Has anyone ever worked a temporary office job?

Like what was it like, how long did you work?

It varies wildly. It really depends, sometimes even regardless of your qualifications. I've worked a couple of temp positions where I answered a few calls and stared at the ceiling most of the day, and others I was busting butt filing doing menial tasks like mail and data entry. I've worked one day to a few months. If the assignment is temporary then obviously you will only work the assignment, but if its a "temp-to-hire" you could be there indefinitely. Just do the best you can. :) I've gotten two of my long term jobs through temp agencys (4 years, and 1 year) One thing I've noticed, sometimes the employees seem to act as if you "aren't there". They talk about things like you aren't listening. It can be quite interesting!

I'm looking for one right now, sniff sniff.

Yes I did. It depends, when I went to University, I accepted only summer jobs. Now is whenever I can get a job.

I know people who have, for some of them it lead to permanent positions. They worked for several months before getting hired on, so its best to make a good impression

Yes. I went through a temp agency as a secretary & was given a position at a prominent aerospace corporation in a department that ordered parts for the Space Shuttle. I had no prior experience in that field other than my good secretarial skills, but it was a position that they couldn't fill easily because the boss was a real tyrant although it paid excellant wages. But I went for it because I wanted the experience to learn and I worked five days a week for 7 months and was about to be hired permanently until governmental funding began dwindling & layoffs began. Then I went to another agency and showed my resume, tested, and explained that I really wanted a permanent job and it turned out they had one at an international publishing company. They helped me interview and coached me on what they were looking for and I landed the position. Great job, excellent experience and great benefits. That was a decade ago and I'm glad that I tried an agency.

I was a temporary staff for one company and it was under contract for 3 months. It was not really good because u cant learn much things and it is bad to hear when people do not really rely on your skills as you are stamped as 'Temporary Staff'. To be frank, I felt like my self-esteem was very low!!! I quit after completed my 3 months contract and never asked for extension. Now I am doing my own job at home: http://www.website.ws/powercontrol I earned more than what my ex-colleagues earning now. My advice is, temporary job is only suitable for students!

I did it for years before I landed a permanent job (though not thru temping). Each experience was basically the same for me. A lot of the time, the work I was responsible for was the same as everyone elses, although at one place, I had access to confidential materials that some of the 'regular' employees didn't! If I wanted a long term assignment (1 year +), I'd let my recruiter know. That way I wouldn't get stuck working some place for just a day or a week. My longest assignment went for nearly 2 years. It cold have gone longer but that's when I landed my permanent job.