You’re an administrative assistant looking for temporary or contract work. How can you get hired quickly?

1 Update your resume

Your resume is your first impression to potential employers, so make sure it showcases your skills and achievements as an administrative assistant. Highlight your relevant experience, education, and certifications, and use keywords that match the job description. For temporary or contract work, you might also want to emphasize your adaptability, reliability, and willingness to learn new systems and processes. Use a clear and concise format, and proofread your resume for any errors or typos.

2 Create a cover letter

A cover letter is a chance to personalize your application and explain why you are interested in and qualified for the temporary or contract position. It should be tailored to the specific role and company, and highlight your main skills and accomplishments that match the requirements. You should also mention your availability and flexibility, and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity. Keep your cover letter short and professional, and avoid repeating your resume.

3 Build your network

Networking is a key strategy to find temporary or contract work as an administrative assistant. You can use your existing contacts, such as former employers, colleagues, friends, or family, to ask for referrals, recommendations, or leads. You can also expand your network by joining online platforms, such as LinkedIn, where you can connect with other professionals, recruiters, and hiring managers in your field. You can also participate in online groups, forums, or events related to administrative assistance, where you can showcase your expertise, ask questions, and learn from others.

4 Sign up with agencies

Another way to find temporary or contract work as an administrative assistant is to sign up with staffing agencies that specialize in this area. Agencies can help you find suitable roles that match your skills, preferences, and availability, and also provide you with guidance, feedback, and support throughout the hiring process. You can research and contact agencies online, or ask for recommendations from your network. You should have an updated resume and cover letter ready, and be prepared to answer some questions about your background and goals.

5 Prepare for interviews

Once you have applied for temporary or contract positions, you should prepare for interviews with potential employers or agencies. You should research the company and the role, and anticipate some common questions, such as why you are interested in temporary or contract work, what are your main skills and strengths as an administrative assistant, and how do you handle challenging situations or tasks. You should also prepare some questions of your own, such as what are the expectations and responsibilities of the role, how long is the contract, and what are the benefits and compensation. You should dress professionally, be punctual, and follow up with a thank you note.

6 Be flexible and proactive

Finally, to get hired quickly for temporary or contract work as an administrative assistant, you should be flexible and proactive. You should be open to different types of roles, industries, and locations, and be ready to start working as soon as possible. You should also follow up with employers or agencies regularly, and express your interest and availability for any opportunities. You should also keep learning and improving your skills, and seek feedback and testimonials from your previous or current employers. By being flexible and proactive, you can increase your chances of finding and landing a temp or contract job as an administrative assistant.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?