A temp job can meet many different needs. Whether you're looking for short-term work, need some quick money or want a flexible schedule, temping is a great way to network, find out about new industries and learn new skills.

From the Temp Files

Whether you're an administrative assistant, dental hygienist, accountant or laborer, temporary work is an option for you.

These four steps can help you find a temp job:

1. Search. Look for opportunities on Yahoo! HotJobs using keywords such as "temporary," "assignment," "contract," "short-term," etc.
2. Ask questions. Ask friends to recommend temp agencies that they've used. Then contact those agencies and inquire about opportunities, rates, types of jobs and training.
3. Diversify. Sign up with several temp agencies. You may find that some offer better assignments and pay rates.
4. Play favorites. Investigate companies that interest you. Some large financial, cultural and educational institutions have their own pools of temporary workers.

A Tempting Career

Temping can be your ticket to a new career.

Plus, temping offers flexibility that you won't find elsewhere.

Many permanent jobs require you to take work home to complete tasks. Not temping. Take advantage of your daily after-hours freedom to pursue other interests or goals.

Need time off from work? Just tell your agency that you are unavailable for assignments.

Then, when you're ready to resume temping, alert them so that they'll activate your file again.

Ready? Get started temping with these four suggestions:

• Register with big and small temp agencies,
• Take assignments of various lengths,
• Try out new industries and environments and
• Work in different towns, if possible.

The Springboard Approach

Temping is learning.

Many large temp agencies offer their temporary workers tutorials on software and office skills. Tutorials are usually free and self-directed -- and sometimes even available during working hours.

Let's say you're a temporary receptionist who answers phones, greets visitors and opens mail. Word processing is not part of your job, nor is software your strong suit. But your temporary boss wants you to type a short memo on a computer. Do you accept the challenge?

Yes! Because you will eventually:

• Increase and reinforce your knowledge,
• Become more marketable,
• Command a higher pay rate,
• Land better assignments and
• Enhance your resume.

So if you're rusty on one software program and unschooled on another, do yourself a favor: Take some tutorials, bolster your skill set and earn more money on better assignments.

Temp Etiquette

So you've decided to temp. Expect an adventure.

These dos and don'ts can help you adjust to this new chapter in your career.

Dos

• Dress appropriately for the job. For example, you probably will dress in conservative business clothes if you're working in a bank, and nice jeans and comfortable shoes if you're taking inventory in a warehouse. Ask your agency for guidelines.
• Exercise the three P's: Punctuality, pleasantness and professionalism. Be on time and have a good attitude.
• Respect your agency. Submit time cards on time. Notify the agency about changes in your home address, phone number, etc.

Don'ts

• Make excessive personal calls. You've been hired to work, not to chat.
• Use office equipment for personal gain. If you need to photocopy your resume, go to a copy center. Don't use your temporary employer's copier.
• Blow off the assignment. Call your agency as soon as possible if you can't make it, will be late or can't complete the assignment.

Treat your temp job like a "real" one and soon you may be offered a permanent position.

Hard Copy

Temporary or not, each experience better positions you for your next job. So add your temp work to your work experience on your resume.

• List the most important element first. For example, if temping at a certain company will help you score your next position, list the company name first, then the experience. If operating the latest equipment is paramount, list the skill first. Either way, identify the work as temporary employment.
• Update your "Skills" section and add keywords. Recruiters search for resumes online using keywords. Include keywords in your resume so potential employers can easily spot them.
• Consolidate your temp work. If you're temping through many agencies, organize the experiences together.

Expound on your temporary work experience and it will expand your permanent work options.

Whatever you do for a living, temping can further your career.