Job searches can be frustrating! Depending on the job market in your target industry, it might take several months before you find exactly what you’re looking for. In the meantime, you should consider taking a temporary position. A temp job doesn’t always sound like the most prestigious thing in the world, but here are six reasons a temp job is a great idea.
They’re plentiful
Lots of employers are looking for temporary or part-time workers to fill a void in their companies. Staffing agencies get wind of those types of openings, so it helps if you contact a recruiter. They can match you up with the style of work you’d like to do and the skills you already have.
You get a paycheck
You need money to live, right? Being unemployed while the bills and expenses keep piling up can be a bit stressful. A temporary gig is a great way to keep bill collectors from banging down your door. It also prevents you from having to explain away a lengthy gap on your resume. Instead, hiring managers and future bosses will be impressed that you were willing to stay employed at the same time you worked hard to find a full-time job.
You keep moving forward
A lengthy job search can lead to sense of restlessness, hopelessness, frustration, and even depression. Employment, even temporary employment, helps to break that cycle. You keep your momentum going, and you add stability, routine, and a sense of purpose to your life.
You can experiment in new fields
It’s great if you can temp in your ideal industry! But if you end up settling on something unconventional or outside of your expertise, think of all the new skills you’ll learn! Some of these skills might translate to different fields, but if not, such diverse hands-on experience might be really impressive to your future employers. Or at least, great conversation topics.
You can grow your network
You never know who you might meet in your temporary job. Maybe you meet a hiring manager at another company, or a co-worker refers you to a cousin who’s about to launch a start-up and looking to hire. If nothing else you’ll leave with some solid references from supervisors who were impressed by your diligence and enthusiasm.
They can lead to permanent positions
If you work really hard, you might find a niche role for yourself, especially if you make yourself indispensable to your temporary co-workers. Put on a positive, eager attitude and offer to take on additional responsibilities. Some companies even use temp positions as a way to test out potential employees, so put your best foot forward and you just might find that long-term, full-time job you’ve been looking for!
For more tips on how to advance your career this year, check out our website at https://www.chiefofstaffkc.com.
Blog written by Erin Greenhalgh