None of the things on this list are requirements for temping. But if you agree with a lot of these statements, consider it a sign that you could be very successful.
You value free time more than money.
The inverse of "You want a lot of money."
You like the idea of freelancing, but don't have any goods or services you can sell.
If you can work in an office, you are so wrong. Temping is essentially office freelancing. You put yourself out there and choose what offers you want to accept. You gather references and get repeat customers. If you were feeling really spiffy, you could make yourself business cards.
You possess any of the following:
-A good attention to detail.
-A good "phone voice," if you plan to go for generic clerical positions.
-Mad computer skills.
-A lot of common sense.
You learn quickly and don't need to be shown things over and over.
Training at temp jobs is minimal at best, and sometimes non-existent. If you're reasonably smart and a good problem-solver, you're good to go.
You are willing to do anything.
Besides basic office tasks, I've been asked to clean, make signs, rent videos, buy donuts, design brackets for a ping-pong tournament, and courier documents across the city. Permanent employees will hand any task they don't feel like doing over to the temp. If these sound like fun changes of pace to you, you're in the right line of work.
Your past employers have loved you.
Do your performance reviews mostly consist of chit-chat, since there's nothing much to say after "You're great"? Do your supervisors act like you're the greatest thing since sliced bread? Do you sometimes worry you're getting a little too much praise for simple stuff like answering the phone? All of this translates to good temping evaluations, which equals more job security.
Of course, if your past employers haven't loved you, this is always a good chance to get a fresh start with showing off how awesome you are.
You are female.
This one sucks, but it's true. Our culture dictates that women are the ones who sit behind the front desk and the ones who do the filing. There are plenty of male temps, but you might not have as easy a time doing steady work unless you have a specialty. Might as well give it a try, though.