temporary work. Be sure to project confidence when answering this question. Make sure the decision maker knows your skill set and how you can effectively apply it to the position. Feel free to tell another brief story about your past experience and how it can help you. It’s best to keep your answers short and direct on this one.

Summit Staffing Can Help You Find Work

If you're looking for a temporary position or a career change and feel confident to interview in a certain industry, get in touch and submit your resume. Summit Staffing has worked with companies around the Midwest for over 30 years, placing the right candidates in the right positions. We'll help you hone your skill set and find ways to market them to businesses that would be the right fit for you. Get in touch today!

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