Berks & Beyond Blog

Berks & Beyond employees choose temporary work for a variety of reasons.  Some like the extra cash and freedom temporary work provides; others want to gain experience; still others seek a full-time, direct position.

No matter what your reasons are for working as a Berks & Beyond temporary, you can use these six tips to succeed while on assignment:

Prepare yourself. Buy a memo pad to serve as your temporary employment reference book.  Once you accept an assignment, be sure to write down the following details and take them with you the first day:  company address and phone; client supervisor’s name; dress code; hours; name and phone number for your staffing coordinator.  Having this important information available will help ensure you are on-time the first day and get off to a great start.

Display a positive attitude. When you work as a temporary, you are put into unfamiliar situations with people you don’t know.  Make a conscious decision to approach your new work situation constructively.  Choosing to display a positive attitude – even if you’re a bit uncomfortable – can help you manage the stress of your first day.  Your optimism will be appreciated by co-workers and assignment supervisor alike and set the stage for a great working relationship.

Listen. Although you may be accustomed to completing work a certain way, most employers have specific systems and procedures already in place.  When your supervisor gives you your work instructions, pay close attention and take notes (in your memo book).  If any instructions are unclear, be sure to ask for clarification.  Your employer will understand that you are new, and he will respect your attention to detail.

Stay out of office politics. Every company you work for on assignment will have a unique corporate culture.  As a rule of thumb while on assignment, strive to remain neutral, avoid office gossip/politics/arguments, and focus on the job you have to do.  If conflict is making your work difficult, contact your staffing coordinator immediately.

Take initiative. If you finish your work ahead of schedule, ask for something else to do.  You will earn a reputation (with both the staffing service and the employer) as a hard worker.  Remember, productive, proactive temporaries land the best assignments – and are the first to be offered direct employment.

Keep in touch with your staffing coordinator. Check in with him periodically to explain how your assignment is progressing.  If your assignment is nearing completion, let him know so that he can get to work lining up your next one.  Finally, tell him what you liked or didn’t like about the assignment once it’s complete.  The better he understands your areas of strength and work preferences, the better prepared he’ll be to match you with the ideal opportunity.

Get on the Path to Career Success

Find out how Berks & Beyond can match you with the ideal employment opportunity.  With staffing offices in Harrisburg, Allentown, Reading, Pottstown, Carlisle and York, Pennsylvania, it’s easy to come in and learn more about our services, available jobs and what we can do for you.  Contact a Recruiter to schedule your appointment today.

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Have you ever wondered what it’s really like to work as a temporary employee for Berks & Beyond?  If so, read on.  Here’s what our employees have to say about their experiences with us:

Berks & Beyond’s Reading Office

“My experience with Berks & Beyond was great because it allowed me to establish a contact with a recruiter and she was great in getting back to me in a timely manner – which is CRITICAL when you are dealing with a temp agency because otherwise you can get lost in the shuffle.  My recruiter gave me confidence she was on top of things and that IF/WHEN something came up, she would get back to me.  If anyone is looking for work, please make sure you contact Berks & Beyond.”

–Francis Delauretis

Berks & Beyond’s On-Site Godiva Location

“In the changing workplace, Berks & Beyond opens the door of opportunity to businesses otherwise unapproachable.  The service educates one about areas open to use one’s skills and abilities.  I personally experienced the professionalism of (Berks & Beyond’s) staff for their job, coupled with concern and empathy for their client in these difficult economic times.  This conduct was evident starting with the owner (Chris Garner), continuing through the office staff to the on-site manager.  Thank you, Berks & Beyond, for giving me the opportunity to serve and be productive.”

–Cheryl Bortz

Berks & Beyond’s York Office

“First of all, I would like to thank you for considering my qualifications.  It was a pleasure meeting you.  I really appreciated your work of helping me (in particular), and the others in a professional manner, and making an immediate positive impact on our careers.  What you are doing is truly impressive.”

–Son Duong, H.

Put your success story here.

Any staffing service can claim they’re the best, or that they’ll find you the right job opportunity.  But we’re not just “any staffing service.”  So, once again we’ve gone straight to the source - to show you what our employees have to say about their experiences with Berks & Beyond:

Berks & Beyond’s Reading Office

“When I decided to go back to work after taking some time off, I was finding it difficult to gain employment again with so few jobs available in today’s economy.  The Berks & Beyond staff looked at me and my experience, not the small gap in my resume.  The Berks & Beyond staff were professional and courteous.  I am now back working with people and helping them achieve their goals.”

