What to Say (and Not Say) in a Temp Job Interview

You want your temp job interview to go well. How you prepare for your interview is key. If you know what to say (and not say) during your interview, you can make a positive impression. From here, you could move one step closer to landing the temporary job you want. 

Now, let's look at some of the things to say and avoid saying in a temp job interview. 

Things to Say in a Temp Job Interview

1. "Thank you for meeting with me today."

Start your interview by introducing yourself to your interviewer and thanking them for taking the time to meet with you. This helps you begin your interview on the right foot. At the same time, it's an opportunity to show your appreciation for someone meeting with you to discuss a role with their company. 

2. "This role sounds like it lines up perfectly with my qualifications." 

In addition to reading a job description, explain to your interviewer why you're the right fit for a role with their company. Highlight ways in which you would use what you know to thrive in this role. This can help your interviewer envision what it would be like to have you join their team. 

3. "I care about my work."

Describe how you want to succeed in a role and what you are willing to do to help a company achieve its goals. For example, you can tell your interviewer a story about how you went the extra mile to deliver results in a past job. That way, your interviewer can see that you are passionate about working and committed to succeeding if you land a role with their business.

Things Not to Say in a Temp Job Interview

1. "I don't know."

By saying you don't know the answer to an interview question, you're telling your interviewer that you're unprepared for your meeting with them and not taking the opportunity to join their company seriously. 

Consider the most-asked interview questions and any other questions your interviewer may ask you. Account for a job description and what's required for a role, as this will help you figure out what information your interviewer wants to get from you.

2. "I hated my last job."

Putting down any prior employers can leave a bad taste in your interviewer's mouth. It can show your interviewer that you're deflecting blame from past problems at work onto your employers, which can immediately make this individual dismiss your candidacy. 

If your interviewer asks you about your work experience, answer any questions they have positively. Remember, your past employers gave you the opportunity to work for them. Focus on the positives of your work history, and your interviewer may be impressed with what you share about your prior jobs and what you've learned from your work experiences.

3. "I don't have any questions." 

Your interviewer wants you to make the most of the opportunity to ask questions about a role. These questions show you are interested in joining their business and want to learn more about what the company offers. 

Come up with a few questions to ask your interviewer before you meet with them. Listen to what your interviewer says during your interview, too. Then, you can follow up on what your interviewer has said, which shows you were listening to them and want more information based on what they said previously. 

Let Us Help You Get Ready for Your Next Temp Job Interview

Ascend Staffing offers guidance and support for those interested in temporary jobs and many others. If you want help preparing for a temp job interview or securing your next role, we're here for you. To get started, browse our job board.