Whether you’re between jobs, trialling a career change or instead prefer a permanent rotation of roles, there are clear benefits of temp work.
Whether you’re between jobs, trialling a career change or instead prefer a permanent rotation of roles, there are clear benefits of temp work. These benefits also extend to employers who need flexibility or need to relieve immediate workload pressures.
Here we look at the benefits of temp work for both candidates and employers.
For most employers, technical skills are just as important as potential and culture fit. If you don’t tick every box as far as technical skills but the employer thinks you’d fit right in, that’s often the deciding factor, especially for temp roles. This is an opportunity to develop technical skills, and interpersonal skills or broaden your industry knowledge.
You may already have the right skills for the temporary assignment, but a new employer may be an entry point to learn a new system. For an Accountant that could be the difference between Xero, Quickbooks and Wave. For a Civil Engineer, it might be moving from AutoCAD to DraftSight or BricsCAD. Learning how to use new software or way to complete a task will always increase your aptitude for being adaptable.
With networks like LinkedIn tracking workplace connections, having one or two connections at a particular employer or in a specific region can be hugely beneficial. Prospective employers may be more likely to come across your profile, it may be a talking point in an interview, or could even be the reason a recruiter or hiring manager sends you a request to connect. Of course, having a personal relationship with your temp employer will open the gateway to similar roles.
One of the benefits of temp work is the degree of change and trial it offers you. If you have transferrable skills, you can accept a role in a different industry. By doing so you might find something niche you hadn’t thought of before. It also demonstrates to your temp employer that you have one of the most sought-after traits: teachability.
For some, it can feel impossible to work while studying full-time. Fortunately, with temp roles, you can apply for roles that fit your availability and time commitment. You could consider working during your semester break in a contract position or may be able to offer a work schedule to an employer with a flexible arrangement.
Most temp roles available are an immediate start. Remember, when submitting applications do so as soon as you are able after the job listing goes live. It’s also worth having your details on file with a recruiter. This will ensure you’ve completed a phone interview and your skills and experience are on file, ready for when a position becomes available.
Following a period of leave such as maternity leave or carers leave, you may be unsure of what kind of role or employer you would like to return to. Securing a temp role first can help you trial different types of positions and environments before committing. It also can help ease the transition back into the workforce.
Temp roles can and do become permanent. Once an employer can see your work ethic, skills and aptitude on the job, they are more likely to offer a permanent contract.
For employers, the flexibility offered through temp assignments as well as how quickly you can make the hire are often the biggest drawcards.
Reasons that you may choose to offer a temp role rather than a perm role include:
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