From an employer’s perspective, hiring temporary workers comes with several benefits. A company can hire workers for the busy season without the price tag of healthcare and other benefits.
But does temporary employment come with benefits for workers? Do they have something to gain from the collaboration?
It turns out that temp work can open all kinds of doors. It might not be glamorous or creative, but it can help an employee transition into their dream job.
If you’re lucky, your temp role can be in an industry you’re passionate about. You’ll pick up new skills, communicate with like-minded individuals, and grow your professional network.
Even if your temp job is not in an industry you’re interested in, you will still get to live in a place where you want to live. On the plus side, you’ll broaden your web of connections.
Here are six different ways of how temp employment through a temporary agency can bring massive value to finding your dream job.
Experience in a new field
There are multiple benefits of having work experience. Even better when that experience is in different areas.
Varied job experience will equip you with a diverse skillset. That skill set can make you an asset to any employer, particularly in industries where your co-workers have a narrow area of expertise. In today’s talent market that overly competitive, possessing skills in multiple fields can make you stand out from the crowd and attract employers” attention.
If you manage to work a temp job at respected companies, your CV will look more impressive. What’s more, you won’t have a hard time landing your dream job.
Pick up new skills
Are you scared that if you do a temp job, your experiences will be ‘too diverse’ for the corporate world? There’s no need to be scared. Your diverse skillset is exactly what the corporate world needs. Companies like hiring people with various skills as they believe it leads to greater innovation, creativity, and productivity of the company.
If you spend time temping across multiple roles, you’ll get an opportunity to pick up new skills and see how different companies function. You’ll enrich your resume and become far more employable.
Moreover, by having many skills, you’ll be in a position to apply for a long-term position at a wide range of potential employers. Or, you can combine a few of your skills and apply for a job opening that requires having a few different skillsets. For example, if you have experience with social media marketing and Google analytics, you can join those skills together and apply for a marketing manager position.
Access to great companies
Did you know that, on average, every corporate job opening attracts 250 resumes? Only 4 to 6 of these candidates will be called for an interview, and only 1 of those will be offered a job.
In fact, it might be easier to get hired at a reputable company by first applying for a temp job there. According to the American Staffing Association:
- America’s staffing companies hire roughly 15 million temporary and contract employees every year.
- One-third of those temp and contract employees were offered a permanent position at the company, and two-thirds of employees accepted the offer.
In other words, you can start as a temp worker at a reputable company, and then progress to a more permanent position.
Many companies today use temp and contract workers for one major reason. Given the cost of a bad hire is 30% of the employee’s first-year earnings, employers want to test the employee’s skills before offering them a full-time position.
By doing an excellent job as a temporary employee, the company might consider you for a full-time position. Even if the employer is not currently hiring, your diverse skills might be too valuable to lose.
An income stream while the job hunt continues
You don’t have to try to make ends meet while job hunting. By getting a temp job through a temporary agency, you will be able to pay the bills and have the freedom you need to explore more exciting job options. According to the American Staffing Association, temp workers make more than $10 an hour on average. What’s more, they often receive basic benefits, including health insurance and sick pay.
“Test drive” a job, an employer, or an industry
Just as employers hire temporary and contract workers to test their skills before offering them a full-time position, you can play the same game. A temporary agency can help you land a temp job at a company you like. If you’re smart, you can use that time to determine whether you see yourself working there full-time.
Maybe you haven’t decided what’s your ideal job, or what career path to take. Or, perhaps you have difficulties finding your ideal employer. Holding a temp job can give you a first-hand insight into what different job positions require. You’ll also get an opportunity to assess the company culture and figure out whether you’re a good fit for the company.
With any luck, you’ll discover your perfect job position and your best employer.
Grow your network pool
Have you heard the saying: “It’s not what you know, but who you know”? It holds much truth. Having a wide network pool can be of great significance to your career.
By taking up several temporary jobs through a temporary agency, you’ll meet a wide variety of interesting, experienced, and like-minded people who can help you further down the line.
Getting a full-time position at a good company is easier when you know someone from the inside. Unless you have a contact that already works there or knows someone who is, you’re at a major statistical disadvantage of getting the job.
Employers prefer hiring referred candidates as they believe they’re better workers. If someone from inside the company vouches for them, it must be because they’re a high-quality employee who will be a great fit.
Final Word
Temporary job positions are more abundant than ever. There are multiple benefits to including a temp job in your search for the ideal job. It’s going to be a good source of income, an opportunity to grow your network, and test drive an industry. With luck, taking a temp job might lead to a full-time position.
Finally, here are a few tips to consider when looking for your first temp job:
- Get in touch with temporary employment agencies that focus on your skills/industry/position).
- When speaking to a staffing agency, let them know that you’re looking for a temp job that could eventually lead to a permanent position.
- Discuss your hourly rate expectations with the agency.
Good luck!
