If you just got out of school, are contemplating a career change, or simply want to add more skills to your resume, a temp job might be perfect for you. This type of work allows you to get your foot in the door in a variety of industries while still earning income. Temp work can be the ideal path to your dream career.
Lead to Permanent Work
There are always permanent positions wherever you get placed, and you could get offered one. Some companies like to use temp positions to see first-hand if a candidate fits in well. Doing so allows the employer to screen people without worrying about getting stuck with someone that is underqualified.
Get to know your Strengths and Weaknesses
You do not want to risk switching fields only to discover that it is not for you. Temp jobs are an excellent way to see whether a job or industry suits you. You can know for sure if you prefer working with your hands and doing physical work or sitting at a desk. You may be surprised by what you learn about yourself. Even if you do not excel at the task, at least you found that out sooner rather than later.
Gain Experience
If you just graduated, you likely do not have much experience under your belt – especially if your program does not offer a co-op or internship. Whether you do a daily assignment or a project that lasts a month, any experience is better than none. Working various short-term jobs is also a great way to network with different people. Hiring managers prefer to pick people who have been recommended to them. The more professional connections you form, the more likely you are to be recommended to potential employers.
Gain Skills
By working on numerous assignments in a short period of time, you will gain a diverse skill set quickly. Doing so will help your resume stand out from the hundreds a company receives. It will also help you learn skills that are difficult to acquire in an academic setting. Temp work is also an effective way to get skills in a field you are unfamiliar with but interested in.
Try different positions
Contracts for temp positions can range from just one day to a full year depending on the assignment. These low-commitment projects allow you to try out different jobs without being financially burdened. If you find out the gig is not for you, simply move on to another. You can try out several positions in a short time frame, allowing you to eliminate fields that you do not like quickly.
Temp positions are also great options for businesses looking to fill short-term positions. Maternity leave or an extended absence due to sickness can make companies struggle. It is also ideal for people who want to stay working in their field, but not on a regular basis. These people come in handy for businesses that need extra help during busy seasons and do not need to be trained as extensively as a new hire. Temp positions are a win-win situation for both employers and employees, filling in gaps for both parties.