How to List Temp Agency Work on Your Resume: A Comprehensive Guide

• List temp work in reverse-chronological order.

• Group similar experiences together.

• Label temp work clearly and consistently.

• Highlight responsibilities and achievements.

What Do I Do If I Have Too Many Short Jobs on My Resume?

Temporary work, often referred to as temp work, involves short-term employment arrangements that can last from a few days to several months, depending on the employer's needs. Companies hire temporary employees to support specialized projects, cover full-time employee absences, or manage high-traffic periods. Despite the short-term nature of these roles, including temp work on your resume is essential to providing a complete picture of your work history.

When listing temp work on your resume, it's best to use a reverse-chronological format. Start with the most recent position you held and work backward. This approach provides a clear timeline of your work history and helps hiring managers easily understand your career progression.

For example:

Company Name, City, State

Job Title (Temporary) – Start Date to End Date

- Key responsibility or achievement

- Key responsibility or achievement

If you've held multiple temp jobs through a staffing agency, it's a good idea to group these experiences together. List the name of the staffing agency as your employer, followed by the duration of your employment with the agency. Under this heading, include a brief description of the types of assignments you completed and then list each placement with its corresponding responsibilities.

For example:

Staffing Agency Name, City, State – Start Date to End Date

Contracted by the staffing agency to perform various administrative duties on a temporary basis for different organizations.

Job Title, Company Name – Start Date to End Date

- Key responsibility or achievement

- Key responsibility or achievement

Clearly labeling your temp work is essential to indicate why the positions were short-term. Use consistent labels such as "temporary," "temp," or "contract" next to each job title. This helps hiring managers quickly understand the nature of your employment.

For example:

Receptionist (Temporary)

Administrative Assistant (Contract)

When detailing your temp work, focus on listing relevant responsibilities that demonstrate your skills and experience. Include at least three bullet points for each role, highlighting key tasks and duties you performed.

For example:

Receptionist (Temporary) – January 2020 to March 2020

- Answered and directed phone calls for a busy office.

- Managed appointment scheduling and client communications.

- Assisted with administrative tasks and document filing.

In addition to listing responsibilities, it's important to highlight your achievements in each temp role. Include one or two bullet points that showcase positive results or contributions you made during your employment. This demonstrates your ability to add value, even in short-term positions.

For example:

Administrative Assistant (Contract) – June 2019 to December 2019

- Implemented a new filing system that increased efficiency by 20%.

- Assisted in organizing a major corporate event attended by over 200 participants.

• Tailor Experiences to the Job Description: Customize your resume for each job application by using keywords from the job posting. This not only helps you pass applicant tracking systems but also catches the hiring manager's attention.

• Use Quantifiable Data: Including numbers in your resume helps provide a clear picture of your responsibilities and achievements. For example, mention the number of clients you handled or the percentage increase in efficiency you achieved.

• Highlight the Value of Temp Work: Emphasize the skills and experience you gained from temp work, presenting it as an asset rather than a gap in your employment history. Show that you are proactive and willing to take on new challenges.

If you have only one or two instances of temp work, list them separately, just like you would for full-time positions.

Northfield Law Group, Northfield, IL

Receptionist (Temporary) – July 2020 to October 2020

- Handled confidential information for over 35 clients.

- Provided excellent service when greeting clients and answering calls.

- Scheduled and confirmed over 50 appointments per month.

Farrer Law Services, Chicago, IL

Administrative Assistant (Temporary) – January 2020 to June 2020

- Reviewed over 40 documents monthly to support legal reviews.

- Managed data entry for motions, trials, and arbitration.

- Handled over 25 client calls and inquiries daily.

For multiple temp assignments through a staffing agency, group them under the agency’s name.

Super Staffing Company, Chicago, IL – January 2019 to Present

Contracted by the staffing firm to perform various administrative duties on a temporary basis for multiple medical facilities.

Front Desk Receptionist, Heckman Medical Center – April 2020 to October 2020

- Made over 40 calls daily to confirm appointments and provide follow-up instructions.

- Filed and maintained records for over 800 patients, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.

- Greeted and prepared over 25 patients per day for appointments.

Medical Receptionist, Waukegan Health Group – January 2020 to March 2020

- Scheduled and coordinated daily appointments for eight physicians.

- Maintained and digitized records for over 1,000 patients.

- Greeted and checked in over 50 patients daily.

Listing temp work on your resume effectively can make a significant difference in impressing hiring managers. By following these tips, you can highlight your skills, experiences, and achievements gained from temporary roles, presenting them as valuable assets to potential employers. Remember, temp work showcases your flexibility and willingness to take on new challenges, which are highly desirable traits in today's job market.

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