Temping

[Claudia haycocks]

Hey there everyone, have just been wondering what the Temping situation is like in South Australia..... anyone? Is it popular at all? Any idea of the types of skills required? Anyone know what the minimum typing speed is? Any info, suggestions, links etc, etc would be sincerely appreciated. Many thank you's in advance

[zoot]

Temping is pretty active in South Australia, both within the city and further out suburban wise. There are many agencies some specialise e.g computers or local government some cross into all industries.

Skills required are Word, Excel - typing probably at least 50wpm, then of course if you are doing bookkeeping they tend to use MYOB.

Agencies I found to be worthwhile were McArthur, Westaff, Randstad - however it really is in many cases the luck of the draw as to whether they have anything suitable when you arrive. I found it useful to respond to an advertisement they put out - although they are then inundated with people it does give you an initial "in".

State Government and Local Government (i.e City Councils) are big employers of temporary staff and certain agencies are retained as preferred suppliers for these. Locher, Mosaic, Randstad, McArthur, Westaff, Hays are all regularly used. It seems more a case of an individual preference rather than an organisational preference as to which one of these agencies is used. When I was temping in Adelaide there would be temps from the various agencies working on the same project.

You may get lucky and hit an agency first off that has a role they need filled or you may need to visit a number of agencies. Get prepared for endless tests, word, excel, typing, data entry, masses of forms and if you are lucky an interviewer who atually is listening to what you say.

Most agencies run their payweek, Monday to Friday and then you get paid the following Thursday or Friday, some use online timesheets, some you fax your timesheet through or drop it off at them. Each agency has different requirements so make sure you know what they prefer and make sure they have received your timesheet - there is sometimes a glitch in the electronic submission systems and it doesnt return to the manager or agency. However you should pick that up early and get it resolved.

[Claudia haycocks]

Zoot to the rescue again, thank you so much for the time you've taken to get back to me. The line that comes foremost to my mind at this point is..... "Modify those dreams or magnify those skills' and quickly. Oh my hat, this has been one hectic rollercoaster ride. I hold a basic Montessori qualification and a few other shorter courses (no degrees) and been teaching near on 20yrs, the last 5, art to primary school kiddies. Thankfully, in June already, I sent off my qualifications for an assessment, and to which I have just recently received a reply. It goes on to inform me that the current qualifications I hold, do not fulfill the criteria Australia requires. Therefore I would not be allowed to register and work as a teacher. So for the last 2 weeks I have been considering my options and trying to work out, in the few months we have left, what skills I could look at developing before heading out that way in the hope of improving my chances of fairly immediate employment. Temp work was definetly one of those I needed more clarification on in terms of skills required.

Ok in relation to the info you've provided me, there are still some areas I'd like to ask for a little more clarification on. Word should be fine, my typing speed I will need to do some serious work on (those I know I can get off the net), Excel, very very limited experience. Book keeping, is that generally part and parcel of a Temping position, or would I be able to get away with not having it? I'm hopeless with figures, ' numeraphobia' I call it. MYOB, not even heard of, oooohhhhhhh. Data entry, what sort of data, what programme, what exactly would this entail? Masses of forms, for the job, or as part of the job? Oh to be an ostrich!!

Going from bad to worse! Tests, eeeeeek!! And here I was thinking the interview was going to be bad. Oh what am I going to do? What would an Excel test look like? I suppose you're also going to be telling me a dress code will need to be considered!! I don't suppose I could rock up for an office job draped in my beads, jeans and sneakers....what is generally considered appropriate office work attire.....smart 2 piece something or another?? I am having a little melt down, all on my own. Identity Crisis, pleeeeese tell me there is hope.

[Claudia haycocks]

Zoot to the rescue again, thank you so much for the time you've taken to get back to me. The line that comes foremost to my mind at this point is..... "Modify those dreams or magnify those skills' and quickly. Oh my hat, this has been one hectic rollercoaster ride. I hold a basic Montessori qualification and a few other shorter courses (no degrees) and been teaching near on 20yrs, the last 5, art to primary school kiddies. Thankfully, in June already, I sent off my qualifications for an assessment, and to which I have just recently received a reply. It goes on to inform me that the current qualifications I hold, do not fulfill the criteria Australia requires. Therefore I would not be allowed to register and work as a teacher. So for the last 2 weeks I have been considering my options and trying to work out, in the few months we have left, what skills I could look at developing before heading out that way in the hope of improving my chances of fairly immediate employment. Temp work was definetly one of those I needed more clarification on in terms of skills required.

