I haven't written in a while, because I just started a new job; but I'm back. I currently work for a Financial Institution-a job I received through a temp agency. So far, so good. Right now, I'm filling in for a woman on maternity leave, but hopefully this will turn into something long-term. I would love a stable, permanent job, but for right now, temping is good for me. It allows me to work in different environments and get the feel of a company before I decide to work there long-term.
Looking back, I realize why some of my previous interviews didn't turn into job offers. In one interview, they asked why I applied for the position and what I thought I could contribute to the position. To say the least, I bs'd my answer, because honestly, I didn't know too much about the position. My answer was geared towards another position in the company; but not the position I was interviewing for. I didn't land that job (even though they said they'd "be in touch").
With that said, my advice to interviewees is to be open-minded. A job may not start off permanent (if it's with a temp), but it may end up permanent. You also should know about the position you're applying to. Do your research before the interview, and know facts about the position and the company. This will show the employer that you're knowledgeable and very interested, and most likely you'll get called for that second interview.