Each week our Temp Candidate Manager at Frog will be answering a FAQ about temping that we’ve received during the week. Our aim is to make sure you are feel well informed and have no hesitation in asking any questions at all!
Q: How much notice will I get before I start an assignment?
A: This will vary and depend on the nature of the assignment. In some cases we can give you a few weeks' notice if the client books in advance, and in other circumstances we may get informed as late as the day that you are needed! We will give you as much notice as possible, but remember that there is no pressure to accept an assignment if the notice period is too short for you.
Q: Who is my employer when I am on a Temporary Assignment?
A: Frog Recruitment is legally your employer when on assignment. Your employment contract is with us and as your employer, we pay your wages, holiday pay, sick pay when entitled and other compulsory deductions you legally must make.
Remember: Please keep us informed if your assignment changes in duration or duties required. Your consultant is your first point of contact should any issues arise during the course of your assignment (but the whole team is here to help you as a backup!)
Q: What should I wear to an interview?
A: Ideally, when being confirmed into an assignment, your consultant should tell you about the environment and dress code before you commence a new temporary assignment. However, if this is overlooked:
1. Please don’t hesitate to call your consultant to check
2. Apply the following rule of thumb: If in doubt –yes, wear a suit or something conservative on at you interview
Q: Can I use my mobile phone when working on assignment?
A: Yes, of course you can, but just not on the client’s time.
We recommend the following: Make sure you have a voice mail facility set up so you can receive messages and check them during your breaks. All personal calls should be kept to emergency only or with your supervisor’s permission.
When we think back over the last 12 months we have very seldom had complaints about this, so we would like to take the opportunity to thank you for being so professional on assignment. Don’t go changing!
Q: Do I have to wear a suit to work?
A: Ideally, when being confirmed into an assignment, your consultant should tell you about the environment and dress code before you commence a new temporary assignment. However, if this is overlooked
-
Please don’t hesitate to call your consultant to check
-
Apply the following ‘rule of thumb: If in doubt –yes, wear a suit or something conservative on your first day.
-
Then take your cues from the organisation's managers and co-workers as to the acceptable level of presentation going forward.
Q: Can temporary work add value to my career?
A: Definitely!
Temping has grown in popularity both from a life style and/or necessity perspective. As well, temp work is considered a highly valuable addition to any CV. Not only do your temping experiences demonstrate your motivation, resilience, flexibility and adaptability (all highly valued qualities) but the following benefits apply:
-
Each assignment adds to your skill base
-
Temping shows an enthusiasm for learning
-
Assignments completed well result in positive feedback and additional referee sources for you – both agency and the organisation
-
Exposure to different working environments and opportunities lets you to see ‘behind the doors’ – this in turn means you are able to identify the types of company cultures that allows you to excel
-
Being offered a permanent role is very common so temping has become a key method in securing permanent work, if desired.
-
As you experience the world of temping we recommend you add the details of each assignment to your resume, including assignment objectives and achieved results.
Q: Can I get time off while I’m working on an assignment?
A: We would not expect you to need time off in short-term assignments, as you have agreed to be available in this period of time. If you are attending interviews for permanent jobs, they should be made outside normal business hours where possible. Always check with your consultant first (not the client) no matter how little time off is needed, so that we can liaise with the client.
Q: Will you look for permanent work for me while I’m temping?
A: Absolutely – as long as we know that’s what you want! Make sure your consultant understands your work requirements, both now and in the future, so that we can be on the look out for the ideal opportunity for you.
We have consultants who specialize in permanent roles, and the team at Frog work very well together in collaborating on filling vacancies, but you may need to meet them too. They can give you up to the minute advice on the permanent jobs available at Frog and will be in touch once a suitable position becomes available which they wish to discuss with you further.
Feel free to monitor this process yourself by keeping an eye on our website under the Jobs tab and either apply for anything which is of interest or call us on 09 362 0528 to find out more information.
Q: Should I register as a temp with other agencies?
A: In short – yes, you should but don’t overdo it! We recommend you register with 2 or 3 well recognised temp agencies who have a large portfolio and are able to expose you to a volume of assignments. These 2 or 3 agencies should be able to ensure you have a continuity of work, they will have excellent payroll processes and don’t have too much downtime between assignments.
Q: What if I miss my timesheet deadline?
A: Timesheets create one of the most common areas of query – so we have devised easy step by step systems to make sure this happens. What happens?
Firstly - in order for your timesheet to be processed and for you to be paid we need to receive your timesheets on time. Make it a habit of sending this to us by 5.00pm on Friday
-
Timesheets can be download from the Temp Timesheet page on our website.
-
Timesheets must be faxed to Frog 09 362 0529 or emailed to timesheets@frogrecruitment.co.nz each week by 5pm Monday on the week following your assignment.
-
If you miss a timesheet deadline - call the Frog Payroll Team immediately on 09 362 0528
-
If you want to check that we have received your timesheet – do call. Better safe than sorry
-
If we have not received your timesheet by 12noon Tuesday we will either text you or telephone you, reminding you to send this urgently.
-
Please note that we CLOSE off payroll at 3pm Tuesday, so unfortunately if we have not received your time sheet by then, you will miss out being paid that week.
-
Please visit our website for more information about timesheets and other temp procedures or feel free to call us directly on 09 362 0528.
Q: What if I don’t like the assignment / company / colleagues / location / etc?
A: Sometimes, for whatever reason, an assignment may not be exactly what you expected.
Whether it be problems with public transport or personal differences with other staff, we recommend that the best thing for you to do is to call us immediately at Frog on 09 362 0528.
We are always here to help you and will sort out any concerns/problems you have both effectively and objectively. Remember, no matter how trivial your concern may seem, talk to us at Frog first.
Until next time, feel free to
contact us directly if you have any questions.
Justine Corbett
Temp Candidate Manager