Ok in relation to the info you've provided me, there are still some areas I'd like to ask for a little more clarification on. Word should be fine, my typing speed I will need to do some serious work on (those I know I can get off the net), Excel, very very limited experience. Book keeping, is that generally part and parcel of a Temping position, or would I be able to get away with not having it? I'm hopeless with figures, ' numeraphobia' I call it. MYOB, not even heard of, oooohhhhhhh. Data entry, what sort of data, what programme, what exactly would this entail? Masses of forms, for the job, or as part of the job? Oh to be an ostrich!!

Going from bad to worse! Tests, eeeeeek!! And here I was thinking the interview was going to be bad.Oh what am I going to do? What would an Excel test look like?

I suppose you're also going to be telling me a dress code will need to be considered!! I don't suppose I could rock up for an office job draped in my beads, jeans and sneakers....what is generally considered appropriate office work attire.....smart 2 piece something or another?? I am having a little melt down, all on my own. Identity Crisis, pleeeeese tell me there is hope.

[zoot]

Dont stress - Word is an on-computer test where you get asked to do various tasks. Ridiculous test as often you cant use the shortcuts you are used to and have to figure out an alternative route. There are so many different types of jobs that they need temps for so you wont need to have bookkeeping or Excel. Obviously it is a bonus for you if you do but if you dont you go with what you have. Although you cant teach you could maybe use your teaching experience to get you administrative jobs in schools or jobs as a classroom assistant. Check with your local library some of them have self directed training in Excel and such like. If you dont do data entry then you dont - simple. There are some people who live to capture vast quantities of information into a system and then there are those of us who would land up being creative if we did that and the outcome wouldnt be very good. Focus on what you do well and push those areas.

At any one time there are so many random projects being undertaken and when those projects start up they need temps to be an extra pair of hands. As you go on you get to know different systems that are used within the organisation e.g. Local Government uses TRIM a record management system, State Government uses Recfind another record management system. As each organisation you are assigned to is doing different things even using the same system they are generally very willing to show you what is required - if you need to use Excel they will show you what they want done. If they need an Excel whizz they ask for it - else it will just be a case of entering information into an Excel spreadsheet e.g. details of expenses or invoices paid just for internal records not as part of a bookkeeping system. A lot of the time temps get to do the fun jobs, like photocopying, answering the phones, hunting up random information on the internet, phoning people to update details. I have worked with people who have come from a variety of backgrounds e.g. nursing, industry, state government and then have landed up doing temp work and they are all working together on the same project.

Dress code - if you are going Corporate they tend to do the little black suit, black stockings, high heels and obligatory cup of take away coffee. State and Local government are a lot more relaxed and again it depends on the environment in which you are working - if you are working for a factory you would dress differently than if you were working for a lawyer (common sense really). Generally neat and tidy will cover it. Park off in Rundle Mall with a coffee and watch the world go by - you will get a pretty good idea of what goes. Summer is on its way so with the hot weather approaching people tend to focus on keeping cool.

As most South Africans are on quite a tight budget when you first arrive and laying out for business clothes can be expensive especially if you then find you dont need them. If you suddenly find you need to wear a business suit for an assignment look at Op shops, Rivers, K Mart and Target - for cheap suits or neat looking pants, skirts which whilst not designer fashion or best quality can do very nicely to make you look smart (think it is called something like city wear or office wear).

Also constantly pester the agencies - some you will find after a few weeks of pester are absolute duds others will come through and then focus on those. If you fancy retail many shops put posters up on their windows advertising part time or full time retail work.

[Claudia haycocks]

Oh Zoot you are a godsend. Thank you for putting life into perspective again, things seeming so much simpler and clearer. There is no point worrying about skills that one doesn't have, nor things that one can't control, your absolutely right, it would be best to work with what I have. Hadn't even given a thought to the school thing again, funny how you can get so caught up in a tizzy, you lose sight sometimes of the most obvious things, silly me....classroom assistant, I just assumed not being allowed to teach, that too would be included, perhaps not....will investigate further *light bulb moment*. It would certainly be a more familiar environment for now. Hehehehehee, love the creative data entry thing....had some experience perhaps??? Too funny. At least we both still have a sense of humor going for us

You have certainly given me so much more insight into the Temping situation over there. Perhaps I'm not a perfect candidate, that said there are some skills I may be given a chance at, should push come to shove.

