Temping

Fed up with the same old faces and the politics in the office? Maybe it's time to temp

Getting temp work

If you do not know what you want to do, the best approach is to cast your net wide. Ring up as many agencies as you can, and fix up some interviews. Go armed with your CV and make sure you sell yourself as being reliable, flexible, punctual and presentable. If you think you need to brush up some of your skills, tell the agency - some of them can provide you with training.

Once you are registered, you should start getting calls for assignments but don't just wait for them to come to you. It helps to look keen - phone the agencies in the morning to remind them you're looking for work.

Assignments may be on the morning that they want you to go in, or a month in advance. Make sure you note in your diary when and where you are due to work, and a contact name and number.

Holidays and sick pay

Temp workers are entitled to the same amount of statutory holiday as other workers - four weeks per year. At what stage you can take this holiday depends on individual agencies and contracts.

After you have signed a contract, you are entitled to statutory sick pay when you have been ill for four consecutive days, as long as you have proof of illness in the form of a doctors certificate.

One of the great things about temping is that it is so flexible. If you don't like where you're working, then leave. Temps usually only need to give one week's notice.

Temp to Perm

One week, two weeks, three weeks - permanent? Temp to perm: it's becoming the thing to do. You start on a temporary basis, maybe with a view to it becoming permanent, and before you know it you're a fulltime member of the crew.

It can be a great way to get a job because there is no agonising interview process and you know what the position and the company are like before you commit. It is clear for both parties from the outset that if it doesn't work out, you are under no obligation to stay.

Even if an assignment is initially just temporary, a company may decide to offer you a permanent position because you have done a really good job and they don't want to lose you. If this happens, you should take the initiative. Ask if they can offer you a permanent role before your assignment comes to an end.