Get some inside tips on how to get the most out of temping.

Wouldn't it be great if you got paid while you decided on a career and looked for a job? At the same time that you were raking it in, you could also find out what you'd really like to do, in what field, and discover what kinds of working environment really suit you.

In the UK, about 10 per cent of female workers work in temporary jobs. For many temping has become another way to search for a job or decide on a career. Think about it. Instead of answering ad after ad and going on interview after interview, you get paid to go into a company that needs extra help.

In a way, you end up interviewing them, making contacts, expanding your CV and testing out your skills. There's also the chance that you could get taken on permanently, if that's what you want. However the life of a temp can be tough, so you'll need a few tips to survive.

Here are the Temp Commandments:

1. Check up on your temping agency. The private recruitment sector is worth about £26 billion a year, with recruitment and temping agencies in every major town and city across the UK. Don't forget that they need good quality temps as much as you need them. The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), the largest industry body, has over 6000 business members who adhere to its strict code of good practice. Different agencies have different standards, so do as much research as you can and perhaps ask a friend for a recommendation. With the growth in the recruitment industry, many companies have specialised in recruiting for particular fields. To search for a variety of agencies visit the REC website.

2. Register with as many agencies as you can. For one thing, the more offers you get, the more you'll have to choose from. Agencies experience cycles - a really good agency can hit a dry spell and that means fewer jobs for you. When you meet with the agency, be clear about what kind of work you are looking for. This enables them to find you a position that matches both your skills and your plans for the future.

3. Negotiate a good rate. Rates of pay can really vary by region and job spec. But in general temps are paid according to their skills and experience. Where your negotiating power comes in is with the deal you make with your agency. Typically, an employer is charged 30 to 50 per cent above what the temp receives. If you have a good relationship with your agency and have skills that are rare or in demand, you can always go for a rise. This is particularly effective if your good work at a company has resulted in the hiring of more temps from the agency.

4. Prepare for uncertainty. The traditional downside of temping is the lack of benefits. However, things are looking up - new regulations make temps eligible for holiday pay after 13 weeks' continuous work.

In general, when a company hires a temp, they're feeling desperate and need help fast. So you'll need to be prepared for the unknown and ready to master a steep learning curve. To make it worth your while, sign up with companies that offer you something more than just work. Some agencies provide their temps with added incentives like training, free lunches and awards.

5. Become a savvy temp. A great guide to temping -- and a very funny read is the 'Temp Survival Guide' by Brian Hassett. He's been temping for 15 years and claims to have held 1,000 jobs over the years at companies ranging from Starbucks to Conde Nast. Serena Mackesy's novel The Temp is hilarious take on the life of a temp and another good read to check out.