I just knew there had to be an office look thing going...mmmhhh thanks for the advice. I do think however a couple of smarter looks may be a consideration whilst still out here and I have a better idea of where to shop for me. I'm not a designer gal, so expense couldn't be too dear I have been a very casual gal to date. Will certainly keep those places in mind however just incase, thank you Zoot fab week ahead, no doubt we'll meet again.

[zoot]

Dont stress about it all there is enough involved in just getting to Oz once you are there you can see which way things go.

Yeah some smart outfits that are suitable for work will never go amiss. Enjoy it (an excellent excuse to go shopping)

[Numbawun]

To work at schools you could register with DECS as a SSO (school support officer). You need to get a criminal history check (not the police clearance thingy you can get at the post office),and do a Mandatory Notification Course (all about identifying child abuse etc) Its a day course and costs about $70. Some positions require a first aid course too. Once you have all the paperwork, you can register on the DECS website for placements at schools. There is a bit of initial outlay for courses etc but once you're registered as an SSO, you will become a candidate in the system. The website is a bit confusing so it may be a good idea to pop in at a local school once you're here and ask for assistance - people are pretty keen to help out when they can.

(This would be in Adelaide - not sure on procedures in other states)

[Claudia haycocks]

Hehehehe, couldn't have said it better myself , thank you.........

Dont stress about it all there is enough involved in just getting to Oz once you are there you can see which way things go.

Yeah some smart outfits that are suitable for work will never go amiss. Enjoy it (an excellent excuse to go shopping)

[Claudia haycocks]

Hey Numbawun, fantastic, thank you so much for that info, super cool news. Will definitely try and find out more about. Didn't realize these positions even existed. As you say, perhaps a bit of an outlay initially, but have no doubt worth the effort. Had heard about the Mandatory Notification Course, and understood that would have to have been done prior to registering as a teacher, had I been allowed. Had been chatting to hubby about the possibility of doing a First Aid Course out here, he went on to say one could, but it wasn't internationally recognized. I still can't get my head around that one, why it had occurred to him to query international recognition I'll never know, I simply thought First Aid was First Aid wherever you go. Clearly just dizzy I am!!! So I guess no point at this stage, just wait to do there. Police Clearance Certificate - do you think one from out here (Swaziland) would suffice? I don't see how I'd be expected to get one there, considering we'd only have been there a couple of days/ weeks when looking to do this. Got one done not too long ago. Who or rather what does DECS stand for. Will definitely enquire at the school we've managed to get one of our girlies into. They've been so helpful to date. Again Numbawun many thank you's P.S. love the name, can just hear it being said the South African way

To work at schools you could register with DECS as a SSO (school support officer). You need to get a criminal history check (not the police clearance thingy you can get at the post office),and do a Mandatory Notification Course (all about identifying child abuse etc) Its a day course and costs about $70. Some positions require a first aid course too. Once you have all the paperwork, you can register on the DECS website for placements at schools. There is a bit of initial outlay for courses etc but once you're registered as an SSO, you will become a candidate in the system. The website is a bit confusing so it may be a good idea to pop in at a local school once you're here and ask for assistance - people are pretty keen to help out when they can.

(This would be in Adelaide - not sure on procedures in other states)

[Leigh Bee]

Hi Claudia

To give you some perspective - I was a buyer in the IT Industry in SA for 14 years with no formal qualification. Coming here I thought I could be a permanent temp and be flexible as I have a toddler.

So when I finally got her into daycare 5 days a week I started actively looking for work. That was 3 months ago and I have been unsuccessful with every appliciation; too numerous to mention. See, I dont have Australian experience in anything and I have not been offered any kind of office job; and I have applied for many.

I have been to 2 agencies and done numerous online testing - Word, Excel, Typing Speed, Data Entry - you name it. Typing speed needed is generally 60wpm and data entry speed is 8000ksph. Mine is 60wpm and 12000ksph; BUT BUT BUT I do not have Australian experience people! And I have found that the employment agency people don't get back to you when you query what's happening with your application and the jobs out there; the 2 that I dealt with anyway.

I have even applied to work as a 'check-out chick' at supermarkets, to be a sandwich artist at Subway, work as a barrista at service stations, you name it........ nothing!

Never did I think I would struggle this much to find a job. My brain is rusting and my mind is becoming mushy as I have no stimulation. I clean house, shop, cook, clean house, visit a friend, cook, bake, clean house - get the picture.

Finally I've signed up to do a medical reception course which starts on Saturday and still there is no guarentee that I'll get a job.

Hold thumbs......

Leigh

[zoot]

Hi Leigh which agencies did you register with in Adelaide?

