Prepare
Yourself 
Before contacting an agency, be sure you are well prepared. Take
a recently typed and updated professional looking CV (resume)
with you, as well as any letters of recommendation or personal
references. If you arrive without CV and you are staying with
us, we usually take care of it.
Many agencies prefer you to ring first for an appointment, but
others don't mind if you walk in off the street for an interview.
Be sure your dress is businesslike if you are going for office
jobs, as London isn't as casual as other places. Also bring your
passport, your tax form and any other documents that mention your
work status, as they may need it.
Be prepared to have your skills such as typing, spelling, grammar,
maths, computer knowledge, etc tested. Some agencies are more
thorough than others, so registration can sometimes take a few
hours.
You will need a contact phone number, as when work becomes available
you will be contacted immediately to fill the position. If you
do not have a phone number, you may miss out on a job. Ring the
agency at least once a day in the morning to advise them of your
availability and ask about any potential jobs they may have for
you.
Payment and Schedule
When you are being interviewed and registered, ask about the rate
of pay you can expect to receive. Rates are usually determined
by what skills you will be using on the assignment. Some agencies
offer lower rates for new arrivals. Be sure to ask if the rate
includes holiday or sick pay. If you are going away on a trip
or holiday, be sure to let the agency know for how long, so they
can work around your schedule and find you an appropriate assignment.
If you accept a long-term assignment knowing you will be leaving
shortly to go on holidays, you will be letting your agency down.
It could affect future assignments.
Payment from agencies is weekly or bi-weekly, on receipt of your
signed timesheet, which you usually bring or mail to the agency.
They will credit your bank account, or you can collect your cheque
at the agency office. They usually prefer paying directly into
your account, but many agencies allow you to cash cheques at a
particular bank without a bank account. But be sure to ask your
particular agency about this. Many jobs on offer at temporary
agencies become long term assignments. Many employers look for
future employees this way, so you can sometimes get lucky and
get a permanent job.
There are literally hundreds of agencies in London, so be sure
to find the ones that are right for your experience and interests.
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