If you’ve never explored work as a temporary employee before, you may be wondering what’s in store for you the first time you walk into your first placement. Generally speaking, things should run fairly smooth. They’re expecting you and will likely give you a tour, show you where things are and make introductions. You should walk in with a general idea of what their expectations are of you and what your job duties include. More specific instruction will be provided before they leave you on your own.

Dress conservatively the first day and take your measure of the office dress code. You'll quickly peg the appropriate style in both dress and behavior.

Be prepared for your first day by asking your Cal Star supervisor plenty of questions ahead of time about job duties, scheduled hours, etc.

Be sure to complete timesheets on a daily basis and let your supervisor know ahead of time when you will need their signature, so it will not be forgotten.

Plan to arrive a few minutes early on your first day to make a positive first impression. If you’re unsure of the company location, ask your Cal Star supervisor for clear direction or take advantage of Internet map sites.

Smile and maintain a professional attitude — you’ll stand out of the crowd!

It’s your first impression. Your one shot at impressing the powers-that-be that you’re the right person for the job — it’s your resume. Taking all your strengths and experience then concentrating it down into one all-important page isn’t always an easy task. However there are a few all-important elements your resume should highlight:

It’s important that your resume have a format, content and appearance that accurately reflect you as an individual. If your resume visually stands out, it will likely entice someone to select it out of the stack for consideration. To prepare your resume, start by doing an in-depth inventory of your past accomplishments, current skills and most relevant work experience.

Follow these guidelines when creating your resume:

Here are some helpful suggestions:

A functional-style resume is organized by the abilities you bring to the table, rather than by the past positions you’ve held. It’s a good format to use when you’re interested in making a career change into a field you don’t have any experience.

Start by brainstorming a comprehensive list (don’t leave anything out yet) of past job accomplishments that are similar or related to the position or career that you’d like to have. Even though none of these duties happened while holding a position similar to the one you’re applying for, they all indicate to a potential employer that you have the right skills.

Next create bullet points under broad headings of the pertinent experiences you have had. When you’re done, you’ll have a few powerful titles with brief, high-impact statements of your experience and qualifications.

The very last section of your “functional” resume is where you’ll list your former employers and job titles. Keep it to only a list; don’t describe your experiences at each job here, as you’ve already brilliantly highlighted them in a manner that will capture the attention of any HR Manager.

This won’t guarantee that landing your dream job will be easy, but you’ll have a strong self-marketing tool that harnesses your valid strengths and organizes them in a way that effectively communicates what you can do.

If you’ve made it to the interview, then you’ve made it to the last step of the placement process and perhaps, the most important. It offers both you and the employer the opportunity to meet, exchange information and come to a tentative conclusion about working with one another. Remember, this is a two-way process; you’re both evaluating each other. This is time to project yourself in a positive, enthusiastic manner.

Research the Employer – Thoroughly research the organization to impress those with whom you meet and to better understand company culture and structure. Some information you’ll want to know includes:

Know Yourself – Analyze your strengths and weaknesses and know exactly what you want to say and do not want to say during the interview. Write out answers to possible questions from the interview. Do a mock interview with a friend or relative.

Prepare Yourself – Know the name, role and level of responsibility of each individual with whom you are to meet. Know exactly how to get to the organization and dress to project an image of confidence and success.

First impressions are made right away….You will want to convey sincerity, a dedication to achievement, confidence and a high energy level. These attributes are communicated through your attitude and actions, as well as through your verbal response. Follow these tips to ensure you are portrayed as confident and competent.

Here are the types of questions an interviewer may ask. Before your interview, it's a good idea to review these questions and your answers so you’re well prepared and confident.

Asking questions of the interviewer shows that you are truly interested in the job, the company and finding the right match for both of you. By questioning the interviewer you'll appear more self-assured and professional.

Our recruiters are the first ones to see your resume and talk with you either over the phone or in person. They’re the ones who give the go-ahead to candidates and send them along to our clients for the next stage of the job filling process. They’ve seen it all. And they’ve got some powerful advice to pass along.

“Preparation is critical. Check out the company’s website that you’re interviewing with, get directions and refer to an online map service ahead of time and arrive early.”

“It’s not all about you getting a job. It’s about how you’re going to be an asset for a company. Once you shift to that perspective, you’ll be better positioned to sell yourself to a company.”

“Nobody wants to see you without a resume. Even if the position you’re applying for isn’t in a traditional business setting, most companies still require a resume. So go out of your way to create one; your Cal Star Staffing Manager can help you polish it, if necessary.”

“What makes or breaks a candidate is their presentation. Those who land the jobs first are those that present themselves well. Look polished, use a firm handshake, and show confidence in your interview answers.”

“Tell everyone you know that you’re looking for a job. No matter you’re your circumstances are, now’s the time to put yourself out there and network. You’ll be surprised how just letting everyone know that you’re out there looking will turn up possible leads.”

“Don’t wait for the job listing. All companies need good people. If you’ve pinpointed a specific company that you’re interested, don’t wait until they post your position. Let your Cal Star Staffing Manager know that you are interested in an introduction to that company. We’re pros and marketing our top candidates to our clients!"

“Sell your transferable skills when looking to change careers. Organizational skills, software knowledge, people skills and management experience are all good talents to highlight when applying for a position where your specific experience falls short.”

“Let your resume be the table of contents that will start a great conversation about your story. Many people make the mistake of trying to stuff everything possible on that one little sheet of paper. Stick to the high points and let your interview fill in the rest.”

“Don’t lose your edge. It’s important that even if you’re out of work that you stay active within your industry. Join appropriate organizations within your industry and read up on the latest news.”

“Don’t be shy. Even if it’s an entry-level job and you’re new to the hiring process, now’s not the time to be a shrinking violet. Put yourself out there. Start with a firm handshake and show you’re confident that you can do the job.”

“Don’t put your picture on your resume. While you might think that you’re putting a face to the name, it’s better to leave off your photo and let the personal interview be the time to get to know each other.”

“Salary isn’t everything. Be flexible when it comes to salary and you’ll likely be rewarded with the potential for growth. Even if you know you have the skills and experience that could command a higher salary, the position with the lower salary can be your foot in the door to prove your worth and get your farther faster.”

“Be open to temporary positions. While your goal may be a permanent position, the path to getting there can often start out in a temporary assignment. Not only does it get your foot in the door, it gives you a chance to try out the company and see if it’s the right fit for you.”