Try McArthur (got work through them both in Adelaide and in Melbourne), Randstad and Westaff. Try contacting the council's to find out who they use - they make a lot of use of temps. The big name agencies are a waste of breath - being interviewed by a bimbo who has no idea of what the client actually wants or needs.

Find those agencies who deal with local and state government - see when they are advertising for temps and nail them then. Sometimes seems to help.

[Numbawun]

Hey Claudia,police clearance from Swaziland definitley wont do it. You need the specific National Criminal History Record Check and Screening Assessment done by the screening unit of Dept for Families and Communities. DECS stands for Dept Education and Child Services (me thinks).

Leigh, try looking on websites of companies as opposed to going through agencies. Schools, local councils, retailers etc all advertise on their websites. Most effective way of finding work in Adelaide is through people, so speak to anyone you meet and tell them what you looking for. You never know, people seem genuinely eager to help...

[Claudia haycocks]

Hey Leigh, apologies, life's just been one crazy roller coaster ride at the moment and not been on here for a while. Thank you for sharing, you seem to have had it pretty rough for a bit now, but don't lose faith......always go back to your initial motivation for having made the move....the pluses have got to outweigh the minuses. Persevere, I've read time and time again similar threads, where people have sent out numerous resume's, called etc some for much longer periods and have no doubt it's disheartening. Hope some the advice shared by others help both you and your situation. Doing a course sounds great and definitely thinking along the similar lines on our arrival there. There's also a lot of advice in relation to the resume situation, and having it put together professionally, this too may be a consideration. From what I understand, various packages are offered in relation to these services, one of which includes 'getting you out there'. Not quite done this all yet, but in the process, so not too sure how it all works just yet. Check out the SAaustralian facebook page, South Africans in Adelaide too, the members there always seems to be arranging various get togethers, meeting more people, chatting about your situation, you may find helps. So many well wishes Leigh, and thank you again, I too need to put my thinking into perspective, and must be prepared for the downs, as well as ups, they're heading my way and soon. Holding thumbs....

Hi Claudia

To give you some perspective - I was a buyer in the IT Industry in SA for 14 years with no formal qualification. Coming here I thought I could be a permanent temp and be flexible as I have a toddler.

So when I finally got her into daycare 5 days a week I started actively looking for work. That was 3 months ago and I have been unsuccessful with every appliciation; too numerous to mention. See, I dont have Australian experience in anything and I have not been offered any kind of office job; and I have applied for many.

I have been to 2 agencies and done numerous online testing - Word, Excel, Typing Speed, Data Entry - you name it. Typing speed needed is generally 60wpm and data entry speed is 8000ksph. Mine is 60wpm and 12000ksph; BUT BUT BUT I do not have Australian experience people! And I have found that the employment agency people don't get back to you when you query what's happening with your application and the jobs out there; the 2 that I dealt with anyway.

I have even applied to work as a 'check-out chick' at supermarkets, to be a sandwich artist at Subway, work as a barrista at service stations, you name it........ nothing!

Never did I think I would struggle this much to find a job. My brain is rusting and my mind is becoming mushy as I have no stimulation. I clean house, shop, cook, clean house, visit a friend, cook, bake, clean house - get the picture.

Finally I've signed up to do a medical reception course which starts on Saturday and still there is no guarentee that I'll get a job.

Hold thumbs......

Leigh

[Claudia haycocks]

Hey Numbawun, many thank you's .......mmmmhhh got to do what ones got to do, will clearly need to look into once there then. Thank you again and fab eve

Hey Claudia,police clearance from Swaziland definitley wont do it. You need the specific National Criminal History Record Check and Screening Assessment done by the screening unit of Dept for Families and Communities. DECS stands for Dept Education and Child Services (me thinks).

Leigh, try looking on websites of companies as opposed to going through agencies. Schools, local councils, retailers etc all advertise on their websites. Most effective way of finding work in Adelaide is through people, so speak to anyone you meet and tell them what you looking for. You never know, people seem genuinely eager to help...

[Leigh Bee]

Hi Leigh which agencies did you register with in Adelaide?

Try McArthur (got work through them both in Adelaide and in Melbourne), Randstad and Westaff. Try contacting the council's to find out who they use - they make a lot of use of temps. The big name agencies are a waste of breath - being interviewed by a bimbo who has no idea of what the client actually wants or needs.

Find those agencies who deal with local and state government - see when they are advertising for temps and nail them then. Sometimes seems to help.

Hi Zoot

I only saw you message now!

Thanks for the heads up. I'll try the agencies you've mentioned.

Many thanks

Leigh