Temp attitude when it comes to interviews

[Deleted User]

If you are a temp what is the attitude when it comes to going to other interviews? (obviously I won't be saying anything if I can help it) just have 2nd interview coming up which I begrudgingly have been allowed a days holiday what with it being an assessment I thought it wise, mentioned it on way out today and of course agency hadn't squared it so lucky I did say something!! I'm really thrown with the agency saying the whole no-one will stand in your way, but I realise I should also look like I'm committed to this role for the next 3 months, be good till they lay me off with no notice but are expecting me to give 2 weeks on the other foot, although so far they have been ok with other temps being late, not working late, already having sick day and going of early , if they get shirty because of the days holiday

I also have another employer who kinda demands I just drop everything and wants to interview during the most awkward time ever now I work office hours, typical eh! think that will have to be doctors appointment or something, just no idea what to do but I really hope being employed makes you employable!

I intend to tell the assessment that since hearing I was selected I took up a temp position and hope it won't go against me?

Jinx

I think being upfront and honest is the way to go.

I've done 2 years of temping, although that was only 3 temp roles over that time. For the 2 shorter ones I said I was happy to take the role but of course I was hoping to get a full time job and actively seeking. I had no issue getting time off for interviews but I did try to arrange them at the start or end of the day. One of the roles was a fixed term for a year so for that one I said I would commit for the year for £x salary and only started job hunting a couple of months from the end.

Employers expect temps to be seeking full time/perm work. As an aside your notice period should match the employers ie a week notice if been there under 6 mths and a month if long term etc..

anamenottaken

Jinx wrote: »

I think being upfront and honest is the way to go.

I've done 2 years of temping, although that was only 3 temp roles over that time. For the 2 shorter ones I said I was happy to take the role but of course I was hoping to get a full time job and actively seeking. I had no issue getting time off for interviews but I did try to arrange them at the start or end of the day. One of the roles was a fixed term for a year so for that one I said I would commit for the year for £x salary and only started job hunting a couple of months from the end.

Employers expect temps to be seeking full time/perm work. As an aside your notice period should match the employers ie a week notice if been there under 6 mths and a month if long term etc..

In what sense are you using "should" and "employers"?

An agency worker may be an employee of the agency (and the OP sounds as though they are working through an agency). The organisation for which the work is carried out is the agency's client.

Regarding notice - the notice terms will be as agreed with the agency. That may well be no notice at all for the temporary worker but the client may agree to give longer to the agency. In a better world, as you suggest, the temp would see a similar notice period to that negotiated between the agency and the client.

[Deleted User]

Thanks, interesting to get views, as never been in this situation before

Yes I am deemed an employee of the agency, rather then the client company, (which is all up in the air a little) and all I have been told is their 'preferred' notice period is 2 weeks and they would endeavour where possible to give us 1 week (although I realise they don't have to)
I am gutted because I went to the job interview on the info given that I was in a temp to perm position which after being offered the job turns out to be a 3 month assignment and the signs aren't so good at it now becoming permanent

Well attended today's assessment, interestingly hadn't realised I would be in same situation there until today so think I'll stay put as far as that is concerned no point swapping for more of the same, can't help feel like the naughty girl but needs must have me keep looking

LittleVoice

Deleted%20User wrote: »

Thanks, interesting to get views, as never been in this situation before

Yes I am deemed an employee of the agency, rather then the client company, (which is all up in the air a little) and all I have been told is their 'preferred' notice period is 2 weeks and they would endeavour where possible to give us 1 week (although I realise they don't have to)
I am gutted because I went to the job interview on the info given that I was in a temp to perm position which after being offered the job turns out to be a 3 month assignment and the signs aren't so good at it now becoming permanent

Well attended today's assessment, interestingly hadn't realised I would be in same situation there until today so think I'll stay put as far as that is concerned no point swapping for more of the same, can't help feel like the naughty girl but needs must have me keep looking

Get anything about notice periods in writing if you want to rely on them and honour them from your side.

Being "told" doesn't count for anything unless in writing.

Two weeks notice from you and one from them (if they feel like it) isn't illegal but far from fair.

Jinx

anamenottaken wrote: »

In what sense are you using "should" and "employers"?

An agency worker may be an employee of the agency (and the OP sounds as though they are working through an agency). The organisation for which the work is carried out is the agency's client.

Regarding notice - the notice terms will be as agreed with the agency. That may well be no notice at all for the temporary worker but the client may agree to give longer to the agency. In a better world, as you suggest, the temp would see a similar notice period to that negotiated between the agency and the client.

I'm using 'should' as in the employees contract or handbook should state clearly the notice period and in my experience its the same on both sides. For example when I had agency contracts my notice period was one week, so was their notice period to me. I use the term 'employer' to mean whoever is paying the wages - for me it was the agency.

patman99

What does your contract with the Agency say about notice periods ?.
I bet if it is the standard that all the Agencies I'm with have, then you need give no notice at all and there is sweet FA the hirer can do about it.