Maybe you use them at year-end or perhaps you rely on the extra hands during your company’s busy season. But hiring temps can be a smart hiring strategy anytime you plan to add to Finance’s headcount.

Your peers think it’s a smart idea: A full 94% of execs say bringing someone on as a temp first is a great way to gauge how they’d fit in a full-time position. That’s according to the folks at Accountemps.

Here’s how to get the most from this top CFO trend.

If you have temps that you ultimately want to make part of your team (or at least have things go as smoothly as possible for the window of time they’re here), beware these all-too-common temp traps:

No one’s ready for them. Little says “we don’t think much of you” than no one knowing a temp is starting. Quizzical looks from other staffers do not make a good first impression.
No one’s prepared for them. The temp should have a workspace complete with PC ready before that individual sets foot in the door.

They’re left alone. You certainly don’t want to hover over the temp’s shoulder. But this person shouldn’t be completely left to their own devices. Best bet; assign a go-to person the temp can come to with questions on everything from who has check signing authority to where the men’s room is.

Not tapping all you can. You’ve placed this person to fill a specific need. But ask the temp about the range of his or her experience. You might just get some unexpected insight in other places too. (And it could make that person more valuable as a full-time fit.)

Tags: HR, managing staff, new hires, recruiting, temporary help