NY Post Article


	CAREERSPLUS YOUR GUIDE TO WORKING SMART "Temporarily Yours:" Is this Modern Work-style for You By Erika Welz To temp or not to temp? With temping becoming a way of life for many Americans, this question is an important one in an ever-widening range of professions. To reach your own conclusion, experts agree the decision takes thought, research and a mental readiness for self-career management. Understanding the upside There is nothing temporary about temping. It's been around for a long time and studies show that it has become an integral part of the American economy. Gone are the days when 'temps' filled in for vacationing employees, or served mainly office support and clerical positions. As a result of downsizing, relocation, and a shift in how businesses are structuring their workforce, temp, or contract workers face a full spectrum of career fields and opportunities with open doors. "The concept of people having a job for life no longer exists," said James Essey, president of the New York Association of Temporary Services (NYATS). "Employers are saying that they need two types of workers; a core group, (full-time employees) critical to the running of their company, and a contingent group (temps, contractors) who are project or function based," he said. The perceived benefits of temp status include: The flexibility of deciding when to work, avoiding office politics, gaining exposure to different corporate environments, insight into the demand of a particular job and its growth potential. All such perks and NO expected full-time commitment are common attractions to such employment. For those re-entering the job market (about 1/3 of our nation's temp workers), temping is an excellent opportunity, according to Jeanine Bondi-Steinman, president of Tempo Services, a Long Island, NY-based employment service. "Individuals returning to the workforce can test the waters and acquire necessary skills by temping initially, prior to a permanent search," said Ms. Bondi-Steinman. Recent college graduates also take advantage of temp work to help them focus on a career path. Even those displaced from their job find this work-style supportive, according to Ms. Bondi-Steinman. "Temporary work affords them the chance to continue working, thereby offering continuity in their employment and an ability to keep their skills current," she said. Identifying Hiring Niches The trend toward outsourcing and contract work continues to spread across the job board. Opportunities are great in high-end office and administrative support, desktop publishing, legal word processing, accounting, telemarketing, and graphic design, according to Mr. Essey. The health care industry is also seeing needs for supplemental staff, occupational and speech therapists. The rise of the Internet and fast-changing pace of the information age has lifted Information Technology staffing to soaring heights. "The hottest positions in the marketplace today are for Web Site Programmers and Developers, Database and Networking Administrators, as well as Microsoft Certified Engineers, and Help Desk Professionals," according to David Cowen, President of Manhattan-based, Fanning Technical Search. "Assignments can range from one month to three years," he said. Previously untapped markets have paved the way for specialized staffing services like StaffWriters Plus, Inc., based in Long Island, NY. According to its president, George Giokas, the agency places writers and editors in positions requiring the preparation of brochures and direct mail pieces, to technical user manuals, and web content writing. Average assignments are both on and off-site, and last anywhere from 4 to 8 months to permanent. A veteran business editor-turned entrepreneur, Mr. Giokas recognized the needs of freelance writers who did not relish the business side of their work. "We provide the placement, contract, fee negotiation and invoicing, on behalf of our writers," said Mr. Giokas, "leaving the freelancer to do his or her job and collect a check once they're done." Basic word processing and computer skills like Word or Internet are necessary when registering with his agency for such specialized work, stressed Mr. Giokas. "I shudder when some writers tell me they have to go to the corner drug store to fax something, or to the library for their Internet access." Choosing an agency to work with Unanimously, temp agency experts agree that the relationship an employee has with a recruiter is critical to the success of advancing their own career path, and landing work that best suits their interests and goals. "When choosing a firm to work with, pick one with a good reputation, and that is fully computerized," advised Mr. Cowen. A red flag should go up if you call in and they have no idea who you are, or they've 'lost your resume,' and ask you to re-fax it. "Never get lost in the paper jungle," Mr. Cowen said. "When a firm is running an outstanding show, the moment you call in , they should be able to look you up in their database, with your attached resume, and your skills should be clearly available to the recruiter working with you," he added. Picking a temp agency that concentrates on the type of work you're looking for is another integral part of the selection process, according to Mr. Essey. "Before going in, call potentials and ask them if they've a strong emphasis in a particular field, and find out if their client base is representative of the type of jobs you want," he said. There are two types of benefits that quality temp firms offer, according to Mr. Essey. The 'soft' benefits include newsletters, networking-oriented parties, and holiday gifts. 'Hard' benefits include health insurance, vacation and holidays and pension programs, or 401 k plans. Extra professional courtesies include job-coaching, resume preparation and interview practice sessions with a recruiter when you're ready to launch a permanent job search. When seeking out today's top technical search firms, job seekers should look to work with agencies that have a web site and regularly list their current, available positions. "This shows they're investing money in their own infrastructure and technology," said Mr. Cowen. "They're probably going to be more technically savvy and better able to understand the wants and needs of the industry you're in," he said. Any notable temp agency should stay current with the trends in the industries they service. This is especially true in the ever evolving technical fields, according to Mr. Cowen. "We talk to our clients on an ongoing basis, attend key trade shows, read everything we can get our hands on and constantly de-brief our candidates on the type of projects they're working on," he said. Finally, interview your interviewer, or recruiter. Find out what type of official training he or she went through to qualify them for their position. Temp agencies should provide ongoing training for their staff. Recruiters should be able to 'walk the talk' of the industries they place in. It's the only way to converse intelligently and gain the respect of their candidates and clients. Erika Welz is president of Real World Careers, a job placement agency for college students and graduates. For information and questions... Visit: Real World Careers Main Office Fanning International 142 West 36th Street, New York, NY 10018 Tel.:212.868.2200 Fax:212.868.8190 E-Mail: info@fanning.com Need Directions?