Is a Temp Job Worth It? The Benefits of Temporary Work

If you're looking for a job, you've probably seen ads for temporary positions or received calls from local recruiters with temp opportunities. Perhaps you're questioning whether accepting a temp job is a good move. You don't want your career to stall, and you're worried that employers will view temporary work negatively on your resume. Temporary work may not be your dream job, but if you think there are no benefits to temp employment, you couldn't be more wrong. Not convinced? Here are a few reasons why temporary employment could be just what you need to push your career forward.

Earn a Paycheck While You Look for a Permanent Position

One of the most obvious benefits of taking temporary work is that it can help you make ends meet while you're looking for more permanent employment. If you've been unemployed for a while, your savings are probably running low, and you may be struggling to pay your bills. A temporary job can provide some much-needed financial relief or help you maintain that cushion if you've just lost your job and aren't sure how long it will take to find something new. If you're employed and considering a second job, temp work can help you cover unexpected expenses or save up for a large purchase.

Get Your Foot in the Door With a Great Company

Another benefit of temporary employment is that it can help you get your foot in the door with highly desirable companies. Many employers use temp agencies or employment agencies to fill short-term staffing needs, but they also use them to identify and hire great candidates for full-time positions. For job seekers interested in a specific company, temping can be a great way to develop key connections and make a good impression on their desired employer. For outstanding employees, there is potential to be offered a contract extension or even a permanent position if one becomes available.

Don't discount temp-to-hire positions either. Hiring the wrong person is expensive, leading to wasted time, resources, and costly job vacancies. To avoid this, many employers use temp-to-perm arrangements to screen candidates for full-time positions, assessing their performance and work ethic over an extended period of time. Temp to hire means the company has open positions and wants to hire you—you just need to prove that you have the ability and the commitment to be successful in the role.

Make Connections and Network

If you're looking for a job, it's not just about what you know; it's also about who you know. Making connections and networking are often essential for career progression, and a temporary job can help you do both. When you work with other people, even on a temporary basis, you have the opportunity to build relationships that can help you in your job search. If you're temping in your desired field, you can use the opportunity to network with people who work in the industry and who may be able to help you find a full-time job. You never know when you'll meet the person who will introduce you to your next career opportunity, but your odds of meeting them are a lot better in the workplace than they are sitting at home.

Flexibility Between Temporary Jobs

If you're not ready to settle into a career or you want the freedom to travel, spend time with family, or pursue a hobby or business venture, short-term assignments can give you the flexibility you need. When the temp assignment ends, you can take a break to focus on your other goals and then pick up another temp job when you're ready. This arrangement can be perfect for recent graduates who may not be sure what they want to do with their career yet or for entrepreneurs working on turning their side business into a full-time job. Even if you aren't interested in a job's long-term potential, however, make sure you always act professionally and are reliable while on assignment. Your professional reputation follows you, and you may find it harder to get good temp jobs if employers and staffing agencies start to know you as someone who shows up late, quits without notice, or has poor work performance.

Develop New Skills, Get Experience, or Explore a New Field

If you're just starting out in your career, temporary jobs can give you the opportunity to develop new skills or get experience in your desired field. Even some entry-level jobs require at least some experience, and if you're just starting out or have recently changed careers, your resume may not have the work history employers are looking for. Temp jobs can give you the chance to build up your resume so you can be more competitive when applying for direct hire positions, which can lead to better offers down the road. Even if the job isn't related to your desired career path, the skills you gain can be transferable. And if you're considering a career change, temp work can give you the opportunity to observe and learn about a new field before committing to it.

Avoid Resume Gaps with Temp Jobs

Resume gaps can cause employers to question your work history and reliability. This not only leads to awkward questions in interviews but may disqualify you from getting an interview at all in some cases. Taking temporary work during these in-between periods can help you avoid gaps and display your work ethic and commitment to potential employers.

Restart Your Career After a Long Break

Sometimes resume gaps are unavoidable, and taking a career break is not uncommon. People may need to take long periods of time off for a variety of reasons, such as caring for children, recovering from an illness, serving in the military, or attending to an elderly or sick relative. For those looking to restart their career after a long absence, temp jobs can provide opportunities to brush up on their skills, get reacquainted with the workplace, and make new professional connections without committing to anything long-term. Once you've refreshed your skills and added recent experience to your resume, you'll be much more competitive and confident when applying for permanent employment.

Try Before You Buy

Worried about getting stuck in another job you hate? A temporary-to-hire position isn't only an opportunity for the company to see whether you're a good fit for their role— it's an opportunity for you to test them as well. Use the temporary period to observe the work environment, management style, and work culture, in addition to deciding whether the job duties are a good fit for you or whether there is potential for career growth. At the end of the temp period, you will be able to make a much more informed decision whether to accept a permanent position if one is offered or to apply for another position in the company. And if it isn't the right fit for you, no problem! Just turn in your notice and see what else is out there. In the meantime, you're gaining experience, making professional connections, and earning a paycheck.

Work with a Temp Recruiter

Temp jobs are often filled by recruiters at temporary staffing agencies, and a strong relationship with a good recruiter can be invaluable, not just for your immediate job search but throughout your career. Recruiters often work with a range of positions and have connections that can put your resume directly in front of the hiring managers of some of the best companies. That means they can get you to work fast if you need something right away, or they can keep an eye out for positions that will be a better long-term fit for your skills. In some cases, they have inside information on job opportunities that aren't publicly advertised and can advocate for you with hiring managers. They are also an excellent resource to help you understand the current job market, including what employers are paying for your skills and how you can make yourself more marketable in your industry. And if a position isn't working out, they can help you find a new job. Just make sure you stay professional, even if you decide you want to leave the job they placed you at. They will be happy to help you make a move as long as you don't burn any bridges.

Find Summer Work

If you're a student, summer is an ideal time to look for short-term jobs while you're not in school. Many companies need temporary workers to help with the increase in demand that comes with the warmer weather. Not only can you earn some money to pay the bills, but you'll also gain experience and make connections with supervisors or other employees that will be invaluable once you graduate and start looking for a full-time position.

A temp job may not be your dream job, but it can offer a lot of benefits that can help you in your career. If you're looking for work, don't discount the value of a temporary role. It can be an opportunity to gain experience and make connections, which can help you land the job you’re looking for. And if nothing else, it's a great way to earn some money while you're looking for something better. So why not give temp services a try? You may be surprised at what you find.