Everywhere you look, temporary staffing seems to be on the rise these days. In fact, during the first quarter of 2013, the U.S. economy demonstrated strong demand for temporary/non-permanent workers according to the most recent IQNdex report.

So if your organization is like many out there – and looking to hire on a temporary basis, how can you find the best candidates?

As a leading temporary staffing agency in Sacramento, California, Pacific Staffing can tell you that, much like hiring a permanent employee, your goal for temp staffing should be to find an individual who is the right match for the position and the culture at your organization. However, some of the questions you ask during the interview process to help you achieve that goal may vary slightly from the ones you’d ask a candidate for a full-time position.

To help you make a smart hiring decision, here are a few questions to cover during your interviews with temporary workers:

Why do you want a temporary position? Which is ideal for you: a long-term placement or short-term? If a full-time position opened up, would you be interested?

Why it’s important to ask: Finding out answers to these questions will give you a better sense of the candidate’s ultimate career goals – and help you see if they align with your organization’s needs. For instance, are they unemployed and simply biding their time with temporary work until a better opportunity comes along? Or do they really enjoy the flexibility and other benefits offered through temp employment? Also, if you’re hiring on a temporary basis, but interested in making the position full-time, you’ll gain a better sense of whether the candidate is open to such an opportunity.

What hours are you available? Which days of the week? Would you be able to work different shifts?

Why it’s important to ask: This will give you a sense of whether a candidate can logistically meet your demands. Are they available on the days you need them? Can they come in at the last minute if an issue arises?

Describe a time in your career when you had to adjust to a new situation.

Why it’s important to ask: Temporary work typically requires people who are flexible and can assimilate quickly. To ensure you hire a candidate who can do so, you’ll want to get specific, real world examples.

How would your last boss describe your personality?

Why it’s important to ask: It gives you an opportunity to see of their description matches the impression they’re making. Likewise, if you check references, you can actually ask their last boss about their personality to ensure the two descriptions are in sync.

Need More Help Hiring Temporary Employees?

If you do, let Pacific Staffing know. As a leading temporary staffing agency in Sacramento, California, our temp staffing services can give you access to people with the skills and experience you need – when you need them, and only for as long as you need them. Contact us today to learn more.