Employment of temp workers is on the rise as companies struggle to emerge from a sluggish recession into an uncertain economy. In fact, the latest data from the U.S. Department of Labor shows that 2.3 million people held temp jobs in March 2011 – that’s up from a low in mid-2009 of 1.7 million. The primary reason temp jobs are increasing is that employers want to meet customer demand without adding to their overhead in the form of salaries and benefits for new staff members.

But employers aren’t the only ones who benefit from temp employment. As a temporary worker, you too can enjoy a variety of benefits, including:

• A flexible schedule
• Your choice in the kind of work you do
• An opportunity to work in an industry or position, without making a full-time commitment
• Free training
• Competitive wages
• A potential bridge to permanent employment

So if you’re looking for work in Sacramento, California, you may want to pursue temp employment. If you do, here are some tips to help you make the most of your temp jobs.

1. Approach each job likes it’s a long interview.

Approach each temp job as if you’re being evaluated on every single detail. Arrive on time. Dress appropriately. Be cheerful and meticulous. Think of every task you’re assigned as an opportunity to prove yourself, and potentially get hired on a full-time basis.

2. Be positive.

As a temporary worker, you will likely find yourself in unfamiliar territory dealing with an urgent deadline or having to learn a new skill quickly. But by keeping your attitude positive and asking for help if you need it, you can go a long way in defusing a stressful situation and delivering positive results.

3. Be a good listener.

As a temporary worker, you will be exposed to many different management styles and policies and procedures, which can get confusing. So every time you’re placed on a new temp job, make sure to listen carefully when your supervisor is assigning you a task and write down specific notes you can reference later if needed. Also don’t be afraid to ask questions to clarify the assignment.

4. Don’t gossip.

Avoid “office politics” as much as possible. Resist the impulse to take sides and try to focus on your job instead. However, if a situation at work is making the position uncomfortable for you, inform your temp employment agency and let them know you’d like a different placement.

5. Take initiative.

Be willing to take on duties outside of your job description if it helps the employer.

6. Befriend permanent staff.

You don’t want your manager or the full-time staff to view you as “just a temp.” So go out of your way to be friendly with them and try to find common ground. If some permanent workers ignore you or treat you differently because you’re a temp, it’s their problem, not yours. Hold your head up high and take pride in delivering high quality work.

If you’d like help finding a temp job in Sacramento, California, please contact Pacific Staffing. With more than 20 years of experience in the temp employment business, we have the knowledge and relationships to successfully market you to the best employers in Sacramento. Learn more today!