Job seeking is not the easiest task these days, in part because of the slow job growth and also because most job seekers are fixed into finding particular positions or types of jobs. Most individuals will completely neglect the option of a part time or a temporary job. But when the job search is taking longer than expected, a temp job may be the best way to fill the gap.
Previously we posted about the benefits of hiring temporary employees which left a topic pending: what about the benefits for the temporary workers? Is it worth it to accept a temporary job?
Author and journalist Kery Hannon, enlisted some reasons as to why a temporary assignment may be worth it.
This is a summary of that list, with our top picks for benefits of a temporary job:
- Gets you in the door. It may eventually lead to a full-time position. As Nathan Newberger, Managing Editor of worktree.com states: ”Eeven if you are not explicitly told that your job is temp-to-hire, you may have shot at the permanent position if you impress the right people”.
- Gets you decent pay. Employers are generally willing to pay generously if you can solve their problem or need quickly.
- Builds your professional network. You will get a chance to connect with co-workers. These relationships may lead to a good future contact. “Temp jobs give you the opportunity to meet and rub elbows with individuals in a particular industry. You never know if a co- worker might someday be in charge of recruiting or make a recommendation for a new employee.”(1)
- Lands you new references to use in future job applications.
- Keeps your resume alive, avoiding gaps between employment which can be red lights during future applications.
- Keeps your skills sharp. Newberger also recommends temp jobs as a quick way to pick-up new skills or to heighten current skills.
A 2007 survey found out four more reasons to accept a temporary job:
- Temp job workers will do better in the job market
- They will have a higher chance of working for higher wage firms
- A temp job is a stepping stone for a more stable employment
- Temp job workers develop useful job skills
Temporary for everybody
The website employmentspot.com enlists some popular categories common for temporary jobs. But the opportunities are endless, since more and more companies are deciding for temporary instead of full-time due to the current economic situation which has forced them to cut their hiring.
The common categories are:
- The Middle Manager: middle-aged businesspeople who were outplace recently make a large percentage of the current temporary workers.
- The College Grad: recent graduates who experience a tough time finding a job recur to temp agencies to start making money in the meantime.
- The College Student: for college students having a temporary job is a great way to “test the waters” while building their resume and earning a paycheck.
- The Retiree: retired workers benefit of temporary employment since they have free time and lots of experience.
- The “Family is More Important” Mom or Dad: for parents who put family as a priority, temporary employment is a good fix that still allows them to earn a decent income while benefiting of a flexible schedule.
Tempted to temp
Here are some tips for job seekers who are thinking of or are already in a temporary position. These tips, by Robert Half International, will help them make the most out of the experience.
- Take temporary assignments seriously, as the impression you make will influence references, the prospect of a full time position with the company, and more. Even brief assignments can offer a great opportunity to develop or strengthen skills and build resume.
- Ask for help and request feedback: temporary professionals are expected to “hit the ground running”. This may require you to ask the proper questions in order to get started.
- Understand your responsibilities: review the job duties and objectives with your staffing manager. This will help you perform better.
- Find the right staffing service: when companies have temporary openings they will usually outsource the recruiting process to professional staffing firms. At times these firms will even be specialized in the industry or type of job they are looking to fill. Don’t hesitate to send your resume to the staffing firm of your choice. Research what firm can work best for you depending on your profile and career path. Just pay attention when selecting a firm, and be sure to ask for references, read about them, and you can even screen them over the phone asking questions like: which are their current openings? And, how long have they been in business?
Taking on a temporary job will bring many benefits. Anyone can benefit from the experience and the flexibility it provides in terms of lifestyle. You never know what can come your way once the temporary job is over.
(1) http://www.worktree.com/newsletter/benefits-of-temporary-jobs.html
Tags: temp Temporary workers
