The company I worked for closed and all employees were laid off in 2008. I am currently job searching and submitting my resume. While job searching, I have been working at occasional temp jobs since November 2008. My questions: (1) Do I indicate on my resume that I've been temping since Nov 2008? (2) Or, do I mention in my cover letter that I am temping? If so, how do I word it?
Thanks very much.
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I posed your questions to my Professional Services Group at my local Unemployment office and was advised of the following:
If asked by potential employers about what you're doing in the interim, (at an interview) tell them you've been working periodically on a temporary basis through an agency.
List yourself (on your resume) as an independant contractor (don't give the agency name) and if you've worked for a well-known company, use their name and bullet point your responsibilities at the company as well as how long you were there. List long term temporary assignments (2 to 3 months or longer) but not jobs that lasted less than 1 month. Don't list a series of temporary jobs.
Don't say anything in your cover letter just list on the resume to fill in gaps of time since your last full time permanent position.
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Anonymous on
3/5/2010 8:05:27 AM
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Hi there,
I have worked as a temp too and always added onto my resume so there were no gaps on dates and it will show great initiative on your part to find work in this economy and that the temp agencies like you and call you for available assignments. Add it onto your resume like any other job including the start date of your first assignment. In the description add your title (Executive Assistant?) and that you worked various temporary assignments as an (Title –EA?) and list the companies – this is a good networking tip. Example is below:
Executive Assistant
March 3, 2009 – Present
Worked for various companies on temporary assignments as an Executive Assistant. Agencies I am listed with are xyz, 123. Companies I have worked for are abc, def, ghi. Then mention if any assignments were for high level executives such as President or CEO and what you did for them.
When I was being interviewed by a recruiter I would let them know how long the assignment were and why it was needed – filled in for a gal on maternity leave for three months, etc.
I hope this helps! Good luck!
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Anonymous on
3/3/2010 11:32:07 AM
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I agree with every post. Yes, always include work experience, whether it's temp or not. I just recently attended a seminar on Resumes and Cover letters and it was awesome. I'm going to see if I can find the information to assist with your cover letter. Good luck.
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Anonymous on
3/3/2010 11:16:59 AM
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Yes, you should always include your temporary assignments. List the name of the temp agency you are affiliated with and the dates. Example: Temp-For-You, Inc. November 2008 - present. Then under the temp agency insert bullets and list each assignment, the duration, and the duties. This will show potential employers that you did not just sit by and wait for your unemployment benefits to run out before even attempting to find employment. This shows initiative on your part and the desire to obtain and retain on-going employment. Employers want staff members who want to be there and want to be employed. Good luck and keep "temping" until you find permanent employment.
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Anonymous on
3/3/2010 8:15:16 AM
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In my opinion, temping means you are working for somebody through somebody else, sort of like contracting. The resume is a list of your jobs and experiences. I don't think they are the same thing. If you are doing A for company B, I would put doing A for company B. If you have the space and you want to be 100% forthright, put "while as a temporary employee, did A for company B". Your relationship with the temp agency (company C) is irrelevant.
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Anonymous on
3/3/2010 8:07:22 AM
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Absolutely list it on your resume. Employees want to know that you've put in an effort to conitinue your work status. List the details of thework you performed on assignments that are applicable to your current employment search. I would mention any skills you have obtained through your temp work, that will help you in your cover letter.
GOOD LUCK with the job search
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sgarland on
3/3/2010 7:49:11 AM
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Oh yes, add the current employment to your resume's body (i.e., the temp agency) but NOT to the cover letter.
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Kate on
3/3/2010 7:42:19 AM
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Regarding the cover letter question: No, I don't believe it's necessary to state that you're currently temping. This will come up in the interview and you can answer it then. In my current cover letter I highlighted my years of experience in the particular skill area(s), why this particular company would benefit in hiring me, and the salary expectations if asked. A total of three paragraphs filled with information that will get attention...nothing more and nothing less. Just my opinion. Have a great day! Kate
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Kate on
3/3/2010 7:40:59 AM
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Put it on your resume....it's work experience! List the temp agency for whom you're working since they are your true employer, not the companies to which you are assigned. As a description of the work performed, list all the job duties collectively that you have performed at each assignment.
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Anonymous on
3/3/2010 7:35:44 AM
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