     –Helen Keating

Berks & Beyond’s Pottstown Office

“Thank you for all the help you have given me with my job search.  I especially appreciate the information and advice you have provided, and the contacts you have shared with me.  Your assistance has been invaluable to me during this process.  I am very confident that Remcon Plastic will make a wise decision, whether I’m part of that decision or not your staffing has fulfilled my every expectation.  Again, thank you so much.  I greatly appreciate your generosity.”

     –Rafael Ortiz-Colon

Berks & Beyond’s York Office

“I have worked with Berks and Beyond for about 4 years doing various warehouse assignments.  My experience working with the York office has been great.  They are wonderful people to work with, and I have enjoyed the various companies that I have worked with.  I have never had any complaints with the staff or had a problem getting a new assignment.  Berks and Beyond knows who I am and what I can do and they make the right match from there.  It is my pleasure to work for Berks and Beyond.  Thank you for everything!”

     –Elsa Diaz

Berks & Beyond’s Reading Office

“The benefit of working with Berks and Beyond is that they find you great jobs with great pay.  And, it’s great having an on-site coordinator for our daily issues.  They are always there when you need them.”

     –Barbara Santiago, Jessica Morte, Christian Rivera, Leticia Santiago

Put your success story here.

Are you between jobs?  Returning to the workforce?  Looking to gain experience or greater job flexibility?  Call Berks & Beyond today.  We’ll listen to your needs, match you with a great temporary, contract or direct opportunity in Central or Southern PA, and make you our next staffing success story.

Recently downsized or laid off?  New to the workforce?  Looking to earn extra cash?  Trying to break into a new field?

Consider working as a temporary.  Today’s staffing firms employee millions of individuals in virtually all fields of work, from day labor to executive, and offer a variety of advantages:

• Flexible work options.  Work when and where you want to work.  You can work only during school hours, take the summers off, or take an extended break.  As a temporary employee, you have the freedom to accept assignments that work with your schedule.
• Employee benefits.  In addition to a paycheck, many temporary staffing agencies provide benefits to their workers.  These benefits typically include vacation pay, sick pay, access to medical insurance and a 401(k) plan, and are available to employees who fulfill certain employment requirements.  Be sure to inquire what benefits are offered when you apply or interview.
• Opportunities for direct employment.  Temporary assignments allow you to get a foot in the door with an employer.  If an employer is impressed with your skills, work ethic and job performance, he can work with the staffing firm to offer you direct employment.
• Gain experience.  If you’re a recent graduate, re-entering the workforce, or would like to make a career transition, working as a temporary can help you gain valuable on-the-job experience.  In addition, many staffing firms offer free training to build or enhance your skill set.
• Variety.  If you enjoy new experiences or are unsure about your career path, temporary work can provide the variety you need.  You can test out different jobs, companies and industries – without long-term commitment – and find out where you fit best.

Ready to take the next step?

Join the Berks & Beyond team.  We’ll provide you with a rewarding temporary assignment that offers the variety, flexibility, benefits and job experience you need.

Any staffing service can claim they’re the best, or that they’ll find you the right job opportunity.  But we’re not just “any staffing service.”  So, we thought we’d go straight to the source – and show you what our employees have to say about their experiences with Berks & Beyond:

Pottstown

“Berks and Beyond Employment Service is a service that is very personable, very in-tune with what the employee is looking for, very thorough and on-the-ball.  I tried other agencies and they promised to deliver, but they did nothing.  I give B&B an excellent rating and I would refer them to anyone.”
- Steven Brynan

Allentown

“I started working with Berks & Beyond in March 2009.  Since that time they have helped me obtain several quality positions.  The staff is always friendly and very helpful.  They have always answered any questions I have had and most of all they have kept me working!  I would recommend Berks & Beyond to anyone looking for work!”
- Stephen Gower

Reading

“After being laid-off from my job, I was searching and searching for a job.  I went into Berks & Beyond and they found me a job so quickly, I wished I had gone to them sooner!  Everyone is extremely nice and very willing to help, and I couldn’t ask for a better agency.  I would recommend Berks & Beyond to anyone who does not have a job.  They helped me out tremendously, and they can definitely help you out, too!”
- Christina Boyer

York

“I would just like to thank Berks & Beyond for the wonderful opportunity of being able to maintain a job in the workforce today.  As we are all aware of the economy today, it is not very good; and many well-meaning people are out of work.  I would especially like to thanks Ms. Bonitta Martin for her diligence in keeping me afloat with satisfying, consistent work.”
- Felisha Short

Are you looking for a rewarding work opportunities with the area’s leading employers?  Just click here  to learn more about what Berks and Beyond can do for you.